For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,851 students in Pacifica, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 402 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Pacifica, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Pacifica, CA are Cabrillo Elementary School, Vallemar Elementary School and Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pacifica, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the California public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Pacifica have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Pacifica, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cabrillo Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
601 Crespi Dr.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6660
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6660
Gr: K-8 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
Vallemar Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
377 Reina Del Mar Ave.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6655
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6655
Gr: K-8 | 500 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1427 Palmetto Ave.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6665
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6665
Gr: 6-8 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Ocean Shore Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
411 Oceana Blvd.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6650
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6650
Gr: K-8 | 368 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #55.
Terra Nova High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1450 Terra Nova Blvd.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 550-7600
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 550-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Ortega Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1283 Terra Nova Blvd.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6670
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6670
Gr: K-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #77.
Pacifica Independent Home Study
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1283 Terra Nova Blvd
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6670
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6670
Gr: K-8 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #88.
Oceana High School
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Paloma Ave.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 550-7300
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 550-7300
Gr: 9-12 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #99.
Sunset Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
340 Inverness Dr.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6687
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6687
Gr: K-5 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Pacifica, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1427 Palmetto Ave
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6665
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6665
Gr: 6-8 | 701 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
930 Oddstad Blvd.
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6676
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-6676
Gr: K-5 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Pacifica, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Pacifica, CA include Cabrillo Elementary School, Vallemar Elementary School and Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Pacifica?
9 public schools are located in Pacifica.
What percentage of students in Pacifica go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Pacifica are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pacifica?
Pacifica public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Pacifica are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pacifica include: Oceana High School vs. Terra Nova High School, Terra Nova High School vs. Oceana High School, Ocean Shore Elementary School vs. Vallemar Elementary School
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