Photo: Pi.1415926535 · CC BY-SA 3.0Foster City’s public schools outscore 86% of California districts
51% of students in Foster City’s public schools are proficient in math, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Foster City, 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 93% 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.
Foster City’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 150 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Foster City’s, its schools beat 53%, lower than their 86% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 62% and math 51% 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
San Mateo-Foster City Elementary spends $21,975 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
Ronald C Wornick Jewish Day School (private) and Kids Connection Elementary (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 Foster City’s grade
A: better than 86% of California school districts, #107 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 Foster City, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Foster City
Bowditch Middle
Grades 6–8 · 929 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Foster City
Bowditch Middle
Grades 6–8 · 929 students · 21:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Foster City
Bowditch Middle
Grades 6–8 · 929 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Foster City runs its own schools through grade 8 (San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the San Mateo Union High School District, shared with Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo. Its high school is in San Mateo. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Foster City
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
Foster City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Foster City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Foster City | A | San Mateo-Foster City 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 |
| Redwood City | A | Redwood City Elementary K–8 · Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary K–8 · Sequoia Union High 9–12 |
| Belmont | A+ | Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary K–8 · Sequoia Union High 9–12 |
| Hayward | C+ | Hayward Unified K–12 · New Haven Unified K–12 |
Every school in Foster City
14 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).
Questions about Foster City’s schools
Are Foster City’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Foster City children attend outscore 86% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A Schools grade, #107 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 53%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Foster City in?
Two districts: San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and San Mateo Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo.
Where do Foster City kids go to high school?
One of 6 high schools, depending on your address: Aragon High, Hillsdale High, Burlingame High, San Mateo High, Mills High and Capuchino High.
What is Foster City’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 Foster City spend per student?
$21,975 in San Mateo-Foster City 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 Foster City?
Yes: Ronald C Wornick Jewish Day School (religious, grades K–8, 199 students) and Kids Connection Elementary (nonsectarian, grades K–5, 188 students).
Parents talk
What Foster City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Foster City → 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.