South San Francisco Unified School District operates schools (grades 09–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | South San Francisco Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 7,868 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 17 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| South San Francisco Unified School District (this district) | 7/10 | 66th | 7,868 |
| San Mateo Union High School District | 9/10 | 85th | 8,942 |
| San Francisco Unified School District | 8/10 | 75th | 48,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 66th percentile → 7/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
- Alta Loma Middle — Grades 6–8 · 652 students
- Baden High (Continuation) — Grades 9–12 · 130 students
- Buri Buri Elementary — Grades K–5 · 584 students
- El Camino High — Grades 9–12 · 1053 students
- Junipero Serra Elementary — Grades K–5 · 286 students
- Los Cerritos Elementary — Grades K–5 · 304 students
- Monte Verde Elementary — Grades K–5 · 517 students
- Parkway Heights Middle — Grades 6–8 · 573 students
- Ponderosa Elementary — Grades K–5 · 359 students
- Skyline Elementary — Grades K–5 · 366 students
- South San Francisco High — Grades 9–12 · 1239 students
- Spruce Elementary — Grades K–5 · 384 students
- Sunshine Gardens Elementary — Grades K–5 · 329 students
- Westborough Middle — Grades 6–8 · 498 students
- Martin Elementary — Grades K–5 · 370 students
- Community Day — Grades 6–12 · 0 students
- Hillside Elementary — Grades K–5 · 0 students
About South San Francisco Unified School District
South San Francisco Unified School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 94128 in San Mateo Union, California. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 94128. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in California spend approximately $15,700 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 17 schools, South San Francisco Unified School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 7,868 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
South San Francisco Unified School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 7/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in California’s CAASPP Smarter Balanced assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
South San Francisco Unified School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in California. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 94128
Children in zip code 94128 are assigned to South San Francisco Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 94128, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact South San Francisco Unified School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in San Mateo Union
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because South San Francisco Unified School District serves zip code 94128, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 94128 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support South San Francisco Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 94128.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with South San Francisco Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 94128 data.