As of the 2025â2026 school year, there are approximately 67,000 public elementary schools in the United States. This number includes traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools serving kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Understanding how many elementary schools in America exist helps parents compare local options and policymakers allocate resources effectively.
What Counts as an Elementary School?
The definition of an elementary school varies slightly by state and district. Most elementary schools serve grades Kâ5, but some include pre-kindergarten or extend through grade 6. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) classifies schools by the lowest and highest grades offered.
For this count, we use the NCES definition: schools where the lowest grade is pre-K or kindergarten and the highest grade is no higher than grade 8, with the majority of students in elementary grades.
Total Number of Elementary Schools in America
The most recent NCES data from the 2023â2024 school year reported 67,042 public elementary schools. This number has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with small annual fluctuations due to school closures, consolidations, and new openings.
Private elementary schools add another 22,000 to 25,000 institutions, bringing the total number of elementary schools in America to roughly 90,000 when including both public and private options.
| School Type | Estimated Number (2025â2026) | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public elementary schools | 67,000 | 74% |
| Private elementary schools | 23,000 | 26% |
| Total | 90,000 | 100% |
These figures include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Charter schools and magnet schools are counted within the public school total.
Regional Distribution of Elementary Schools
States with the Most Elementary Schools
California leads the nation with over 5,800 public elementary schools. Texas follows with approximately 5,100, and New York has about 3,200. These three states account for roughly 21% of all public elementary schools.
Rural states like Montana and Wyoming have far fewer schools, with around 400 and 200 respectively, but they serve smaller populations spread across larger geographic areas.
Urban vs. Rural Differences
Urban areas tend to have larger elementary schools with higher student populations. Rural schools are smaller on average, often with fewer than 200 students. This affects class sizes, teacher availability, and extracurricular options.
Parents in rural districts may have fewer school choices within a reasonable commute. Understanding how many elementary schools in America are in your region helps set realistic expectations.
Trends Affecting the Number of Elementary Schools
- School consolidation: Many rural districts have merged elementary schools to save costs, reducing total numbers in some states.
- Charter school growth: Charter elementary schools have increased by 15% over the last five years, adding new options in urban areas.
- Population shifts: States like Florida and Texas have seen enrollment growth, leading to new elementary school construction.
- Declining birth rates: Some northern states have experienced enrollment declines, resulting in school closures.
How to Find Elementary Schools in Your Area
You can locate nearby elementary schools using the NCES School Search tool on their website. Enter your zip code or city to see a list of public and private schools with enrollment numbers and contact information.
State education department websites also provide school directories and performance data. For private schools, the National Association of Independent Schools offers a searchable database.
What This Means for Your Child’s Education
The number of elementary schools in America influences class sizes, teacher ratios, and access to specialized programs. Larger districts with many schools often offer more choices, such as magnet programs or dual-language immersion.
Smaller districts may have fewer options but can provide a close-knit community environment. When researching schools, consider not just the count but also the quality indicators like test scores, teacher qualifications, and parent reviews.
Actionable Tips for Parents
Visit prospective schools during open houses or schedule a tour. Ask about average class size, teacher tenure, and support services. Check the school’s most recent report card on your state’s education website.
Talk to other parents in the neighborhood or local parent-teacher groups. They can share firsthand experiences about school culture and communication with staff.
Remember that the number of elementary schools in America is just one data point. The best school for your child depends on their individual needs, learning style, and your family’s priorities.
In summary, there are about 67,000 public and 23,000 private elementary schools across the United States. These numbers shift gradually due to demographic and policy changes. By understanding this landscape, you can make more informed decisions about your child’s education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many elementary schools are there in the United States?
There are approximately 90,000 elementary schools in the United States, including about 67,000 public schools and 23,000 private schools.
What is the average size of an elementary school in America?
The average public elementary school enrolls around 470 students, though sizes vary widely from under 100 in rural areas to over 800 in urban districts.
How many elementary schools are in California?
California has over 5,800 public elementary schools, the most of any state, plus several thousand private elementary schools.
Are the number of elementary schools in America increasing or decreasing?
The total number has remained relatively stable, but charter schools are growing while some rural schools are consolidating or closing due to population changes.
How do I find the best elementary school near me?
Use the NCES School Search tool or your state education department website to find schools by location, then compare test scores, class sizes, and parent reviews.
