San Luis Obispo County Schools & Education
San Luis Obispo County, California
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,172
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#13
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in San Luis Obispo County, California
Intimate school settings on the Central Coast
San Luis Obispo County manages 83 public schools serving 32,598 students through 12 districts. The system is characterized by smaller campuses, including 45 elementary and 22 high schools.
Top-tier graduation rates and solid scores
The county excels with a 91.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average. Its school score of 56.8 also beats the California state average, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,172 that is lower than state and national benchmarks.
Lucia Mar and San Luis Coastal leads
Lucia Mar Unified is the largest district, serving 9,590 students across 19 schools. Charter schools are rare here, making up less than 4% of the county's total educational infrastructure.
Small-town feel with mid-sized high schools
The average school size is just 398 students, the smallest among its neighbors, fostering a tight-knit community feel. While Paso Robles High serves 2,093 students, most of the county's 29 suburban and 17 rural schools are much smaller.
High-performing schools in a coastal paradise
The county's 91.5% graduation rate is a major draw for families looking to buy homes along the Central Coast. With a higher-than-average school score and small class sizes, it offers one of the strongest educational profiles in California.
School Overview
Total Schools
83
in San Luis Obispo County
Total Enrollment
32,598
students
School Districts
12
districts
Charter Schools
3
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
12 School Districts in San Luis Obispo County
Lucia Mar Unified
San Luis Coastal Unified
Paso Robles Joint Unified
Atascadero Unified
Templeton Unified
San Miguel Joint Union
Coast Unified
Almond Acres Charter Academy District
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
Cayucos Elementary
83 Public Schools in San Luis Obispo County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paso Robles High | Paso Robles Joint Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,093 |
| Arroyo Grande High | Lucia Mar Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,991 |
| San Luis Obispo High | San Luis Coastal Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,644 |
| Atascadero High | Atascadero Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,173 |
| Nipomo High | Lucia Mar Unified | 9–12 | High | 891 |
| Atascadero Middle | Atascadero Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 835 |
| Morro Bay High | San Luis Coastal Unified | 9–12 | High | 795 |
| Laguna Middle | San Luis Coastal Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 789 |
| Templeton High | Templeton Unified | 9–12 | High | 775 |
| Daniel Lewis Middle | Paso Robles Joint Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 665 |
| George H. Flamson Middle | Paso Robles Joint Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 653 |
| Georgia Brown Dual Immersion Magnet Elementary | Paso Robles Joint Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 624 |
| Dana Elementary | Lucia Mar Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 600 |
| Lange (Dorothea) Elementary | Lucia Mar Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 594 |
| Harloe Elementary | Lucia Mar Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 581 |
| Los Osos Middle | San Luis Coastal Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 539 |
| Paulding Middle | Lucia Mar Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 536 |
| Ocean View Elementary | Lucia Mar Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 525 |
| Pacheco Elementary | San Luis Coastal Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 482 |
| Templeton Middle | Templeton Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 475 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,172
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in San Luis Obispo County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in San Luis Obispo County, California?
San Luis Obispo County manages 83 public schools serving 32,598 students through 12 districts. The system is characterized by smaller campuses, including 45 elementary and 22 high schools.
How do schools in San Luis Obispo County perform academically?
The county excels with a 91.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average. Its school score of 56.8 also beats the California state average, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,172 that is lower than state and national benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in San Luis Obispo County, California?
Lucia Mar Unified is the largest district, serving 9,590 students across 19 schools. Charter schools are rare here, making up less than 4% of the county's total educational infrastructure.
What is the school experience like in San Luis Obispo County?
The average school size is just 398 students, the smallest among its neighbors, fostering a tight-knit community feel. While Paso Robles High serves 2,093 students, most of the county's 29 suburban and 17 rural schools are much smaller.
How can I find homes near good schools in San Luis Obispo County, California?
The county's 91.5% graduation rate is a major draw for families looking to buy homes along the Central Coast. With a higher-than-average school score and small class sizes, it offers one of the strongest educational profiles in California.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.