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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Novato Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 7,614 students in Novato, CA (there are 5 private schools, serving 642 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Novato, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Novato, CA are Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Novato Charter and Rancho Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Novato, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Novato have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Novato, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
755 Sutro Ave.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-5104
Gr: K-5 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Novato Charter
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
940 C St.
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4254
Gr: K-8 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Rancho Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1430 Johnson St.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-3101
Gr: K-5 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #44.
San Ramon Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
45 San Ramon Way
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-1196
Gr: K-5 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
San Marin High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
15 San Marin Dr.
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 898-2121
Gr: 9-12 | 1,250 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Sinaloa Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2045 Vineyard Rd.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-2111
Gr: 6-8 | 693 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Olive Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
620 Olive Ave.
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-2131
Gr: K-5 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Union Hill Middle School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
11638 Colfax Hwy.
Novato, CA 94945
(530) 273-8456
Gr: 7-8 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #99.
Novato High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
625 Arthur St.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 898-2125
Gr: 9-12 | 1,287 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1010.
San Jose Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1000 Sunset Pkwy.
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-7831
Gr: 6-8 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1111.
Loma Verde Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
399 Alameda De La Loma
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4681
Gr: K-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1212.
Nova Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
720 Diablo Blvd.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-7653
Gr: K-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1313.
Lynwood Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1320 Lynwood Dr.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-4161
Gr: K-5 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1414.
Lu Sutton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1800 Center Rd.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-3196
Gr: K-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #1515.
Hamilton Tk-8
(Math: 26% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5530 Nave Dr.
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4691
Gr: K-8 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1616.
Marin Oaks High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
720 Diablo Ave.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-7653
Gr: 9-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: n/an/a
Novato Early Intervention
1430 Johnson St.
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 883-3942

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Novato, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Novato, CA include Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Novato Charter and Rancho Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Novato?
17 public schools are located in Novato.
What percentage of students in Novato go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Novato are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Novato?
Novato public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Novato are often viewed compared to one another?

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