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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best National City Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 10,802 students in National City, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 382 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in National City, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in National City, CA are Palmer Way, John A. Otis Elementary School and Ira Harbison. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
National City, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in National City have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in National City, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Way
(Math: 32% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2900 Palmer St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8900
Gr: K-6 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
John A. Otis Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
621 East 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8800
Gr: K-6 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
Rank: #33.
Ira Harbison
(Math: 31% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3235 Easteighth St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8200
Gr: K-6 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Kimball
(Math: 25% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
302 West 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8300
Gr: K-6 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Integrity Charter
Charter School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
701 National City Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-0808
Gr: K-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Granger Junior High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2101 Granger Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 472-6000
Gr: 7-9 | 724 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Rancho De La Nacion
(Math: 27% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1830 East Division St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8100
Gr: K-6 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
National City Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1701 D Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-2600
Gr: 7-8 | 709 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
Las Palmas
(Math: 23% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1900 East 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8500
Gr: K-6 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
933 E Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-7400
Gr: K-6 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Olivewood
(Math: 22% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2505 F Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8700
Gr: K-6 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1212.
El Toyon Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2000 East Division St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8000
Gr: K-6 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1313.
Sweetwater High School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2900 Highland Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 474-9700
Gr: 9-12 | 2,290 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1414.
Lincoln Acres
(Math: 16% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2200 Lanoitan Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8600
Gr: K-6 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1515.
San Diego Workforce Innovation High School
Charter School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2 Euclid Ave., Ste. A
National City, CA 91950
(619) 432-4690
Gr: 9-12 | 2,722 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: n/an/a
National School District Preschool
1500 North Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8670

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in National City, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in National City, CA include Palmer Way, John A. Otis Elementary School and Ira Harbison.
How many public schools are located in National City?
16 public schools are located in National City.
What percentage of students in National City go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in National City are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in National City?
National City public schools minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in National City are often viewed compared to one another?

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