Great Schools in Carlsbad

Are you moving to Carlsbad, CA and looking for great schools in Carlsbad? Buying a home for your family while finding great public schools can be overwhelming. I’m often asked by home buyers with children “what are the best schools in Carlsbad in 2022?” As well as “what Carlsbad neighborhoods have the best public schools?” Good news is no matter where you buy a home in Carlsbad, your kids will attend a great school!

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Carlsbad High Schools

First on our Great Schools in Carlsbad list are the Carlsbad Unified School District high schools.

  • Carlsbad HS – 2,318 Students
    2021 State Ranking – 370 of 1,297 CA public high schools (according to U.S. News)
    2021 National Ranking – 2,532 of nearly 24,000 (according to U.S. News)
    STEM Ranking in CA – 375
  • Sage Creek HS – 1,326 Students
    2021 State Ranking – 76 of 1,297 CA public high schools (according to U.S. News)2021 National Ranking – 567 of nearly 24,000 (according to U.S. News) STEM Ranking in the Nation – 790

Carlsbad High School

Established in 1957 as well as a great tradition of community. Many attend Carlsbad high school because it has the largest number of activities for its students. Moreover the school offers academically challenging courses. As well as the speech and debate team, which has been nationally ranked in the top 1%. Meanwhile their sports teams are also highly competitive in their leagues. The school has also been recognized for achievement in the arts. Lastly this school has the largest enrollment and offers many traditional high school options to students.

Sage Creek High School

Sage Creek High opened in 2013 and are known as a STEM-based school. Likewise, they have a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. They participate in various CIF sports, excluding football. Additionally the school operates on a trimester program. This allows students to complete more classes by the end of their high school career.

Great Schools in Carlsbad Middle Schools

Next on our Great Schools in Carlsbad list are the Carlsbad Unified School District middle schools.

  • Aviara Oaks MS – 934 Students
    2021 State Ranking – 81of 1,258 CA public middle schools (according to U.S. News)Ranked number 1 in Carlsbad Unified School District of Middle Schools
  • Valley MS – 876 Students 
    2021 State Ranking – 251 of 1,258 CA public middle schools (according to U.S. News)Ranked number 2-3 in Carlsbad Unified School District of Middle Schools
  • Calavera Hills MS – 539 Students 
    2021 State Ranking – 873 of 1,258 CA public middle schools (according to U.S. News)Ranked number 2-3 in Carlsbad Unified School District of Middle Schools

Aviara Oak Middle School

First, of the great middle schools in Carlsbad is Aviara Oaks. Furthest south middle school in the district. A California Distinguished School, Aviara Oaks is a Google Apps for Education school, and uses tablet and Chromebook technologies. Aviara Oaks is a three-grade middle school serving grades 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Valley Middle School

Next, on our great schools in Carlsbad list is found near Carlsbad High School. Valley Middle serves grades 6 through 8 and have been named a California Distinguished School. As well as a National Blue Ribbon School. Valley Middle School offers a “Village System” which helps students adjust between Elementary School and High School. Moreover they offer a variety of electives helping to students to find and succeed in what they are interested in.

Calavera Hills Middle School

Finally, on our great schools in Carlsbad is located farther east in Carlsbad. Calavera Hills is smaller in size as they only serve 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Moreover they are smallest in the district with only 539 students. The school exists to help students grow academically and personally.

Great Schools in Carlsbad Elementary Schools

Finally, on our Great Schools in Carlsbad list are the Carlsbad Unified School District elementary schools.

  • Pacific Rim ES – 573 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 10 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 1 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Aviara Oaks ES – 606 Students
    • 2021 State Ranking – 131 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 2 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Kelly ES – 403 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 139 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 3 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Magnolia ES – 416 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 174 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 4 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Poinsettia ES – 391 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 296 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 5 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Buena Vista ES – 287 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 586 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 6 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Calavera Hills ES – 366 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 1,277 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 7-9 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Hope ES – 502 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 1076 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 7-9 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools
  • Jefferson ES – 355 Students 
    • 2021 State Ranking – 1,011 of 5,872 CA public elementary schools (according to U.S. News)
    • Ranked number 7-9 in Carlsbad Unified School District Elementary Schools

Pacific Rim Elementary School

Number one in Carlsbad School District and ranked number 10 in all of California public elementary schools! Pacific Rim is in South Carlsbad not far from the 5 freeway, and has been named a California Distinguished School. They embrace technology and encourage student growth as learners and individuals. With over 20,000 volunteer hours given, parents are able to assist greatly in the advancement of student focused programs.

Aviara Oaks Elementary School

This K-5 school sits on 19 acres in Southern Carlsbad and serves about 600 students. Additionally they are very well equipped elementary school with many resources for student success. Moreover the parent involvement through different committees and organizations is important to the school’s success and an irreplaceable asset. Some people choose to buy real estate within the boundaries of this school because of its good reputation.

Kelly Elementary School

Located south west of El Camino Real in Carlsbad, is a California Distinguished School. Their mission is to help students of varying abilities learn and grow. Using technology, teachers offer an effective way for young students to learn. Additionally, the parent-teacher association is strong, helping to create an accommodating atmosphere to young learners.

Magnolia Elementary School

Located in Olde Carlsbad near Carlsbad High School and Valley Middle School. It opened in 1957 and has since been updated. Magnolia holds a tradition of education. They enjoy the assistance of an active PTA and positive school spirit. The school serves student in grades K-5 with an enrollment of about 416 students

Poinsettia Elementary School

Opened in 2007 and is located near Bressi Ranch in eastern Carlsbad. They have a goal to help students develop as a whole: academically, artistically, socially, and individually. Parents take an active role in the school and in their student’s development. They have seen positive progress in their API score and provide opportunities for student leadership.

Buena Vista Elementary School

Is in Carlsbad, not far from the village. With the school’s ocean view, students can enjoy education in a beautiful area. Buena Vista offers students many opportunities for success, with tutor help, technology, parent involvement, and more.

Calavera Hills Elementary School

Offers a STEM focused education in eastern Carlsbad next to the Calavera Hills Middle Schhool. The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics based curriculum. Moreover they utilize iPads and provide projects that will help students apply their learning. Moreover Calavera prides themselves in preparing students for STEM careers beginning in kindergarten. The school encourages community involvement in the education and development of their young students.

Hope Elementary School

Is a California Distinguished School located off of Tamarack Avenue in eastern Carlsbad. They have a dedicated and experienced staff and assist students in grades K-5. Also, the faculty analyze student data to more effectively teach the youth at their school. Hope Elementary utilizes both parents and staff to encourage student success.

Jefferson Elementary School

Is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program School in west Carlsbad near Tamarack Avenue. This school is open to students from different areas in the district because of its unique IB program. Students have the opportunity to learn language and apply themselves in a variety of subjects amidst powerful real life experiences.


About the author

Information regarding Great Schools in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Union School District was constructed by James Jam. He is the #1 Individual Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Agent in San Diego County. As well as the Top Carlsbad Real Estate Agent.

Thinking of selling your home in Carlsbad? I have a passion for Real Estate and would love to share my exclusive marketing plan with you.

I service Real Estate sales in the following San Diego County areas: Carlsbad (92009), Encinitas, and Olivenhain 92024. Regardless please don’t hesitate to contact me regarding the marketing and sale of your home.