Ralph E. Hawes Elementary

Tucked into one of Huntington Beach's quieter residential pockets, Ralph E. Hawes Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in California, drawing families who want strong academics without sacrificing that laid-back coastal community feel. Test scores in English, Math, and Science all land in the 93rd percentile or above, which speaks to a school culture that takes learning seriously while still feeling like a neighborhood school. For families settling into the 92646 zip code — close to the beach, good parks, and easy access to everything South OC has to offer — Hawes is one of those schools that makes the decision to plant roots in Huntington Beach feel like an easy one.