For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 3,737 students in Lake Forest, CA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA are La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and Lake Forest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary 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.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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 elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA include La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and Lake Forest Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lake Forest?
6 public elementary schools are located in Lake Forest.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public elementary schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary 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
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.