Torrey Pines Elementary ranks No. 51 among California schools

Torrey Pines Elementary earned the top spot among La Jolla's public elementary schools in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary Schools rankings, placing No. 51 out of 5,920 ranked campuses statewide.

The school, at 8350 Cliffridge Ave., scored 99.16 out of 100 in the rankings released Oct. 20. Eighty-six percent of Torrey Pines students scored at or above the proficient level in math, and 85% hit that mark in reading. Both figures far exceed San Diego Unified School District averages of 46% in math and 50% in reading.

La Jolla Elementary followed at No. 74 statewide with a score of 98.77. Its students posted 86% proficiency in both math and reading. Bird Rock Elementary ranked No. 587, scoring 90.08 with 83% math proficiency and 71% in reading.

All three La Jolla schools outperformed state averages. Across California, 38% of elementary students tested proficient in math and 44% in reading, according to U.S. News.

The rankings are based on 2023-24 state assessment data. Half of each school's score reflects raw student proficiency in math and reading. The other half measures academic performance relative to a school's socioeconomic profile, according to the U.S. News methodology.

The strong results come during leadership transitions at both top-ranked La Jolla campuses. Erin Williamson started as Torrey Pines Elementary's principal in early October, replacing Keith Keiper, who departed earlier in 2026. La Jolla Elementary is led by retired mentor principal Christine Hargrave on an interim basis while the district searches for a permanent replacement after former principal Rebecca Vogel left for another school, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula has pointed to the district's growing use of achievement data to boost student performance. In a district statement published in March, Bagula said educators across the district are using data dashboards to identify where students need support and to "intervene before a child falls behind."

No La Jolla principal or district official has commented publicly on the U.S. News rankings.

California's top 10 elementary schools (2027 U.S. News)