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| Metric | San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 21 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Near average |
About San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District
San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District serves zip code 94403, covering San Mateo-Foster, California with grades Kindergarten – 8th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District spends approximately $15,700 per student per year, placing it near the California state average of approximately $16,500 and above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At multiple schools serving grades Kindergarten – 8th, San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Kindergarten – 8th. Contact San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
With a rating of 9/10 (top-tier), San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District ranks among California’s top-tier-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in California on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 94403 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 94403
Children in zip code 94403 are assigned to San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 8th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 94403, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District at (650)312-7348 or visit www.smfcsd.net. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in San Mateo-Foster
For families considering a purchase in the San Mateo-Foster area, district assignment matters financially. Because San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District serves zip code 94403, homes in and around zip code 94403 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 94403.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 94403 data.