📚 Best Elementary Schools in Sacramento County (2025 Guide)

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Hey, Jake here! Thanks for stopping by Greater Sacramento Living.

If you’re a parent thinking about moving to Sacramento County or anywhere nearby, chances are you’ve already Googled:

• “Best schools in Sacramento”

• “Top school districts in Northern California”

And you’re definitely not alone. I’ve worked with countless families asking this very question—and I get it. Choosing the right school is one of the biggest factors in deciding where to buy a home.

That’s why I’m starting a new series breaking down the top-rated public schools across Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties. We’ll begin here with Sacramento County elementary schools—highlighting what makes them stand out academically and culturally.

🏫 Top Elementary Schools in Sacramento County

Here’s a look at some of the best-performing and most community-driven schools in the area, using data from niche.com and greatschools.org.

1. Sandra Gallardo Elementary (Folsom)

• Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

• Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools: 9/10

• 82% math proficiency, 83% reading

• Strong community involvement and award-winning behavior support systems

2. Empire Oaks Elementary (Folsom)

• Ratio: 21:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 9/10

• Known for teacher collaboration, robotics, music, and student leadership opportunities

3. Mangini Ranch Elementary (Folsom)

• Ratio: 23:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 8/10

• Innovative learning spaces, outdoor classrooms, STEM labs, project-based learning

4. Arnold Adreani Elementary (Elk Grove)

• Ratio: 25:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 9/10

• National Blue Ribbon School, strong English language arts proficiency

5. Elliott Ranch Elementary (Elk Grove)

• Ratio: 23:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 8/10

• PBIS Gold Award winner, dynamic arts and cultural programs

6. Folsom Hills Elementary (Folsom)

• Magnet school offering GATE programs

• Project-based curriculum, strong anti-bullying culture

7. Carl Sundahl Elementary (Folsom)

• Ratio: 21:1

• PBIS Silver Award winner

• Strong academic scores, community-focused events, career days, and science fairs

8. Oak Chan Elementary (Folsom)

• Ratio: 19:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 8/10

• Strong support for English learners, engaging arts programs, collaborative environment

9. Stone Lake Elementary (Elk Grove)

• Ratio: 24:1

• Niche Grade: A | GreatSchools: 8/10

• Inclusive support for special needs students, active parent-teacher organization

10. Zender Ranch Elementary (Elk Grove)

• Newer school, founded in 2017

• Ratio: 25:1

• Year-round calendar, coding classes, environmental science labs

🌟 Honorable Mentions

Outside of Elk Grove and Folsom, a few other Sacramento schools stand out:

• Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary (Sacramento) – Magnet program, rigorous academics

• Crocker Riverside Elementary (Sacramento, Land Park) – Strong community and PTA involvement

• Theodore Judah Elementary (Sacramento) – Historic campus, arts-integrated curriculum

• Caleb Greenwood Elementary (Sacramento) – International Baccalaureate school with global curriculum

• Westlake Charter School (Natomas) – Project-based learning, innovation labs, student leadership

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Families Love Sacramento Schools

Sacramento County schools not only provide strong academics but also emphasize community, diversity, and extracurricular opportunities. Whether it’s STEM labs, performing arts, or leadership programs, kids have the chance to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

If you’re considering a move, Elk Grove and Folsom consistently rank as the strongest school districts in the county—but the honorable mentions show there are excellent options across the region.

📖 Free Relocation Guide

Thinking about relocating to the Greater Sacramento area? My team and I created the Ultimate Relocation Guide—covering schools, employers, hospitals, neighborhoods, and more. 

👉 Download your FREE Relocation Guide here

🚀 Ready to Make a Move?

Whether you’re moving next week or next year, my team and I are here to answer questions about neighborhoods, schools, and everyday life in Sacramento. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you find the right home.

Cheers,

Jake