A public/private school and district research workspace for long-range housing, tuition, academic, and downtown San Francisco commute decisions.
Schools
2,436
Districts
159
Public Scores
1,649
Tuition Profiles
28
College Signals
394
Research Copilot
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Decision Shortcuts
Executive Readout
Public schools can absolutely compete with private schools
Several Bay Area public schools and districts post CAASPP met/exceeded rates that rival the academic selectivity families often seek in private schools. The strongest public-school value is usually found when a family can tolerate the housing premium and verify the full elementary-to-high-school path.
The real decision is often housing plus commute, not tuition alone
A $65k private tuition bill can look similar to the annual carrying-cost difference between a good district and an elite district. The dashboard therefore scores each option on academics, housing, and downtown San Francisco commute rather than treating ranking as a single number.
Private-school data is less comparable
CDE private-school records provide enrollment and grades, but not standardized outcomes or tuition. The app enriches the major private-school benchmarks with published tuition and qualitative notes while labeling all other private records as follow-up leads.
College outcomes are now part of the high-school lens
Public high schools use the official California College/Career Indicator as a readiness proxy, while private schools use school-published matriculation lists or school profiles where available. These signals now influence high-school decision rankings, but they are labeled separately because a state readiness rate and a private college list are not the same measurement.
Watch the handoff years
Some places look excellent for elementary school but require a separate review of middle and high-school assignments. Use the level filters and district summaries to find strong K-12 continuity rather than buying a house for a single elementary score.
2,436 matches from 2,436 records
Top Public Signals
Private Benchmarks
Public Value Plays
College Outcomes
PublicElementary
Sunset Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Sunset Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 84.6% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
84.6%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 1 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/MiddleCharter
Yu Ming Charter
Oakland, AlamedaK-8
Yu Ming Charter is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Alameda County Office of Education. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 86.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
86.2%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
No ACS match
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkExcellent SF commuteCharter
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Yu (Alice Fong) Elementary is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 82.7% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
82.7%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 3 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/Middle
Lilienthal (Claire) Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-8
Lilienthal (Claire) Elementary is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 81.9% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
81.9%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 4 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Chin (John Yehall) Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Chin (John Yehall) Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 81.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
81.1%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 5 | Confidence High
PublicHigh
Piedmont High
Piedmont, Alameda9-12
Piedmont High is a public 9-12 high school in Piedmont, Alameda, associated with Piedmont City Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 88.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 90.4% college/career prepared.
Academic
88.3%
College
90.4% ready
SF commute
32 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteElite college signalHigh housing cost
College outcomes
90.4% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
98.4% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus91% via AP pathway0% via college credit
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 80.4% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
80.4%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Lowell High is a public 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 79.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 84.5% college/career prepared.
Academic
79.2%
College
84.5% ready
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commuteStrong college signal
College outcomes
84.5% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
91.1% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus93.7% via AP pathway4.2% via college credit
Decision note
The high-school outcome signal is strong on the state College/Career Indicator; compare this against private-school matriculation lists without assuming the metrics are identical.
Peabody (George) Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 79.7% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
79.7%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 9 | Confidence High
PrivateHigh
Lick-Wilmerding High School
San Francisco, San Francisco9-12
Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco County Office of Education. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $64,900 returning students; $65,900 new students including new-student fee, and the college placement signal is Strong school profile with college matriculation section.
Profile
93/100
College
91/100
SF commute
18 min
Home value
No ACS match
Tuition
$65,900
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commutePremium private tuitionElite college signal
College outcomes
Strong school profile with college matriculation section
2025-2026 school profile | Private matriculation
school profile matriculation sectiontechnical arts missionSan Francisco access
Decision note
grades 9-12 only and a specific hands-on culture; do not choose it only as a generic prestige option
Alameda Science and Technology Institute is a public 9-12 high school in Alameda, Alameda, associated with Alameda Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 84% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 83% college/career prepared.
Academic
84.0%
College
83.0% ready
SF commute
33 min
Home value
$1,235,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteStrong college signal
College outcomes
83% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
94.9% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus0% via AP pathway0% via college credit
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Ruth Acty Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Berkeley, Alameda, associated with Berkeley Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 85.5% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
85.5%
College
No signal
SF commute
31 min
Home value
$1,413,900
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 12 | Confidence High
PublicHigh
Middle College High
San Pablo, Contra Costa9-12
Middle College High is a public 9-12 high school in San Pablo, Contra Costa, associated with West Contra Costa Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 76.8% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 100% college/career prepared.
Academic
76.8%
College
100.0% ready
SF commute
41 min
Home value
$725,900
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteElite college signalLower housing cost
College outcomes
100% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
100% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus0% via AP pathway100% via college credit
Decision note
The high-school outcome signal is strong on the state College/Career Indicator; compare this against private-school matriculation lists without assuming the metrics are identical.
Asawa (Ruth) SF Sch of the Arts, A Public School is a public 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 73.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 90.1% college/career prepared.
Academic
73.1%
College
90.1% ready
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commuteElite college signal
College outcomes
90.1% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
92% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus92% via AP pathway8.6% via college credit
Decision note
The high-school outcome signal is strong on the state College/Career Indicator; compare this against private-school matriculation lists without assuming the metrics are identical.
Lawton Alternative is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 78.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
78.1%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 15 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
New Traditions Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
New Traditions Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 78.9% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
78.9%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 16 | Confidence High
PrivateHigh
Urban School of San Francisco
San Francisco, San Francisco9-12
Urban School of San Francisco is a private 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $68,241 including technology fee, and the college placement signal is Strong school profile with college matriculation section.
Profile
93/100
College
91/100
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$68,241
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commutePremium private tuitionElite college signal
College outcomes
Strong school profile with college matriculation section
2025-2026 school profile | Private matriculation
school profile matriculation sectionprogressive high school fitSan Francisco access
Decision note
not a traditional AP-heavy culture, so fit matters more than brand if the student wants highly structured acceleration
Downtown Charter Academy is a public 6-8 middle school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 75.9% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
75.9%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commuteCharter
Decision note
Use this as a first-pass card, then validate classroom fit, peer culture, admissions boundaries, and after-care logistics.
Beach Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Piedmont, Alameda, associated with Piedmont City Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 89.7% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
89.7%
College
No signal
SF commute
32 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 19 | Confidence High
PublicHigh
Miramonte High
Orinda, Contra Costa9-12
Miramonte High is a public 9-12 high school in Orinda, Contra Costa, associated with Acalanes Union High. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 84.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 89.8% college/career prepared.
Academic
84.3%
College
89.8% ready
SF commute
39 min
Home value
$1,528,000
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteStrong college signalHigh housing cost
College outcomes
89.8% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
96.4% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus94.9% via AP pathway0.4% via college credit
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Wagner Ranch Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Orinda, Contra Costa, associated with Orinda Union. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 91.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
91.3%
College
No signal
SF commute
39 min
Home value
$1,866,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 21 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Arundel Elementary
San Carlos, San MateoK-3
Arundel Elementary is a public K-3 elementary school in San Carlos, San Mateo, associated with San Carlos Elementary. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 94.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
94.3%
College
No signal
SF commute
42 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Key (Francis Scott) Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 74.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
74.2%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 23 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Stevenson (Robert Louis) Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Stevenson (Robert Louis) Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 74.5% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
74.5%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 24 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Sutro Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Sutro Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 73.8% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
73.8%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 25 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
North Hillsborough
Hillsborough, San MateoK-5
North Hillsborough is a public K-5 elementary school in Hillsborough, San Mateo, associated with Hillsborough City Elementary. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 93.6% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
93.6%
College
No signal
SF commute
42 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 26 | Confidence High
PrivateHigh
The College Preparatory School
Oakland, Alameda9-12
The College Preparatory School is a private 9-12 high school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $62,760.
Profile
96/100
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$62,760
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commuteModerate private tuition
Decision note
grades 9-12 only, academically intense, and better as a student-fit choice than a broad family convenience choice
The Bay School of San Francisco is a private 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $69,899 total cost including inclusive fee, and the college placement signal is School-published college enrollment list.
Profile
90/100
College
88/100
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$69,899
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commutePremium private tuitionStrong college signal
College outcomes
School-published college enrollment list
Class of 2025 | Private matriculation
class-specific enrollment listexperience-driven programSan Francisco access
Decision note
newer and less conventional than some peers; validate college counseling and course fit for the student
Bay Farm is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in Alameda, Alameda, associated with Alameda Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 80.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
80.1%
College
No signal
SF commute
33 min
Home value
$1,235,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Albany High is a public 9-12 high school in Albany, Alameda, associated with Albany City Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 78% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set; the 2025 CDE College/Career Indicator shows 83.3% college/career prepared.
Academic
78.0%
College
83.3% ready
SF commute
37 min
Home value
$1,202,200
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteStrong college signal
College outcomes
83.3% college/career prepared
2025 CDE College/Career Indicator | Public CCI
87.9% of prepared students via UC/CSU a-g plus85.4% via AP pathway0% via college credit
Decision note
The high-school outcome signal is strong on the state College/Career Indicator; compare this against private-school matriculation lists without assuming the metrics are identical.
Chabot Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 71.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
71.3%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Crocker Highlands Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 73% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
73.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Peralta Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 72.5% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
72.5%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Wildwood Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Piedmont, Alameda, associated with Piedmont City Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 85% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
85.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
32 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 34 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/Middle
Madera Elementary
El Cerrito, Contra CostaK-6
Madera Elementary is a public K-6 elementary/middle school in El Cerrito, Contra Costa, associated with West Contra Costa Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 77.9% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
77.9%
College
No signal
SF commute
38 min
Home value
$725,900
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteLower housing cost
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 35 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Clarendon Alternative Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Clarendon Alternative Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 72% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
72.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 36 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Ulloa Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Ulloa Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 72.8% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
72.8%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 37 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
South Hillsborough
Hillsborough, San MateoK-5
South Hillsborough is a public K-5 elementary school in Hillsborough, San Mateo, associated with Hillsborough City Elementary. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 90.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
90.1%
College
No signal
SF commute
42 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 38 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Monte Verde Elementary
San Bruno, San MateoK-5
Monte Verde Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Bruno, San Mateo, associated with South San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 78.5% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
78.5%
College
No signal
SF commute
31 min
Home value
$1,170,300
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 39 | Confidence High
PrivateMiddle/High
St. Ignatius College Preparatory
San Francisco, San Francisco6-12
St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a private 6-12 middle/high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $35,700 including registration fee.
Profile
87/100
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$35,700
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commuteModerate private tuition
Decision note
large-school Catholic culture; compare against Lowell, Ruth Asawa SOTA, and private high schools by student fit
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a private 9-12 high school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2026-27: $31,150 tuition and registration fee.
Profile
84/100
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$31,150
Curated private benchmarkExcellent SF commuteModerate private tuition
Decision note
less selective/prestige-driven than the ultra-elite independents, which may be a feature or a drawback depending on goals
The Nueva School is a private K-12 k-12 school in Hillsborough, San Mateo, associated with San Mateo County Office of Education. Private-school comparison relies on tuition, enrollment, commute, and qualitative profile data; published tuition is 2025-26: PreK $42,060; K $46,950; grades 1-4 $47,010-$47,410; 5-8 $65,760; 9-12 $66,960, and the college placement signal is Strong but older school-published matriculation list.
Profile
97/100
College
94/100
SF commute
42 min
Home value
No ACS match
Tuition
$66,960
Curated private benchmarkGood SF commutePremium private tuitionElite college signal
College outcomes
Strong but older school-published matriculation list
Classes of 2017-2021 | Private matriculation
gifted/STEM-heavy destinationsselective national universitiesolder public artifact
Decision note
admissions fit is specialized, tuition is premium, and the program may feel less conventional than benchmark college-prep schools
Amelia Earhart Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Alameda, Alameda, associated with Alameda Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 78% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
78.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
33 min
Home value
$1,235,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Redwood Heights Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 71.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
71.2%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Piedmont Middle is a public 6-8 middle school in Piedmont, Alameda, associated with Piedmont City Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 82.9% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
82.9%
College
No signal
SF commute
32 min
Home value
$2,000,001
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 45 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
J. M. Amador Elementary
Dublin, AlamedaK-5
J. M. Amador Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Dublin, Alameda, associated with Dublin Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 89.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
89.3%
College
No signal
SF commute
53 min
Home value
$1,317,100
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkManageable SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Del Rey Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Orinda, Contra Costa, associated with Orinda Union. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 86.4% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
86.4%
College
No signal
SF commute
39 min
Home value
$1,866,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 47 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Sleepy Hollow Elementary
Orinda, Contra CostaK-5
Sleepy Hollow Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Orinda, Contra Costa, associated with Orinda Union. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 86.4% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
86.4%
College
No signal
SF commute
39 min
Home value
$1,866,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 48 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/Middle
Kensington Elementary
Kensington, Contra CostaK-6
Kensington Elementary is a public K-6 elementary/middle school in Kensington, Contra Costa, associated with West Contra Costa Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 76.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
76.2%
College
No signal
SF commute
38 min
Home value
$725,900
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commuteLower housing cost
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 49 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Wade Thomas Elementary
San Anselmo, MarinK-5
Wade Thomas Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Anselmo, Marin, associated with Ross Valley Elementary. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 86.3% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
86.3%
College
No signal
SF commute
44 min
Home value
$1,530,400
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkGood SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Alamo Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 70.2% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
70.2%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 51 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Grattan Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Grattan Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 71.7% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
71.7%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 52 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Lafayette Elementary
San Francisco, San FranciscoK-5
Lafayette Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 70.6% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
70.6%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Rank 53 | Confidence High
PublicMiddle
Giannini (A.P.) Middle
San Francisco, San Francisco6-8
Giannini (A.P.) Middle is a public 6-8 middle school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 71.1% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
71.1%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Use this as a first-pass card, then validate classroom fit, peer culture, admissions boundaries, and after-care logistics.
Rank 54 | Confidence High
PublicMiddle
Roosevelt Middle
San Francisco, San Francisco6-8
Roosevelt Middle is a public 6-8 middle school in San Francisco, San Francisco, associated with San Francisco Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 71% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
71.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
18 min
Home value
$1,394,500
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Use this as a first-pass card, then validate classroom fit, peer culture, admissions boundaries, and after-care logistics.
Rank 55 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/Middle
North Star Academy
Redwood City, San Mateo3-8
North Star Academy is a public 3-8 elementary/middle school in Redwood City, San Mateo, associated with Redwood City Elementary. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 94.8% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
94.8%
College
No signal
SF commute
51 min
Home value
$1,910,600
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkManageable SF commuteHigh housing cost
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Frank Otis Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Alameda, Alameda, associated with Alameda Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 75.8% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
75.8%
College
No signal
SF commute
33 min
Home value
$1,235,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
Strong elementary signal; check the linked middle and high-school path before making a long-term housing bet.
Willard Middle is a public 6-8 middle school in Berkeley, Alameda, associated with Berkeley Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 76.7% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Very strong public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
76.7%
College
No signal
SF commute
31 min
Home value
$1,413,900
Tuition
$0 resident
Very strong public benchmarkGood SF commute
Decision note
Use this as a first-pass card, then validate classroom fit, peer culture, admissions boundaries, and after-care logistics.
Rank 58 | Confidence High
PublicElementary
Jensen Ranch Elementary
Castro Valley, AlamedaK-5
Jensen Ranch Elementary is a public K-5 elementary school in Castro Valley, Alameda, associated with Castro Valley Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 85.5% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Top public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
85.5%
College
No signal
SF commute
50 min
Home value
$1,158,600
Tuition
$0 resident
Top public benchmarkManageable SF commute
Decision note
This is the kind of public-school option that can compete with many private schools academically, especially if the commute and housing tradeoff works.
Rank 59 | Confidence High
PublicElementary/Middle
Hillcrest
Oakland, AlamedaK-8
Hillcrest is a public K-8 elementary/middle school in Oakland, Alameda, associated with Oakland Unified. Its 2024-25 CAASPP signal is 69% met or exceeded across ELA/math, putting it in the "Solid public benchmark" band for this research set.
Academic
69.0%
College
No signal
SF commute
23 min
Home value
$928,700
Tuition
$0 resident
Solid public benchmarkExcellent SF commute
Decision note
Use this as a first-pass card, then validate classroom fit, peer culture, admissions boundaries, and after-care logistics.