Rodeo Hills Elementary

Rodeo Hills sits in a small, working-class waterfront community tucked between the refineries and the bay in Contra Costa County — a town that's often overlooked but has a tight-knit feel that's hard to find closer to the city. The school serves a diverse mix of families who call this corner of the East Bay home, and while its academic scores are below state averages, it's part of the smaller John Swett Unified district where kids don't get lost in the shuffle. Families drawn to an unpretentious, community-rooted environment — and who are willing to supplement academics at home — may find Rodeo Hills a comfortable fit for their younger kids.