Photo: Mliu92 · CC BY-SA 3.0San Bruno’s public schools outscore 77% of California districts
62% of students in San Bruno’s public schools are proficient in reading, above the California average (47%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving San Bruno, 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 85% 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.
San Bruno’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 354 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of San Bruno’s, its schools beat 69%, lower than their 77% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
San Bruno runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
Parkside Intermediate (7–8) is San Bruno’s own. From grade 9, students attend the San Mateo Union High School District with Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae and San Mateo: Capuchino High. See the path ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 62% and math 43% 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 Union High spends $26,598 per student and San Bruno Park Elementary $21,218, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Highlands Christian Schools (private), Stratford School (private), St. Robert Catholic School (private) and Wings Learning Center (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 San Bruno’s grade
A−: better than 77% of California school districts, #186 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 San Bruno, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in San Bruno · depends on your address
Parkside Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 491 students · 16:1 students per teacher
John Muir Elementary
Grades K–6 · 486 students · 29:1 students per teacher
Portola Elementary
Grades K–6 · 378 students · 27:1 students per teacher
7th grade in San Bruno
Parkside Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 491 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in San Bruno
Parkside Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 491 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in San Bruno
Capuchino High
Grades 9–12 · 1,061 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in San Bruno
Capuchino High
Grades 9–12 · 1,061 students · 19:1 students per teacher
11th grade in San Bruno
Capuchino High
Grades 9–12 · 1,061 students · 19:1 students per teacher
12th grade in San Bruno
Capuchino High
Grades 9–12 · 1,061 students · 19:1 students per teacher
San Bruno runs its own schools through grade 8 (San Bruno Park Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the San Mateo Union High School District, shared with Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae and San Mateo. Parts of San Bruno (5%, 3%, 3% and 3% of its land) are served by South San Francisco Unified, Millbrae Elementary, Jefferson Union High and Pacifica instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve San Bruno
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
San Bruno vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share San Bruno’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| San Bruno | A− | San Bruno Park Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| South San Francisco | B+ | South San Francisco Unified K–12 · Jefferson Union High 9–12 |
| Millbrae | A | Millbrae Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| Pacifica | A− | Pacifica K–8 · Jefferson Union High 9–12 |
Every school in San Bruno
11 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 San Bruno’s schools
Are San Bruno’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools San Bruno children attend outscore 77% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #186 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 69%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is San Bruno in?
Two districts: San Bruno Park Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and San Mateo Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae and San Mateo.
Where do San Bruno kids go to high school?
Capuchino High, with 1,061 students.
What is San Bruno’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 San Bruno spend per student?
$26,598 in San Mateo Union High School District and $21,218 in San Bruno Park Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in San Bruno?
Yes: Highlands Christian Schools (religious, grades PK–8, 435 students), Stratford School (nonsectarian, grades PK–5, 305 students), St. Robert Catholic School (Catholic, grades K–8, 303 students) and Wings Learning Center (special education, grades 2–12, 27 students).
Parents talk
What San Bruno families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near San Bruno → 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.