For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 6,596 students in Lake Forest, CA (there are 11 private schools, serving 1,338 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA are La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and El Toro High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lake Forest, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Madera Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
25350 Serrano Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-1415
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-1415
Gr: K-6 | 602 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Rancho Canada Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21801 Winding Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 768-5252
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 768-5252
Gr: K-6 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
El Toro High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
25255 Toledo Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-6333
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-6333
Gr: 9-12 | 1,972 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Serrano Intermediate
(Math: 46% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
24642 Jeronimo Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-3221
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-3221
Gr: 7-8 | 887 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Lake Forest Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
21801 Pittsford Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-9945
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-9945
Gr: K-6 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
24982 Rivendell Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-2820
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-2820
Gr: K-6 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #77.
Ralph A. Gates Dli Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
23882 Landisview Ave.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-2260
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-2260
Gr: K-6 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #88.
Olivewood Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
23391 Dune Mear Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-6682
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-6682
Gr: K-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Lake Forest, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
22882 Loumont Dr
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-4670
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-4670
Gr: K-6 | 383 students Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA include La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and El Toro High School.
How many public schools are located in Lake Forest?
8 public schools are located in Lake Forest.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public schools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lake Forest include: Rancho Canada Elementary School vs. La Madera Elementary School, La Madera Elementary School vs. Rancho Canada Elementary School, Ralph A. Gates Dli Magnet Elementary School vs. La Madera Elementary School
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