Choosing the right high school in California can have a major impact on your child’s academic future, career path, and overall development. With over 1,000 high schools across the state. Whether you’re seeking the best academic programs, affordable tuition, outstanding sports facilities, or strong college prep, this guide will help you find the perfect fit.
Whether you’re looking for the best high schools in Southern California, top private high schools in the Bay Area. We’ve handpicked best high schools in California for 2025, Our rankings are based on academic performance, college readiness, extracurricular activities, affordability, location, and more. This blog covers the essential information and rankings to help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Best Public High Schools in California [2025]
California isn’t just known for its beaches, tech giants, and Hollywood — it’s also home to some of the top public high schools in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a school that excels in STEM, offers early college programs, or supports creativity and leadership, this list of the best public high schools in California covers diverse academic pathways that prepare students for college and beyond.
California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS) – Carson
- Enrollment: 672 | AP Courses: 18 | Grad Rate: 95%
- Located on the CSU Dominguez Hills campus, CAMS offers advanced STEM learning and college credit opportunities in a diverse, high-achieving environment.
Canyon Crest Academy – San Diego
- Enrollment: 2,183 | AP Courses: 27
- Offers a mix of rigorous academics and vibrant clubs — from calligraphy to college dual-enrollment at Palomar College.
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Prep Academy – Wilmington
- Enrollment: 474 | AP Courses: 19
- A top early-college high school where students can earn an associate degree alongside their diploma.
GECA (Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy) – Gilroy
- Enrollment: 290 | AP Courses: 24
- An early college model school allowing students to graduate with transferable college credits from Gavilan College.
Dougherty Valley High School – San Ramon
- Enrollment: 3,118 | AP Courses: 27
- Known for its academic excellence, student-centered environment, and comprehensive college and career programs.
Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA) – Los Angeles
- Enrollment: 344 | AP Courses: 24
- A unique all-girls public school with a STEM-focused curriculum fostering leadership and equity in science and technology.
Henry M. Gunn High School – Palo Alto
- Enrollment: 1,713 | AP Courses: 29
- Offers top-tier academic programs, creative electives, and a focus on student well-being and leadership.
Lowell High School – San Francisco
- Enrollment: 672 | AP Courses: 30
- With a 99% graduation rate and a rich history, Lowell is a powerhouse of academic achievement and diversity.
Lynbrook High School – San Jose
- Enrollment: 1,741 | AP Courses: 17
- Fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking with a strong academic and extracurricular foundation.
Monta Vista High School – Cupertino
- Enrollment: 1,751 | AP Courses: 26
- Combines rigorous academics with vibrant student life, offering over 80 student-led clubs.
Top 20 Best Public High Schools in California [2025]
California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS) – Carson
- Enrollment: 672 | AP Courses: 18 | Grad Rate: 95%
- Located on the CSU Dominguez Hills campus, CAMS offers advanced STEM learning and college credit opportunities in a diverse, high-achieving environment.
Canyon Crest Academy – San Diego
- Enrollment: 2,183 | AP Courses: 27
- Offers a mix of rigorous academics and vibrant clubs — from calligraphy to college dual-enrollment at Palomar College.
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Prep Academy – Wilmington
- Enrollment: 474 | AP Courses: 19
- A top early-college high school where students can earn an associate degree alongside their diploma.
GECA (Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy) – Gilroy
- Enrollment: 290 | AP Courses: 24
- An early college model school allowing students to graduate with transferable college credits from Gavilan College.
Dougherty Valley High School – San Ramon
- Enrollment: 3,118 | AP Courses: 27
- Known for its academic excellence, student-centered environment, and comprehensive college and career programs.
Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA) – Los Angeles
- Enrollment: 344 | AP Courses: 24
- A unique all-girls public school with a STEM-focused curriculum fostering leadership and equity in science and technology.
Henry M. Gunn High School – Palo Alto
- Enrollment: 1,713 | AP Courses: 29
- Offers top-tier academic programs, creative electives, and a focus on student well-being and leadership.
Lowell High School – San Francisco
- Enrollment: 672 | AP Courses: 30
- With a 99% graduation rate and a rich history, Lowell is a powerhouse of academic achievement and diversity.
Lynbrook High School – San Jose
- Enrollment: 1,741 | AP Courses: 17
- Fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking with a strong academic and extracurricular foundation.
Monta Vista High School – Cupertino
- Enrollment: 1,751 | AP Courses: 26
- Combines rigorous academics with vibrant student life, offering over 80 student-led clubs.
Mission San Jose High School – Fremont
- Enrollment: 1,878 | AP Courses: 26
- Offers a wide range of academic and technical courses along with a strong focus on student development.
Oxford Academy – Cypress
- Enrollment: 821 | AP Courses: 21
- Highly selective, with a strong dual-enrollment program and leadership development opportunities.
Pacific Collegiate Charter – Santa Cruz
- Enrollment: 560 | AP Courses: 22
- All students must complete at least five AP courses before graduation, ensuring academic rigor and college readiness.
Riverside STEM Academy – Riverside
- Enrollment: 250 | AP Courses: 10
- Offers strong university connections and co-curricular STEM activities with UC Riverside.
Saratoga High School – Saratoga
- Enrollment: 1,198 | AP Courses: 27
- Known for robotics, arts, and media programs, along with top-tier academic performance.
The Science Academy STEM Magnet – North Hollywood
- Enrollment: 261 | AP Courses: 14
- A leading STEM magnet school with a welcoming environment and award-winning robotics teams.
University High School – Los Angeles
- Enrollment: 491 | AP Courses: 24
- Offers a Math, Arts, and Science Magnet with early college opportunities through West LA College.
West Campus High School – Sacramento
- Enrollment: 838 | AP Courses: 34
- Focuses on college and career readiness with a wide variety of clubs and student leadership opportunities.
Western Center Academy – Hemet
- Enrollment: 349 | AP Courses: 23
- Integrates science museum-based learning into its curriculum, creating an engaging and hands-on educational experience.
Whitney High School – Cerritos
- Enrollment: 1,021 | AP Courses: 14
- Offers a strong academic program with elective diversity and a top-tier college prep track.
Best Private High Schools in California
The College Preparatory School – Oakland, CA
Grades: 9–12 (Private)
Students: 373
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Overview: Located in Oakland, The College Preparatory School offers a rigorous college-focused curriculum in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. It consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state.
Stanford Online High School – Redwood City, CA
Grades: 7–12 (Online)
Students: 1,032
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Overview: An innovative online private school affiliated with Stanford University, this school serves academically advanced students from around the world. Its flexible virtual format and top-tier faculty make it ideal for motivated learners.
Harvard-Westlake School – Studio City, CA
Grades: 7–12 (Private)
Students: 1,620
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Overview: A prestigious private school in Los Angeles, Harvard-Westlake is known for academic excellence, a broad extracurricular program, and preparing students for top colleges and universities nationwide.
The Nueva School – Hillsborough, CA
Grades: PK, K–12 (Private)
Students: 853
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Overview: Nueva offers a progressive, project-based curriculum with an emphasis on design thinking and gifted education. It fosters innovation, curiosity, and emotional intelligence from preschool to high school.
The Bishop’s School – La Jolla, CA
Grades: 6–12 (Private)
Students: 800
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Overview: Nestled in coastal La Jolla, The Bishop’s School blends academic excellence with spiritual growth and a strong sense of community, offering diverse programs in arts, athletics, and leadership.
Flintridge Preparatory School – La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Grades: 7–12 (Private)
Students: 530
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Overview: This independent school places a strong emphasis on personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development. It offers a close-knit learning environment near Pasadena.
Windward School – Los Angeles, CA
Grades: 7–12 (Private)
Students: 625
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Overview: With a dynamic arts and technology curriculum, Windward prepares students for college and life through creativity, critical thinking, and strong community values.
Sage Hill School – Newport Coast, CA
Grades: 9–12 (Private)
Students: 700
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Overview: Set on a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sage Hill offers a forward-thinking college prep program with a focus on leadership, community engagement, and independent thinking.
The Quarry Lane School – Dublin, CA
Grades: PK, K–12 (Private)
Students: 1,050
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Overview: Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Quarry Lane provides a global perspective in education while supporting academic rigor and student wellness.
Crystal Springs Uplands School – Hillsborough, CA
Grades: 6–12 (Private)
Students: 565
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Overview: A top-tier independent school in the Bay Area, Crystal Springs combines strong academics with a tight-knit school culture and a commitment to student success.
Best Online High Schools in California
The 2025 rankings for the best online high schools are built on a comprehensive review of academic performance, parent and student feedback, and data from the U.S. Department of Education. These rankings highlight top-performing virtual and cyber schools based on factors such as:
- Academic achievement and state assessment results
- Graduation rates and college preparation
- Quality of instruction and teacher support
- Overall satisfaction with the online learning experience
Laurel Springs School
Location: Ojai, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A+
Students: 2,711
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Cambridge Virtual Academy
Location: Anaheim, CA
Grades: 7–12
Niche Grade: A+
Students: 270
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
San Joaquin High School
Location: Irvine, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A+
Students: 111
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
California Online Public Schools Monterey Bay (CALOPS)
Location: Ripon, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 476
Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
Buena Vista Virtual Academy
Location: Placentia, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 144
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
California Preparatory Academy
Location: Capistrano, CA
Grades: 9–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 225
Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
Excel Academy Charter School
Location: Irvine, CA
Grades: PK–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 1,614
Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
Learning Post High School
Location: William S. Hart Union District, CA
Grades: 7–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 363
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
California Online Public Schools – Southern California
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 5,141
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
California Pacific Charter Schools – San Diego
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Grades: K–12
Niche Grade: A
Students: 280
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
How to Choose the Best High School for Your Child
Key Considerations:
- Academic strengths
- College prep and counseling
- Location & commute
- Tuition or funding (private vs public)
- Student-teacher ratio
- Safety and facilities
- Extracurriculars & sports
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the best public high school in California?
California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS) – Carson is the best public high school in California
Are online high schools legit in California?
Yes, but check for accreditation and whether they meet UC/CSU A-G requirements.
How many high schools are in California in 2025?
California has the highest number of high schools in the United States, with approximately 3,900 high schools. According to Mission: Graduate NM, there are around 23,882 public high schools and 2,845 private high schools nationwide, making California a significant contributor to the total number of high schools across the country.
Final Thoughts
The best high school for your child depends on a variety of factors: academic needs, future goals, and personal interests. Rankings help, but visiting schools and talking to administrators can make the difference. Use this guide to explore your options and feel confident in your decision.
