Top Rated Schools
& Family Resources
Laguna Beach has a small, high-performing public school district that’s easy to navigate once you know where to start.
LBUSD Overview
How Laguna Beach Schools Are Organized
Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) serves roughly 2,500 students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade across just four public schools: two elementary schools (El Morro and Top of the World), Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School.
Because the district is small and locally focused, families get a combination that’s hard to find in larger systems:
A clear feeder pattern from elementary through high school.
Direct communication with teachers and administrators.
Strong alignment on district-wide goals and learner profile, so your student isn’t “starting over” every time they advance to a new campus.
If you’re moving to Laguna Beach, the big picture is simple: once you know which neighborhood you’re in, you can quickly identify your assigned school, understand the enrollment process, and plug into resources that support your whole family.
Laguna Beach Public Schools At A Glance
Table of Contents
Helpful Links
El Morro Elementary School (K–5)
El Morro serves the northern side of Laguna Beach and sits just above the Pacific, with a campus that reflects the town’s mix of arts, coastal living, and outdoor lifestyle. The school emphasizes strong core academics, social–emotional learning, and a welcoming, “whole child” approach.
Recent recognitions have included national and state awards, along with a 1:1 student-to-device ratio that makes tech integration feel natural instead of forced.
Why families like El Morro:
High academic expectations with lots of teacher support.
A tight-knit PTA and community that shows up for events and fundraisers.
Easy access to after-school options through SchoolPower, Boys & Girls Club, and city recreation programs.
Top of the World Elementary School (K–5)
Top of the World (“TOW”) sits on the hills above town, with canyon views and a campus that feels like a neighborhood hub. Families see it as a high-performing, nurturing school where kids are known by name and supported from TK through fifth grade.
The school aligns with LBUSD’s broader learner profile—focusing on creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving—while maintaining strong test performance and a well-rounded curriculum
Why families like TOW:
Strong academics with a focus on real-world problem solving.
Active parent community and SchoolPower support.
Easy transitions into Thurston Middle School thanks to district-wide alignment.
Thurston Middle School (6–8)
Thurston Middle School serves all LBUSD middle-grade students and has earned recognition as a #1 ranked middle school in Orange County and a multi-time “Schools to Watch” and Gold Medal award winner.
Thurston leans hard into the “whole child” model—balancing rigorous academics with strong social–emotional supports, counseling, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
What Thurston is known for:
High academic expectations and strong high-school preparation.
Personalized counseling as students plan the jump to Laguna Beach High School.
A campus culture that feels safe, connected, and student-centered.
Laguna Beach High School
Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) is a four-year public high school that combines a classic “small town” high school feel with serious college- and career-readiness.
Students have access to Advanced Placement and honors courses, career pathways, arts and athletics, and a comprehensive counseling program that supports academic planning, college applications, and post-graduation options.
What families appreciate about LBHS:
Strong college counseling and four-year academic planning.
Small-school feel, with many students involved in sports, arts, and clubs.
A district-level focus on social–emotional health, mental health supports, and inclusive school culture.
How To Enroll Your Student
Enrollment for LBUSD is handled centrally through the district’s online system.
Here’s the basic roadmap:
Confirm Your School Boundaries
Use the district’s School Boundaries tool to confirm which elementary school or secondary school your address feeds into. This is especially important if you’re finalizing a lease or home purchase and want to double-check school assignments.
Gather Required Documents
Typical items include proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records (for transfers). The district enrollment page outlines current requirements by grade level and school year.
Complete Online Enrollment
New student enrollment, including TK and kindergarten, is done through the LBUSD online portal. Families then receive school-specific follow-up information and orientation details from El Morro, Top of the World, Thurston, or LBHS.
Understand Special Cases (Transfers, TK, Preschool)
Transitional Kindergarten (TK):
Offered at both elementary schools, with extended day options.
Transfers:
LBUSD provides information for intra- and inter-district transfers on its enrollment pages.
Preschool & School Readiness:
The district runs preschool and early-learning programs, plus a School Readiness Program with added support and resources.
Special Education, IEPs, and Support for Students With Disabilities
Laguna Beach Unified School District provides a full range of special education services for students who qualify under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If you’re moving into Laguna Beach and your child already receives special education services, the district will review your existing IEP and work with you to ensure a smooth transition. LBUSD follows California Department of Education guidance and provides services through its Special Education Department and the SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area).
What families should know when enrolling a student with special needs:
Submit Your Existing IEP During Enrollment
If your child already has an IEP from another district or state, upload it during online enrollment or provide it directly to LBUSD’s Special Education team. They review records promptly and ensure services continue without interruption.
LBUSD Will Hold an Intake or Transfer IEP Meeting
After reviewing your documents, the district schedules a transfer IEP meeting. This meeting confirms services, discusses placement, and ensures all supports align with California guidelines. Families should expect strong collaboration—LBUSD is known for its small-district responsiveness and individualized approach.
A Full Continuum of Services Is Available
LBUSD provides the full continuum required under IDEA, including:
- Specialized academic instruction
- Related services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling)
- Accommodations and modifications in the general education setting
- Adaptive physical education
- Behavioral and social–emotional supports
- Transition planning for secondary students
Services are delivered on each campus by credentialed specialists, with coordination through the district’s Special Education and Student Services departments.
Evaluations and Assessments for New or Suspected Needs
If you suspect your child may need additional support—even without an existing IEP—you can submit a written assessment request at the time of enrollment or any time during the school year. LBUSD will initiate the evaluation process following state timelines.
Strong Inclusion Practices Across All Schools
LBUSD emphasizes inclusive education, ensuring that students with disabilities participate in the general education environment as much as possible. Both elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school have onsite specialists, case managers, and structured supports that allow students to learn, socialize, and thrive alongside peers.
Additional Supports Through Section 504 Plans
For students who don’t qualify for an IEP but need accommodations—for example, due to ADHD, anxiety, medical conditions, or learning-related challenges—LBUSD offers 504 Plans. These ensure students have equal access to instruction, testing, and school activities.
Transportation, Buses, And Daily Logistics
LBUSD offers a parent-paid bus transportation program operated by Durham School Services for students in grades K–8, with select options for TK and high school.
Key points for families:
Bus Passes:
Students must show a district-issued bus pass when boarding. Passes are purchased through the Transportation Department and typically take a couple of business days to process. Make sure you secure a bus pass as soon as they are available, they run out quick!
Fees and No-Cost Options:
There’s a published fee schedule for annual, one-way, summer, and temporary passes, and qualifying families can apply for no-cost bus passes based on state guidelines.
Kindergarten and TK:
Younger students must be met at the stop by a parent or designated adult, which is important when you’re planning work and pick-up routines.
On top of the district buses, the City of Laguna Beach offers local transit through services like the free, on-demand Laguna Local shuttle that connects residential neighborhoods with key destinations around town, including schools.
Put simply: you can live car-light near the village and high school, but families in canyon or hillside neighborhoods often rely on a mix of bus service, local transit, and carpooling.
After-School, Enrichment, And Extended Learning
Once you’ve sorted out the school day, the next question is usually: “What happens at 3 p.m.?” LBUSD and its community partners have built a strong network of after-school and extended learning options:
Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach:
A major partner for after-school care, camps, and youth programs, with locations and programming designed to align with school schedules.
District Extended Learning / ELO-P
SchoolPower After-School Programs
City Recreation Programs
The City’s recreation department runs classes, sports, arts, and seasonal camps that tie in well with the school calendar.
Early Childhood, Preschool, And School Readiness
If you’re moving to Laguna Beach with younger kids, you don’t have to wait for kindergarten to plug into the district. LBUSD runs a Preschool and School Readiness Program that connects families with early childhood education, health and developmental screenings, and parent resources.
Highlights include:
Laguna Beach Preschool programs
Laguna Beach’s district-run preschool programs give families a seamless start, ensuring children build early skills within the same learning culture they’ll experience in TK and elementary school. By beginning within LBUSD, kids benefit from consistent teaching approaches, smooth transitions, and support teams that already know their strengths and needs.
The Learning Link program
The Learning Link program, which offers early learning experiences and parent support before formal school starts.
First 5 Orange County and First 5 California
Connections to First 5 Orange County and First 5 California, which provide additional early-learning and developmental resources.
This is where you start if you want your child to feel comfortable with the district, routines, and campuses long before that first day of kindergarten.
Family Resource Center And Support Services
One of the newest (and most underrated) perks of LBUSD is the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center (FRC), located near Laguna Beach High School. The FRC is a dedicated, district-run hub that helps families navigate everything from early education and mental health to community resources and parent workshops.
The Family Resource Center offers:
A Safe Space
A safe, welcoming space for LBUSD families to talk through needs and get connected to the right services.
Many Offerings
Workshops, parenting groups, and community events focused on both academic success and emotional wellbeing.
Caring Support
Support in navigating mental health services, school-based supports, and community agencies.
For many families, the FRC becomes a “one-stop” starting point—especially when you’re new in town and don’t yet know who to call for what.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Laguna Beach public schools good?
Yes. Laguna Beach Unified School District is widely recognized as a high-performing district, with strong results on state measures and multiple schools receiving state and national awards. Thurston Middle School has been recognized as a top-ranked middle school in Orange County, and El Morro Elementary has earned Blue Ribbon and Gold Ribbon honors.
How many public schools are in Laguna Beach?
LBUSD runs four public schools: El Morro Elementary, Top of the World Elementary, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School.
How do I enroll my child in a Laguna Beach school?
Start by confirming your school boundaries on the LBUSD website, then complete online new student enrollment and submit required documents like proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records. The district will connect you with your assigned school for orientation and next steps.
Is bus transportation available for students?
Yes. LBUSD offers a parent-paid bus program for grades K–8, with limited options for TK and high school students. Passes are required to ride and can be purchased through the district’s Transportation Department, with no-cost passes available for qualifying families.
What family resources are available beyond the classroom?
In addition to strong school-based supports, families can access the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center, SchoolPower programs, Boys & Girls Club, and city recreation services. Together, they provide counseling, workshops, after-school care, enrichment, and help navigating community resources.