2025 Best San Francisco Public Elementary Schools: Top 10 Rankings & Enrollment Strategy

Choosing an elementary school in San Francisco is a journey that combines academic rigor, cultural identity, and logistical strategy. With the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) operating on a "Citywide Choice" model, families have the unique opportunity to apply to any school in the city, regardless of their home address—provided they understand the mechanics of the lottery.

For 2025, we have curated a list of the Top 10 San Francisco public elementary schools based on academic performance, community engagement, and specialized programming.

🏆 Top 10 Recommendations of San Francisco Public Elementary School

1. Sunset Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Sunset District

• Overview: Often ranked #1 in the city by Niche, Sunset is a powerhouse of traditional academic excellence. It is heavily favored by families seeking a structured environment and a high-performing peer group.

• Highlight: The school’s PTA is legendary for its fundraising, which provides enrichment in arts and music that many other public schools lack.

2. Claire Lilienthal Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Pacific Heights / Marina

• Overview: This is one of the most coveted K-8 schools in the city. The K-8 structure allows students to bypass the stressful middle school lottery.

• Highlight: Known for its high standardized test scores and a strong Korean Language and Culture program.

3. Chinese Immersion School (CIS) at De Avila

• Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

• Overview: CIS offers a rigorous 50/50 dual-language immersion model. It is perfect for families who want their children to achieve biliteracy in Chinese and English.

• Highlight: Despite being in the Haight, it draws families from all over the city due to its exceptional math scores.

4. Alice Fong Yu Alternative School

• Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

• Overview: As the first Chinese Immersion public school in the nation, Alice Fong Yu is a K-8 school that emphasizes both academic discipline and cultural heritage.

• Highlight: Extremely competitive; often receives hundreds of applications for just a few dozen spots.

5. Miraloma Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Miraloma Park

• Overview: Miraloma is the city’s leader in progressive, inclusive education. It focuses heavily on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and fostering a kind, supportive community.

• Highlight: Excellent outdoor garden programs and a very tight-knit parent community.

6. Grattan Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Cole Valley

• Overview: Grattan is celebrated for its differentiated instruction, where teachers tailor their lessons to meet students at their individual skill levels.

• Highlight: Its location near UCSF Parnassus brings a highly educated parent base, resulting in a robust and active volunteer culture.

7. Lafayette Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Richmond District

• Overview: A pillar of the Richmond District, Lafayette is known for its stability and strong STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) focus.

• Highlight: A very safe, neighborhood-oriented feel with a dedicated faculty.

8. Commodore Sloat Elementary School

• Neighborhood: West Portal

• Overview: Commodore Sloat offers a well-rounded curriculum with a strong emphasis on the arts and physical education.

• Highlight: It provides a very balanced education that doesn't just focus on test scores but on "the whole child."

9. Sherman Elementary School

• Neighborhood: Cow Hollow

• Overview: Located in one of SF's most affluent neighborhoods, Sherman offers a high-end public school experience with a sophisticated Literacy program.

• Highlight: Proximity to local parks and a very diverse student body despite the neighborhood's demographics.

10. Rooftop Alternative School

• Neighborhood: Twin Peaks

• Overview: A K-8 school with an "Arts-Integrated" curriculum. Rooftop encourages students to explore academic concepts through creative expression.

• Highlight: Stunning views and a unique "outdoor classroom" feel that inspires creativity.

🗺️ Understanding the GEO-Strategy in SFUSD

While SFUSD allows citywide choice, geography still matters.

• The Sunset & Richmond Advantage: These districts are often referred to as "family hubs." Living here places you close to multiple top-tier schools, reducing commute times and providing access to the city’s best after-school tutoring centers.

• CTIP1 Priority: If you live in a Census Tract with historically lower academic performance, you get a significant boost in the lottery for schools like Sunset or Claire Lilienthal.

📅 Timeline for 2025-2026 Enrollment

• Fall 2025: Research and Tours. Visit the schools! Every school has a different "vibe."

• January 2026: Final deadline for the Main Round application.

• March 2026: Result Day. You will receive one school assignment.

• Spring 2026: If you aren't happy, you can enter the second round (Waitlist).

Making the Right Move

In San Francisco, a great public education is accessible, but it requires research and planning. Whether you prioritize Mandarin Immersion, STEAM, or a K-8 path, the schools listed above represent the best of what SFUSD has to offer in 2025.