For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 20,823 students in Poway, CA (there are 12 private schools, serving 1,664 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Poway, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). Poway has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
The top-ranked public schools in Poway, CA are Tierra Bonita Elementary School, Chaparral Elementary School and Painted Rock Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Poway, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Poway have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Poway, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tierra Bonita Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
14678 Tierra Bonita Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-8540
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-8540
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
Chaparral Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
17250 Tannin Dr.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 485-0042
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 485-0042
Gr: K-5 | 858 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Painted Rock Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
16711 Martincoit Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 487-1180
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 487-1180
Gr: K-5 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Midland Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
13910 Midland Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0047
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0047
Gr: K-5 | 580 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
Twin Peaks Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
14640 Tierra Bonita Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-5131
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-5131
Gr: 6-8 | 1,164 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Meadowbrook Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12320 Meadowbrook Ln.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0802
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0802
Gr: 6-8 | 972 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #77.
Garden Road Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
14614 Garden Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0230
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0230
Gr: K-5 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #88.
Poway High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
15500 Espola Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0245
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-0245
Gr: 9-12 | 2,101 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #99.
Pomerado Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12321 Ninth St.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-1320
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-1320
Gr: K-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1010.
Abraxas Continuation High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12450 Glenoak Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-5900
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-5900
Gr: 9-12 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1111.
Valley Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
13000 Bowron Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-2007
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 748-2007
Gr: K-5 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #1212.
Cabrillo Point Academy
Charter School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
13915 Danielson St. Ste 200
Poway, CA 92064
(619) 404-3190
Poway, CA 92064
(619) 404-3190
Gr: K-12 | 5,706 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1313.
Pacific Coast Academy
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
13915 Danielson St. #103
Poway, CA 92064
(619) 749-1928
Poway, CA 92064
(619) 749-1928
Gr: K-12 | 6,760 students Student-teacher ratio: 35:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Poway, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Poway, CA include Tierra Bonita Elementary School, Chaparral Elementary School and Painted Rock Elementary School. Poway has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in Poway?
13 public schools are located in Poway.
What percentage of students in Poway go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Poway are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Poway?
Poway public schools minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Poway are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Poway include: Painted Rock Elementary School vs. Chaparral Elementary School, Chaparral Elementary School vs. Painted Rock Elementary School, Tierra Bonita Elementary School vs. Midland Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
