Top San Francisco Schools in Districts 1, 2 & 5: The Ultimate Guide for Homebuyers Prioritizing Education.
If you’re seriously considering buying or selling a home in San Francisco—and school districts are a priority—then listen carefully. Navigating Districts 1, 2, and 5 is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, I’m here to cut through the noise and tell you exactly which schools matter when making your move.
By Richard Valdez, Licensed Real Estate Agent — www.richardvaldezre.com
District 1 (Richmond): Claire Lilienthal and Roosevelt Middle
Let’s start with Claire Lilienthal Elementary (K–8). Yes, it’s a K-8, which means your child won’t have to endure that awkward “new kid” phase all over again in middle school. Consistency, dear, is key. Lilienthal is the academic jewel of Richmond, boasting math and reading scores that make other schools look like they’re trying way too hard. Small class sizes? Check. A diverse, inclusive community? Naturally. You should get on their waiting list yesterday—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Roosevelt Middle follows the Lilienthal crowd like a devoted understudy. Its reading and math scores are solid enough to keep parents satisfied, and the faculty won’t have you questioning your life choices at parent-teacher meetings. Richmond’s other schools—Alamo, Argonne, Lafayette—also have solid reputations, with active arts and extracurricular programs that don’t just fill time but enrich lives.
District 2 (Marina/Presidio): Alice Fong Yu and Presidio Middle
Alice Fong Yu Alternative Elementary is the school that quietly outperforms almost every other public school in SFUSD. Top 5% in math and reading, with a bilingual track in Mandarin and Cantonese that actually works. Stability, rigor, and a K-8 model that parents adore. It’s like the private jet of public education—effortlessly sleek and enviable.
Presidio Middle is the polished older sibling—A-minus rated, balanced academics, and a small-school feel that encourages community engagement. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t have to be. It simply works.
District 5 (Sunset/Outer Sunset): De Avila, Ulloa, Sunset, and Giannini Middle
If multilingual excellence is your thing, De Avila’s Chinese Immersion program is the pinnacle. National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished honors? Check. Top 5% scores? Naturally. Your child will graduate not only with high test scores but speaking Cantonese or Mandarin like a native.
Sunset and Ulloa elementary schools are neck and neck academically, both boasting proficiency rates around 80%—well above state averages—and a neighborhood vibe that’s less chaotic and more “community chic.” Ulloa, in particular, gets rave reviews from local parents. Reddit parents gush, if you need social proof.
A.P. Giannini Middle is the Sunset neighborhood’s capstone—large, diverse, academically solid, and holding its place in the top 20% of SFUSD middle schools.
Why These Schools Are The Real Deal
Academic excellence that’s earned, not marketed
K-8 continuity that saves your child (and your nerves)
Real diversity and inclusion, with programs that celebrate languages and cultures, not just check boxes
Community support that parents actually rave about—because online forums don’t lie
Why You Should Trust Me
Every day, I help families find the perfect balance between location, price, and school quality. Districts 1, 2, and 5 aren’t just good neighborhoods—they’re smart investments. They attract engaged parents and drive strong resale values.
Ready to Make a Move?
If school quality is at the top of your list (and it should be), I’m the expert you need. I’ll guide you through neighborhood matching, pricing strategies, and even the quirks of SFUSD’s lottery system. Reach out anytime. Smart moves start with smart advice.
Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about futures. And in San Francisco, that future starts with the right school.
