San Diego County has over 40 public school districts and numerous private schools. The San Diego Unified School District is San Diego County's largest school district and is the second largest school district in California. School districts serve a specific geographic area; Where you live generally determines which public school is available for your child. Many school districts allow requests for intra-district school transfers (same school district but different school than the assigned one) or inter-district transfers (different school district) to allow children assigned to one school to go to a different school. If you want to apply for a transfer you must start at the school that your child is assigned. There is no guarantee that your request will be granted as there is specific criteria for allowing a transfer.

Many people choose where to live based on the reputation of a particular school or school district. Oftentimes, factors that parents consider when researching schools include: test scores, teacher-to-student ratios, diversity, and curriculum. The California Department of Education maintains scores on school performance and data about different schools and school districts. It also administers the California School Recognition Program which honors some of the State's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for School Recognition Awards are considered by the California Department of Education as strong, well-rounded community schools. In addition, the San Diego County Office of Education provides local school district information and includes websites for all of the County's school districts and Charter Schools.

One way that schools are scored is through the San Diego County API (Academic Performance Index), which measures the academic performance and growth of schools on a variety of academic measures. Another tool used in scoring schools is the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system, which compiles three different testing reports for each school or district.  Other information about schools can be found through the Education Data Partnership, School Wise Press, and Great Schools.

As school boundaries often change, if a specific school or school district is desired be sure to call that school or district to confirm that the home you want is within its boundaries.
 
Information about Private schools can be located through the California Association of Independent Schools and the Catholic Diocese of San Diego websites.