San Mateo County Schools & Education
San Mateo County, California
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,097
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#12
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore San Mateo County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in San Mateo County, California
A Robust Infrastructure for Peninsula Students
San Mateo County supports 83,570 students across a diverse network of 176 public schools. This infrastructure includes 108 elementary, 26 middle, and 37 high schools managed by 38 distinct districts. Families can choose from traditional settings or the 14 charter schools that make up 8% of the county's options.
Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Averages
The county boasts an 88.5% graduation rate, outperforming both the California average of 87.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $10,097 exceeds the state average, it still trails the national median of $13,000. These investments yield a composite school score of 59.4, notably higher than the state average of 56.0.
Spotlight on San Mateo-Foster City and South San Francisco
San Mateo-Foster City serves as the county's largest district, educating 10,043 students across 22 individual schools. South San Francisco Unified follows closely with 7,844 students, while Jefferson Elementary manages 14 schools. Sequoia Union High District operates several massive campuses, including Carlmont High with 2,322 enrolled students.
Suburban Learning with Large High School Campuses
Education here primarily takes place in suburban locales, which house 117 of the county's 176 schools. While the average school size is 492 students, high schools like Menlo-Atherton and Sequoia High often exceed 2,000 students. This mix offers a quintessential Bay Area suburban experience with highly populated, resource-rich secondary schools.
Investing in Your Child's Future Near Top Schools
High graduation rates and strong academic scores make San Mateo County a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Exploring properties near recognized institutions like Carlmont or Aragon High can provide long-term stability for growing families. School quality remains a primary driver for real estate value in this competitive Peninsula market.
School Overview
Total Schools
176
in San Mateo County
Total Enrollment
83,570
students
School Districts
38
districts
Charter Schools
14
8% of total
School Type Breakdown
38 School Districts in San Mateo County
San Mateo-Foster City
San Mateo Union High
Sequoia Union High
South San Francisco Unified
Redwood City Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary
Jefferson Union High
Burlingame Elementary
Pacifica
176 Public Schools in San Mateo County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlmont High | Sequoia Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,322 |
| Menlo-Atherton High | Sequoia Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,125 |
| Sequoia High | Sequoia Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,909 |
| Aragon High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,740 |
| Woodside High | Sequoia Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,694 |
| Hillsdale High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,629 |
| San Mateo High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,613 |
| Burlingame High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,519 |
| Westmoor High | Jefferson Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,302 |
| South San Francisco High | South San Francisco Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,280 |
| El Camino High | South San Francisco Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,173 |
| Jefferson High | Jefferson Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,159 |
| Mills High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,141 |
| Ralston Intermediate | Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 1,117 |
| Capuchino High | San Mateo Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,091 |
| Half Moon Bay High | Cabrillo Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,024 |
| Burlingame Intermediate | Burlingame Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 1,013 |
| Borel Middle | San Mateo-Foster City | 6–8 | Middle | 926 |
| Bowditch Middle | San Mateo-Foster City | 6–8 | Middle | 908 |
| Hillview Middle | Menlo Park City Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 867 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,097
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in San Mateo County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in San Mateo County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in San Mateo County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in San Mateo County, California?
San Mateo County supports 83,570 students across a diverse network of 176 public schools. This infrastructure includes 108 elementary, 26 middle, and 37 high schools managed by 38 distinct districts. Families can choose from traditional settings or the 14 charter schools that make up 8% of the county's options.
How do schools in San Mateo County perform academically?
The county boasts an 88.5% graduation rate, outperforming both the California average of 87.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $10,097 exceeds the state average, it still trails the national median of $13,000. These investments yield a composite school score of 59.4, notably higher than the state average of 56.0.
What are the major school districts in San Mateo County, California?
San Mateo-Foster City serves as the county's largest district, educating 10,043 students across 22 individual schools. South San Francisco Unified follows closely with 7,844 students, while Jefferson Elementary manages 14 schools. Sequoia Union High District operates several massive campuses, including Carlmont High with 2,322 enrolled students.
What is the school experience like in San Mateo County?
Education here primarily takes place in suburban locales, which house 117 of the county's 176 schools. While the average school size is 492 students, high schools like Menlo-Atherton and Sequoia High often exceed 2,000 students. This mix offers a quintessential Bay Area suburban experience with highly populated, resource-rich secondary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in San Mateo County, California?
High graduation rates and strong academic scores make San Mateo County a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Exploring properties near recognized institutions like Carlmont or Aragon High can provide long-term stability for growing families. School quality remains a primary driver for real estate value in this competitive Peninsula market.
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.