Best Schools in South Bay for Families Moving to the Beach Cities

Moving to a new community is always exciting, but if you’re a parent, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: Where will my kids go to school? As a local South Bay realtor who works with families every day, I know that choosing the right school can feel just as important as finding the right home. You’re not just investing in property, you’re investing in your children’s future, your daily routine, and the community you’ll call home.

South Bay is fortunate to have some of the most highly regarded schools in Southern California. From Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach to Hermosa, and into Torrance, there’s no shortage of strong options. But each city and each school comes with its own personality, strengths, and challenges. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the top choices across the beach cities, from elementary schools through high school, so you can start picturing what might be the best fit for your family.

Best Schools in Manhattan Beach (Elementary Through High School)

When families ask me about schools in the South Bay, Manhattan Beach Unified almost always comes up first. The district is widely known for its academic excellence, supportive community, and strong parent involvement.

• Elementary Schools: Manhattan Beach has several elementary campuses—Pacific, Meadows, Pennekamp, Grand View, and Robinson—all of which consistently earn high marks for student performance and parent satisfaction. Parents love the sense of neighborhood community at these schools, with plenty of after-school activities and PTA-driven events that bring families together.

• Middle School: Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) serves grades 6–8 and offers a well-rounded program. From robotics clubs to strong music programs, students here are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests.

• High School: Mira Costa High School is often the jewel of the district. With award-winning music and arts programs, nationally recognized athletics, and a reputation for academic rigor, it’s no surprise many families move to Manhattan Beach just to have their kids graduate from Mira Costa. The flip side? It’s a large school, so while opportunities are plentiful, some parents find the size a bit overwhelming.

Bottom line: Manhattan Beach schools are hard to beat if you want strong academics and a supportive, engaged parent community. The trade-off is the cost of living; homes here are among the most expensive in South Bay.

Best Schools in Hermosa Beach (Elementary & Middle)

Hermosa Beach only has one elementary school, Hermosa Valley, and one middle school, Hermosa View, before students matriculate into Manhattan Beach’s Mira Costa High.

• Strengths: Families love Hermosa schools for their small-town feel. It’s easy to get to know teachers and other parents, and kids often walk or bike to school.

• Considerations: With fewer facilities than larger districts, you don’t always get the same breadth of extracurriculars you’ll find in Manhattan or Redondo. But many families see that as a positive, kids grow up in a close-knit, walkable environment, and still benefit from Mira Costa High for grades 9–12.

Bottom line: If you want a true beach-town vibe and don’t mind your child joining a larger high school later, Hermosa schools provide a nurturing start.

Best Schools in Redondo Beach (Elementary, Middle & High School)

Redondo Beach Unified offers a nice balance—high-performing schools with a bit more space and affordability than Manhattan Beach.

• Elementary Schools: Redondo has eight elementary campuses, including Jefferson, Beryl Heights, and Alta Vista. Parents consistently praise their strong teachers and sense of community.

• Middle School: Parras Middle School has a solid reputation for preparing kids academically and socially for high school, with enrichment programs in STEM and the arts.

• High School: Redondo Union High School is a powerhouse for athletics, with multiple state titles, and also offers strong AP and college-prep programs. Families like that it feels a little more manageable in size compared to Mira Costa, but still has plenty of extracurriculars.

Bottom line: Redondo Beach schools give you excellent academics, strong sports and arts, and a slightly more laid-back atmosphere.

Best Schools in Palos Verdes (Public & Private)

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) is known for academic rigor and high college acceptance rates. Living here often feels like blending education with resort-style living, the scenery alone is hard to beat.

• Elementary Schools: PVPUSD includes schools like Point Vicente and Montemalaga, which are frequently praised for engaged teachers and supportive parent communities.

• Middle Schools: Ridgecrest Intermediate and others in the district provide robust academic programs, along with strong music and extracurricular options.

• High Schools: Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School are both nationally ranked, with Peninsula often scoring slightly higher in academics and college prep. Both schools boast strong AP programs, successful debate and Model UN teams, and competitive sports.

• Private School Highlight: Chadwick School is one of the most prestigious private schools in California, offering small class sizes, impressive global programs, and excellent college placement. For many families, Chadwick is appealing for its individualized approach—but it does come with a steep tuition bill.

Bottom line: If academics and long-term college prep are your top priorities, Palos Verdes schools are hard to beat. The challenge? The daily logistics of driving around the peninsula can be tricky, and some parents note that the environment can feel high-pressure.

Best Schools in Torrance (Elementary Through High School)

Torrance Unified is larger and more diverse than other South Bay districts, with schools that range from good to outstanding.

• Elementary Schools: Highly rated options like Anza Elementary and Towers Elementary consistently earn praise for engaged teachers and supportive communities.

• Middle Schools: Bert Lynn Middle School and Magruder Middle School stand out for STEM programs and extracurricular opportunities.

• High Schools: West High School and South High School are the most sought-after in Torrance, both offering strong academics, solid sports programs, and a wide range of AP classes.

Bottom line: Torrance schools offer excellent value, with strong programs and more affordability compared to Manhattan Beach or Palos Verdes. Because the district is so large, it’s important to look carefully at each individual school.

Finding the Right Fit

There’s no single “best” school in the South Bay—it all comes down to what fits your family’s priorities. Manhattan Beach offers top-tier academics and resources, Hermosa gives you small-town community, Redondo balances rigor with a laid-back feel, Palos Verdes emphasizes college prep, and Torrance provides wide-ranging options at a more accessible price point.

As a realtor, I don’t just help families find houses—I help them find homes in communities where they’ll feel comfortable and supported. Schools are at the heart of that decision. Whether you want to live steps from the beach or tucked away on a quiet peninsula street, I’m here to help you match your lifestyle goals with the right neighborhood and the right schools.

Thinking about making the move to South Bay? Let’s chat. I’d love to walk you through neighborhoods, give you a more personalized breakdown of the schools, and share what I’ve learned from families who’ve made the move before you.