Photo: Javelinca · CC BY-SA 4.0Burlingame’s public schools outscore 95% of California districts
In Burlingame, 60% of tested students are proficient in math, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Burlingame, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 87% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Burlingame’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 216 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Burlingame’s, its schools beat 89%, lower than their 95% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Burlingame runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
Burlingame Intermediate (6–8) is Burlingame’s own. From grade 9, students attend the San Mateo Union High School District with Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo: Burlingame High. See the path ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 75% and math 60% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Burlingame Elementary spends $15,695 per student and San Mateo Union High $26,598, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Catherine of Siena School (private), Our Lady of Angels School (private), Lydian Academy (private) and Genius Learning (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Burlingame’s grade
A+: better than 95% of California school districts, #29 of 847 California towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the California average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Burlingame, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 1,115 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 1,115 students · 21:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 1,115 students · 21:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame High
Grades 9–12 · 1,583 students · 20:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame High
Grades 9–12 · 1,583 students · 20:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame High
Grades 9–12 · 1,583 students · 20:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Burlingame
Burlingame High
Grades 9–12 · 1,583 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Burlingame runs its own schools through grade 8 (Burlingame Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the San Mateo Union High School District, shared with Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Burlingame
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Burlingame vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Burlingame’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Burlingame | A+ | Burlingame Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| Hillsborough | A+ | Hillsborough City Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| Millbrae | A | Millbrae Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| San Mateo | A | San Mateo-Foster City Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
All 3 neighbors share San Mateo Union High with Burlingame for grades 9–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Burlingame
13 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (BSD Preschool).
Questions about Burlingame’s schools
Are Burlingame’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Burlingame children attend outscore 95% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #29 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 89%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Burlingame in?
Two districts: Burlingame Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and San Mateo Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo.
Where do Burlingame kids go to high school?
Burlingame High, with 1,583 students.
What is Burlingame’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in San Mateo Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Burlingame spend per student?
$15,695 in Burlingame Elementary School District and $26,598 in San Mateo Union High School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Burlingame?
Yes: St. Catherine of Siena School (Catholic, grades K–8, 303 students), Our Lady of Angels School (Catholic, grades K–8, 296 students), Lydian Academy (nonsectarian, grades 6–12, 19 students) and Genius Learning (nonsectarian, grades K, 4 students).
Parents talk
What Burlingame families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Burlingame → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.