Top Elementary & Middle Schools in SF Districts 1, 2 & 5
Here’s a friendly, "from‑the‑field" POV-style blog post, from me—licensed real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area—about the best elementary and middle schools in District 1 (Richmond), District 2 (Marina/Presidio), and District 5 (Sunset/Outer Sunset). And yes—if you’re planning to buy or sell a home in these neighborhoods, I’d love to help you make the smartest move.
by Richard Valdez - www.richardvaldezre.com
District 1 (Richmond): Claire Lilienthal and Roosevelt Middle
Claire Lilienthal Elementary (K–8)
Starting your child here means they can stay through middle school with consistent teachers, peers, and culture. Ranked among the top schools in SFUSD with math/reading proficiency well above district and state averages, Lilienthal boasts a small student‑teacher ratio (~23:1) and a diverse, inclusive community. It’s academically strong and supportive—one of the few K‑8 campuses in Richmond. Public School ReviewPublic School ReviewWikipedia
Roosevelt Middle School (6–8)
Feeds many Richmond students (including Lilienthal alumni). It earns high marks for both academic performance (reading ~69%, math ~52%) and a supportive faculty with solid parent involvement. Homes.comWikipedia
Reddit parents confirm Richmond schools—including Alamo, Argonne, Lafayette—are well regarded, with active arts and extracurricular offerings. Wikipedia
District 2 (Marina/Presidio): Yu (Alice Fong) Elementary and Presidio Middle
Alice Fong Yu Alternative Elementary School (K–8)
One of SFUSD’s highest performing schools: consistently top 5% in math/reading. Offers Cantonese/Mandarin and dual‑language tracks, strong test scores (~70‑77% proficiency) and a cohesive K‑8 model that many families choose for stability. sfchronicle.com
Presidio Middle School (6–8)
Serves the Presidio and inner Richmond/Marina students. Rated A‑, with balanced academics and a strong reputation for nurturing small‑school feel and engaged community involvement. Homes.comWikipedia
District 5 (Sunset): Chinese Immersion at De Avila / Ulloa / Sunset Elementary and Giannini Middle
Chinese Immersion School at De Avila (K–5)
#1 elementary in SFUSD per US News & Public School Review: top 5% in math (85–89%) and reading (80–84%). National Blue Ribbon & California Distinguished recognition. Instruction in Cantonese/Mandarin with strong English foundations. Great choice if you’re prioritizing multilingual education with high academic outcomes. usnews.comPublic School ReviewWikipedia
Sunset Elementary (K–5) and Ulloa Elementary (K–5)
Ranked #2 and #3 in SFUSD respectively: both see ~80–81% proficiency in both math and reading, well above state average. Strong neighborhood community vibe, with active PTA and neighborhood engagement. Ulloa, in particular, draws praise on Reddit:
“We have our son at Ulloa elementary and I couldn’t be happier… the community is amazing.” reddit.com
A. P. Giannini Middle School (6–8)
Rated A‑, ranked top 20% districtwise. Test scores average ~60% math and ~74% reading proficiency, with nearly 1200 students and diverse consolidated programming. Homes.comWikipedia
Why these schools stand out
Academic excellence: consistently high test scores, districts’ top performers
Continuity: several K–8 models (Lilienthal, Yu, De Avila) keep kids in the same school
Diversity and inclusion: many support multilingual education, cultural events, and special programs
Lafayette, De Avila, and Yu especially reflect diverse language and socioeconomic backgrounds. usnews.com+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Community voice matters: parents on Reddit consistently praise the involvement, climate, and happy kids at Ulloa, Alamo, Argonne, and Lilienthal. reddit.comreddit.com
Why I say this as a licensed real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area
Every day I help families connect where they live with how they want their kids to thrive. These districts—1, 2, and 5—offer top‑tier schools that tend to drive stronger resale values and attract engaged, long‑term residents. Whether you’re buying or selling, you deserve local market insights and school guidance wrapped in a holistic approach.
Want to Buy or Sell?
If you're planning a move—and especially if school quality is a top priority—I’d love to offer you expert, tailored advice on neighborhood matching, pricing, and navigating SF’s unique lottery system for SFUSD. Feel free to reach out anytime for a chat!
