Burlingame and San Mateo are two Peninsula communities known for their strong educational networks and close-knit academic environments. Together, they host a mix of top-rated public and private schools that consistently perform well in state assessments and national rankings.
Public schools in the Burlingame School District and San Mateo Union High School District offer comprehensive programs with advanced coursework, performing arts, and technology integration. Private schools, including Mercy High School and Junípero Serra High School, deliver college-preparatory education in structured, values-driven settings.
This guide provides a closer look at the best schools in Burlingame and neighboring San Mateo, outlining what distinguishes each one, from their curriculum design to their learning environment and community engagement.
Public Elementary & Middle Schools in Burlingame
Burlingame’s public school district (for K–8) includes six elementary schools: Franklin, Lincoln, McKinley, Roosevelt, Washington, and Hoover. Operated by Burlingame Elementary School District, these feed into Burlingame Intermediate School for grades 6–8.
Historically, several elementary campuses have scored in the top range on state academic measures (Roosevelt, Washington, Franklin, and Lincoln). Hoover Elementary underwent a full modernization and reopened in 2016. These schools emphasize foundational literacy and numeracy, with supplemental art, music, and technology classes. Because they form the K–8 pipeline, their performance is integral to how local families evaluate overall district strength.
Historically, several elementary campuses have scored in the top range on state academic measures (Roosevelt, Washington, Franklin, and Lincoln). Hoover Elementary underwent a full modernization and reopened in 2016. These schools emphasize foundational literacy and numeracy, with supplemental art, music, and technology classes. Because they form the K–8 pipeline, their performance is integral to how local families evaluate overall district strength.
Public High & Secondary Schools
Burlingame High School
Burlingame High School (grades 9–12) is Burlingame's main public secondary institution, operating under the San Mateo Union High School District. The school enrolls approximately 1,540 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 20:1. According to state test scores, students perform best in reading skills.
The school offers a wide roster of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and maintains a Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) program. Students engage in robotics, performing arts productions, and service learning. Burlingame High is often cited in lists of the best schools in Burlingame for its breadth of electives, strong AP track, and relatively large student body that supports course diversity.
The school offers a wide roster of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and maintains a Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) program. Students engage in robotics, performing arts productions, and service learning. Burlingame High is often cited in lists of the best schools in Burlingame for its breadth of electives, strong AP track, and relatively large student body that supports course diversity.
Junípero Serra High School (San Mateo)
Junípero Serra High School, located in San Mateo, is a private Catholic college-preparatory school for boys. It serves grades 9–12 and offers about 30 honors and Advanced Placement electives. Nearly all graduates exceed the California State University/University of California course requirements.
The school provides a one-to-one device program in classrooms, emphasizing academic and service dimensions. Serra is affiliated with the Tri-School network alongside Mercy High in Burlingame and Notre Dame High (Belmont). Students may participate in co-educational offerings in arts and mixed courses. This institution appeals to families seeking a rigorous private alternative outside the public high school system.
The school provides a one-to-one device program in classrooms, emphasizing academic and service dimensions. Serra is affiliated with the Tri-School network alongside Mercy High in Burlingame and Notre Dame High (Belmont). Students may participate in co-educational offerings in arts and mixed courses. This institution appeals to families seeking a rigorous private alternative outside the public high school system.
Private High / Secondary Schools in Burlingame
Mercy High School (Burlingame)
Mercy High School is an all-female, Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9 through 12. It is housed in the historic Kohl Mansion and occupies a 40-acre campus. Enrollment is around 365 students, with an average class size of approximately 18 and a student-teacher ratio near 11:1.
Mercy offers more than 40 AP and honors courses, and students frequently participate in athletics, creative arts, and student leadership roles. The school ranks in the top 20 percent of private schools in California. Its mission centers on faith, service, and academic excellence. As a local landmark, it is often listed among the best schools in Burlingame for families seeking private, women-focused secondary education.
Mercy offers more than 40 AP and honors courses, and students frequently participate in athletics, creative arts, and student leadership roles. The school ranks in the top 20 percent of private schools in California. Its mission centers on faith, service, and academic excellence. As a local landmark, it is often listed among the best schools in Burlingame for families seeking private, women-focused secondary education.
Private Elementary & K–8 Schools
Our Lady of Angels School (Burlingame)
Our Lady of Angels is a Catholic, parochial school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Students receive religious instruction alongside core academic subjects such as mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. The school also integrates arts, music, and physical education into its weekly schedule.
Because of smaller enrollment, class sizes allow for individualized attention. The program emphasizes Catholic values, service, and preparation for high school transition. Families seeking a faith-based primary experience often include this among their considerations.
Because of smaller enrollment, class sizes allow for individualized attention. The program emphasizes Catholic values, service, and preparation for high school transition. Families seeking a faith-based primary experience often include this among their considerations.
St. Catherine of Siena School (Burlingame)
St. Catherine of Siena is another private K–8 school in Burlingame. Its curriculum blends traditional academic instruction with enrichment (including art, foreign language, and project work) to support holistic learning. The school’s design supports a close-knit community, where teachers often know students across multiple grades. St. Catherine is often mentioned in local school directories as an option for parents who want private primary education without leaving the Burlingame area.
Choose Sternsmith Group for Expert Real Estate Guidance
Choosing a home near one of the best schools in Burlingame or San Mateo can significantly impact both quality of life and long-term property value. Understanding the nuances of each neighborhood requires local insight and professional expertise.
The Sternsmith Group combines deep knowledge of Peninsula real estate with personalized guidance tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you’re seeking a home near Burlingame’s renowned public schools or San Mateo’s private academies, their team can help you navigate listings, analyze neighborhood dynamics, and secure a home that aligns with your educational priorities.
Interested in Burlingame or San Mateo real estate? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find your dream home!
The Sternsmith Group combines deep knowledge of Peninsula real estate with personalized guidance tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you’re seeking a home near Burlingame’s renowned public schools or San Mateo’s private academies, their team can help you navigate listings, analyze neighborhood dynamics, and secure a home that aligns with your educational priorities.
Interested in Burlingame or San Mateo real estate? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find your dream home!
