For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 6,170 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA (there are , serving 1,646 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). Palos Verdes Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
The top ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA are Montemalaga Elementary School, Lunada Bay Elementary School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the California public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Montemalaga Elementary School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1121 Via Nogales
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-5228
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-5228
Grades: K-5
| 436 students
Rank: #22.
Lunada Bay Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
520 Paseo Lunado
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-3005
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-3005
Grades: K-5
| 336 students
Rank: #33.
Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
27118 Silver Spur Rd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-4888
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-4888
Grades: 9-12
| 2,175 students
Rank: #44.
Dapplegray Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3011 Palos Verdes Dr. North
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 541-3706
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 541-3706
Grades: K-5
| 655 students
Rank: #55.
Rancho Vista Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4323 Palos Verdes Dr. North
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8388
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8388
Grades: K-5
| 340 students
Rank: #66.
Palos Verdes Intermediate
(Math: 69% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2161 Via Olivera
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 544-4816
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 544-4816
Grades: 6-8
| 709 students
Rank: #77.
Palos Verdes Distance Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
38 Crest Rd. West
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Grades: K-12
| 57 students
Rank: #88.
Palos Verdes High School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 Cloyden Rd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8471
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8471
Grades: 9-12
| 1,419 students
Rank: #99.
Rancho Del Mar High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
38 Crest Road West
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Grades: 10-12
| 43 students
Rank: n/an/a
3801 Via La Selva
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 791-5078
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 791-5078
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Palos Verdes Peninsula, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Malaga Cove School - Success Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
300 Paseo Del Mar
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 373-2281
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 373-2281
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
3801 Via La Selva
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 791-5078
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 791-5078
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA include Montemalaga Elementary School, Lunada Bay Elementary School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Palos Verdes Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in Palos Verdes Peninsula?
10 public schools are located in Palos Verdes Peninsula.
What percentage of students in Palos Verdes Peninsula go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palos Verdes Peninsula?
Palos Verdes Peninsula public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula include: Palos Verdes Peninsula High School vs. Palos Verdes High School, Palos Verdes High School vs. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Dapplegray Elementary School vs. Rancho Vista Elementary School
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