There are approximately 68,000 public elementary schools in the United States as of the 2025–2026 school year. When you include private and charter institutions, the total number of elementary schools in the US exceeds 80,000. This count covers schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and some that extend through eighth grade.
This number changes slightly each year as new schools open and older ones close. But the overall figure has remained stable for the past decade. Understanding this number helps parents, educators, and policymakers plan for the future.
What Counts as an Elementary School?
The definition of an elementary school can vary by state and school district. Most education experts agree that elementary schools serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Some schools include pre-kindergarten, while others go through sixth grade.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks all public and private schools in the country. They classify a school as elementary if it offers any of grades K through 5, and does not offer grades above 8. This is the standard used in the official count.
Public vs. Private Elementary Schools
Public elementary schools make up the vast majority of the total. There are about 68,000 public elementary schools, including traditional district schools and public charter schools. Private elementary schools number around 22,000, including religious and secular institutions.
Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run. They are included in the public school count. Many charter schools serve elementary grades and have grown in number over the past decade.
How Many Elementary Schools Are in Each State?
The number of elementary schools varies widely by state population and geography. Below is a table showing estimated counts for the largest states as of 2026.
| State | Estimated Number of Elementary Schools |
|---|---|
| California | 6,200 |
| Texas | 5,800 |
| Florida | 3,100 |
| New York | 2,900 |
| Illinois | 2,400 |
| Ohio | 2,200 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,100 |
Smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have fewer than 300 elementary schools each. Rural states tend to have more schools per student because of the need to cover large geographic areas.
Why the Number of Elementary Schools Matters
Knowing how many elementary schools exist helps with planning school district boundaries, teacher hiring, and budget allocation. It also affects real estate decisions for families with young children.
School districts use this data to determine if they need to build new schools or consolidate existing ones. Enrollment trends show that some areas are growing while others are shrinking, which directly impacts the number of schools needed.
Trends Affecting Elementary School Counts
Several trends are shaping the number of elementary schools in the US today. Here are the most important ones:
- Declining birth rates have led to lower kindergarten enrollment in many states since 2020.
- Remote work has caused families to move from urban centers to suburban and rural areas.
- School choice policies have increased the number of charter and magnet elementary schools.
- Some districts are closing under-enrolled schools to save money, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
These trends mean that the total number of elementary schools may start to decline slowly over the next five years. However, new school construction in fast-growing states like Texas and Florida will offset some of those closures.
How to Find Elementary Schools Near You
If you are looking for elementary schools in your area, start with your local school district website. Most districts provide a searchable list of all their schools, including contact information and enrollment numbers.
You can also use the NCES School Search tool online. It lets you filter by location, grade level, and school type. This is the most reliable source for official data on how many elementary schools in the US exist in any given area.
For private schools, check your state’s department of education website. They maintain lists of licensed private elementary schools.
Practical Tips for Parents
If you are moving to a new area and need to choose an elementary school, follow these steps:
First, check the school’s most recent state report card. This shows test scores, attendance rates, and teacher qualifications. Next, visit the school in person during a regular school day. Finally, talk to other parents in the neighborhood about their experiences.
Remember that the number of elementary schools in a district does not tell you about quality. A district with many schools may still have overcrowded classrooms in certain areas. Always look at the specific school your child would attend.
Summary
There are over 80,000 elementary schools in the United States, with about 68,000 being public and 22,000 private. This number stays relatively stable but shifts slightly each year due to demographic changes and policy decisions. Whether you are a parent, educator, or researcher, understanding how many elementary schools in the US exist gives you a solid foundation for making informed decisions about education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many elementary schools are in the US in 2026?
There are approximately 68,000 public elementary schools and about 22,000 private elementary schools, for a total of over 80,000 across the country.
What grades does an elementary school cover?
Most elementary schools serve kindergarten through fifth grade, though some include pre-kindergarten or go up to sixth or eighth grade.
Which state has the most elementary schools?
California has the most elementary schools with an estimated 6,200, followed closely by Texas with around 5,800.
Are charter schools counted as elementary schools?
Yes, charter schools that serve elementary grades are included in the public elementary school count.
Is the number of elementary schools in the US increasing or decreasing?
The total number has remained fairly stable, but some regions are seeing closures due to lower birth rates while others are building new schools to accommodate growth.
