For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 4,115 students in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The top ranked public elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA are Tijeras Creek Elementary School, Arroyo Vista Middle School and Las Flores Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the California public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tijeras Creek Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
23072 Avenida Empresa
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5300
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5300
Grades: K-5
| 318 students
Rank: #22.
Arroyo Vista Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
23371 Arroyo Vista
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5951
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5951
Grades: 6-8
| 330 students
Rank: #33.
Las Flores Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
25862 Antonio Pkwy.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-6935
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-6935
Grades: K-5
| 322 students
Rank: #44.
Las Flores Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
25862 Antonio Pkwy.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-6543
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-6543
Grades: 6-8
| 559 students
Rank: #55.
Arroyo Vista Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
23371 Arroyo Vista
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5951
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 234-5951
Grades: K-5
| 518 students
Rank: #66.
Trabuco Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
21301 Avenida De Los Flores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 858-3339
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 858-3339
Grades: K-6
| 630 students
Rank: #77.
Melinda Heights Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
21001 Rancho Trabuco
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-7311
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-7311
Grades: K-6
| 950 students
Rank: #88.
Cielo Vista Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
21811 Avenida De Los Fundadore
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-7456
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 589-7456
Grades: K-6
| 488 students
Rancho Santa Margarita, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
21001 Rancho Trabuco Rd.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 580-3457
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 580-3457
Grades: K-12
| 24 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA include Tijeras Creek Elementary School, Arroyo Vista Middle School and Las Flores Elementary School. Rancho Santa Margarita has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
How many public elementary schools are located in Rancho Santa Margarita?
8 public elementary schools are located in Rancho Santa Margarita.
What is the racial composition of students in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita public elementary schools minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Rancho Santa Margarita include: Las Flores Middle School vs. Arroyo Vista Middle School, Cielo Vista Elementary School vs. Trabuco Mesa Elementary School, Arroyo Vista Middle School vs. Las Flores Middle School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.