Golden Elementary School Recognized Among California’s Top Public Schools

The U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2026 Best K–8 Schools rankings, recognizing top-performing elementary and middle schools nationwide. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is proud to announce that Golden Elementary School earned a commendable position as the No. 56 elementary school in California. This distinction reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.

More than 70,000 public schools were evaluated in the publication’s 2026 Best K–8 Schools report, which measures student performance in mathematics and reading/language arts, paired with contextual socioeconomic data. Unlike the organization’s high school rankings, these evaluations are conducted exclusively at the state level and do not include a national list.

Golden Elementary School Principal, Kristin McDonald, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, stating, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top schools in California. Ranking 56th in the state is a testament to the passion, dedication, and collaboration of our entire Golden team. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that learning is engaging, innovative, and meaningful for all students. While this recognition is truly an achievement, our greatest pride lies in serving our students, families, and community as we continue to foster growth and inspire every learner.”

Although many organizations publish school ratings, U.S. News & World Report remains one of the most reputable and consistently utilized sources, releasing updated performance data annually. To determine this year’s results, the organization examined proficiency and growth in core curricular areas, as well as contextual variables such as economic diversity. Rankings were based solely on verified data from the U.S. Department of Education, utilizing assessment outcomes from the 2022–23 mathematics administration and the 2021–22 reading administration. Private institutions and schools lacking sufficient data were not included.

This recognition underscores PYLUSD’s mission to inspire and prepare every student for academic and personal success. The district extends its sincere congratulations to the Golden Elementary School community, including students, staff, and families, for this distinguished accomplishment. Additional ranking details and methodology can be found on the U.S. News & World Report website.