2024 Best Charter High Schools in the San Diego Area

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  316 reviews

Sophomore: This is a really great school! I am currently a sophomore and have had many great experiences. Although we aren’t widely known for our sports, we do offer a variety such as soccer, basketball, golf, etc. Preuss does provide more academically; they provide more advanced classes and prepare students for college. Since Preuss has a smaller population of students, it allows teachers to focus and actually help out students. All teachers are more than willing to help if needed. Also, the Preuss community is very open and active. There are a variety of clubs which put on multiple events for the school. If you are looking for an academically friendly school with a friendly community, the Preuss School UCSD is the school for you!... Read 316 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• La Mesa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  853 reviews

Senior: I love Helix for the school spirit, the many many club opportunities, the diversity if you are someone who wants a school they can be proud of sports wise then helix is the school for you! Helix has gotten more strict this past year which while being good can also be damaging students should feel like their school is a place to lift them up and help then learn rather than a little mini jail. Helix also needs their actions to follow their words for a no bully zone and a mental health in the same place many of my peers and I have felt unsafe or unheard with our mental differences.... Read 853 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,462

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  204 reviews

Sophomore: ECHS has one of the most rigorous curriculum that emphasizes strong language skills, develops critical thinking capabilities, and enhances problem-solving faculties. This public school has different learning options that students can take. The athletics department have improved since 2019. For example, last school year, the softball team won the CIF San Diego Section Playoffs for Division 5, making history as the first ever CIF playoff win title in school history. The football team has had three consecutive Pacific League wins. There is so much history that is made in our athletic department and academics department. I honestly think that the dress code shouldn't be allowed. The school has a strict dress code. I wish our school didn't have Senior exhibition. Seniors have to do a presentation on a topic they chose and present in front of a panel of judges. If students don't pass, they won't walk during the graduation ceremony.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Lakeside, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: It took some time to adjust to the schedule, but the people here are great. Teachers are great at communicating and are very helpful. I have taken many college classes and felt prepared due to the classes that I took at River Valley. Education wise, I feel like River Valley is great! When it comes to sports and extracurriculars, we are very inclusive! The sports teams are a lot of fun and include everyone no matter the skill level. Overall if you are looking for a school that is inclusive, prepares you for college, and is an overall great environment, River Valley is for you. ( Also u literally only go to school twice a week so...) :)... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 233

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• San Marcos, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  126 reviews

Senior: High Tech High North County is an amazing school with so many opportunities. Working with the community and being able to figure out what you want your future to be like through internship opportunities. Another great opportunity is having a class that is focused for college readiness, this allows you to further look into your future and decide what you want to do, as well as learning about financial aid and more.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: We've been a part of LFCS for 11 years. Now all 4 of my kids are in school there and we are so thankful for a safe, consistent learning environment for them. I so appreciate that the school takes a neutral position on any and all political or controversial issues, and instead encourages kids to ask their parents what their family values are. Also, there are regular meetings where parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the inner workings of the school. And I'm always impressed with the school's financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. They operate within the budget and welcome questions from parents regarding spending. If you're unsure about whether this is the school for you, attend a tour and get informed. They are happy to answer any questions you have!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,945

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Spring Valley, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  475 reviews

Junior: Steele canyon is a great school with an amazing community in which all of the students and teachers strive to make each other feel welcome, we have significant connections throughout the campus and doing sports and extra curricular activities only add on to the exceptional school Steele canyon is. The staff we have do their best to connect with the students and make sure the school is running as smoothly as possible. The students have a large voice in addressing problems and other activities that go on around the campus itself. I do find that not all of our community treats everyone fairly and respects those sports teams, academic classes or clubs that are of less priority on certain peoples lists and it is hard to stand up to change that if the people do not want to change their mindsets on this complication between notions.... Read 475 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,156

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The Learning Choice Academy is a charter school which offers K-12 education. I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been with the school since the second semester of kindergarten. The small class sizes offer a very tight-knit, personal community of students, and many of my friends have been in my grade since middle or even elementary school, although new students are usually able to integrate quite well. As for the educational prospects, the school offers a reasonably good curriculum for elementary and middle schoolers, but the lack of elective classes and clubs in high school is somewhat of a detriment. Aside from that, however, the Learning Choice Academy is a very solid school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: The best part about my experience at the O’Farrell Charter School is the diversity of students there. While many schools have a specific targeted race or gender or any specific cliché of students, I find that you can find almost any type of person at O’Farrell. As well as the amount of school activities helps each student bond with one another, an example would be our Homebase Olympics event that happens annually. This is a tradition at O’Farrell that any student can get excited for and sets the school different from others. The staff at O’Farrell make the experience much more enjoyable as well as they all have connections and bonds to the students. The worst part about my experience at O’Farrell is our strict guidelines, such as our dress code or attendance policy. The O’Farrell Charter School is a uniform school such as all students having to wear a belt, even if their pants fit perfectly, or if you even forget it by accident you get warned. My experience is unique here nonetheless.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,789

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  156 reviews

Senior: High Tech High Media Arts is unique in its ability to teach its students in a project-based, community-oriented way, and prepare students for real life outside of the education system. Through hands-on projects it has taught me about diversity, compassion, learning from failure, and collaboration. The school values respect between both students and teachers, and fosters a community where people across the spectrum of diversity can come together and find similarities while also celebrating differences. It is apparent that every teacher genuinely cares about each student, and prioritizes their overall growth and learning instead of simple statistics. I am thankful that I have been fortunate enough to attend High Tech High Media Arts for the past four years because it has made me a better student and a better person.... Read 156 reviews

• grade A

• Students 394

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: Guajome Park Academy Charter is a great school for academics. They are able to provide you with college level courses like the International Baccalaureate diploma which is what I am currently taking, or they allow you to take the college prep pathway. It is a great school that helps prepare students for college and they are very dedicated to what they do. They maintain a healthy and very friendly environment where you enjoy being in classes and being engaged in what is going on around you. They make sure everyone is happy and they try to maintain an encouraging and inviting environment for anyone and everyone. They make sure all people feel included no matter the situation and they are overall a great school with amazing teachers, and amazing staff as well.... Read 170 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,347

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Jamul, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: This is an excellent school! Staff is friendly and supportive. They know you by name and help you succeed academically. Anyone looking for personalized learning for free with great teachers should attend this homeschool!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  269 reviews

Junior: Great learning environment! This school is filled with amazing opportunities and college and career readiness help. My teachers have been very helpful regarding my internship, and other plans for the future. I have peers who care about me as well as my teachers do. Something I love that we have at High Tech High Chula Vista is the fact that we are required to go on an internship before graduating. I also love that we have advisory. Advisory is a time that we have to check in with our teacher advisors. It can be a time to check in about anything. It could be advise for college, the future, and anything in general. You also get to have the same people in that class during all four years of high school. All in all, High Tech High Chula Vista has a great learning environment and great help and opportunities for the future.... Read 269 reviews

• grade A

• Students 624

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  184 reviews

Senior: High Tech High International is a project based school, and this makes for a very unique high school experience. Instead of learning from text books and being tested weekly, we participate in hands on projects to help us learn while gaining skills that we can use outside of school. We are taught about public speaking, applying to jobs, financial topics, and much more useful information. My experience at this school has been great. All teachers and students are very accepting of everyone, and since it is a smaller school, it is very easy to make a community and friends.... Read 184 reviews

• grade A

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  221 reviews

Senior: My experience at Classical Academy High School has been very rewarding. Throughout my years of attending this school have been awarded with wonderful teachers, classes, and the environment. The teachers at my school have been very accommodating when I needed extra help to understand the material presented. They enjoy doing this because, in my experience, I can see that they care about me and want me to succeed especially in the subject they teach. There are many varieties of classes at Classical Academy High School. They have an amazing math and science program. The programs are sometimes difficult but always rewarding when I get the job done well with accuracy. In the classes I have taken, there has always been very supportive people with so many different interests. Many of my fellow classmates respect the people around them. They have rejoiced when I passed a test and have comforted me when I was going through a difficult time.... Read 221 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,300

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  182 reviews

Senior: High Tech High is unlike any other high school I have seen in California. My school is project based, so students are given the opportunity to participate and work in groups to create a beautiful project at the end of the school year. Teachers connect with students on a personal level to ensure everyone is comfortable and confident in the work space. When I was in 7th grade, I worked on a project that required a parade float. I mean a life size parade float for the Ocean Beach Christmas Parade. We dedicated the float to the Rescued Dog which is a non-profit organization. I got to bring my dog to the parade! High Tech High creates an environment for me where I don't have to feel ashamed for what ideas come into mind. I feel free to explore my interests with great support from teachers, classmates and parents.... Read 182 reviews

• grade A

• Students 501

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Oceanside, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: My greatest contribution to Coastal Academy has been my transition into patience and understanding. It has been the ability to normalize the harsh judgement that we face as teenagers. We've sustained support networks to allow for safe spaces for students to congregate and express themselves freely from prejudice. We have created an open dialogue to allow for students to stay focused at a point in our lives where distractions are endless. As a Leader, I've been able to teach the next set of student leaders of their own innate abilities and empower them to harvest the best in others. As I leave this campus, I will continue to challenge my colleagues to question the root of their foundations to become better as we are the next generation stepping away from our childhoods. Our future is what will make of it and I hope that we will strive for more than those before us.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,821

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: The overall system of the High school is very well organized systematically for all students to graduate with a seal of biliteracy, where students will take both English and Spanish for 4 years. Although, Chula Vista Learning Charter School isn't the biggest High school or is seen differently from the eye of a "normal" public school, there are many given opportunities to students that other school do not receive. The counselors and teachers pay very close attention to their students and are always willing to help them with their needs and will make sure that they understand what is going on and that they're in a safe environment.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,449

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: I really like the size of this High school. Others may say that the school is really small but I think it is great since you are able to know and talk to your teachers and counselors more easily. They have helped each year in growing and teaching us to be prepared for the real world and what it might show us. The schedules and the school campus are easy to understand and it makes school really comfortable. Everyone has good relationships with everyone and they all treat each other with kindness and respect. The elementary school is also a good school since your teachers help you grow and they are have made my elementary school experience stick with me all throughout elementary to High School.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,613

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  136 reviews

Alum: Health Sciences High was a very good experience for me. I learned a lot there. I learned how to grow out of my shell. I gained experience with leadership roles. I was introduced to college courses. The staff and administration truly seem to care about their students. They also put a lot of thought into rewarding their students. For instance, spirit weeks, end of the year field trips, senior camping trips, and trips to Europe! Overall, a very good school with staff members who want to see their students succeeding.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 598

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I love Dehesa. I still do! Everyone there is so kind. Thinking back on how much trouble I caused, I feel pretty guilty. It's a very unique place! There are coding classes, which is where I first started to code! A coding class is something I've never seen before. And yet, I'm going into ninth grade and I still haven't seen another coding class in the schools I've gone to! I love Dehesa. I've been seeing some negatives for charter schools in the news, and I think they're totally wrong! One of my teachers told me "You'll never know unless you try", so how do the reporters know that charter school is that bad? It's actually better than most in my opinion. I remember theatre play for "Bedtime Stories (As told by our dad who messed them up)". Our dinosaur actor brought in this huge inflatable dino suit! Remembering my role as the sheep and being pulled back and forth warms my heart. I miss California with all of my being. I'm so happy I'll be moving back! I want to go back to Dehesa asap!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  33 reviews

Junior: SET High is a school unlike any I have previously seen. The school is very small with a student population under 250 and a single building as the campus. The classes reflect the small size, typically ranging from 10-20 students. These classes are very supportive of students, with learning occurring in the classroom and very little homework being assigned. Grades also tend to reflect effort. These aspects allow for "learning without tears." For students who seek rigorous classes, SET also offers students the opportunity to take free community college courses. SET allows students of all academic abilities to thrive. Students are also supported in their passions through time, funding, and general support. The social environment is also very unique at SET. Students of all backgrounds attend SET, so students are almost never alienated. The staff are also able to closely control the social behaviors of the population, so bullying and fights are rare. Overall, SET is a wonderful school.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 216

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: I've been a student at High Tech Mesa (HTHM) for 4 years, and I've had a very good experience. The teachers' commitment is one of the school's most defining qualities. They go above and above to build a personal connection with each of their students because they genuinely care about their academic success. This degree of dedication and consideration has been crucial to my own academic development. Teachers & staff do a great job teaching students how to figure things out for themselves and realistic problem solving. However the school HTHM still has some room for improvement. Particularly, some subjects—like math—are not very rigorous and don't sufficiently push students. Additionally, students cannot enroll in a variety of subjects tailored to their interests because class schedules are set by administrators. The only chosen classes (Xblock) are super short (45 mins/twice a week). The biggest thing, however, is the staff turnover ; 1 year, the school lost nearly 2/3 of their staff.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• Students 393

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  99 reviews

Senior: I enrolled at E3 Civic in my junior year. The administration was very responsive when it came to transferring my classes and assisting me in choosing some for the forthcoming semester at the school. I've never had a bad experience with a teacher because they are all so nice and understanding. The resources they provide us to excel in our college application journey and the readily available office hours for additional assistance are some of the things that I value the most. Still, there is always room for growth. They can be a bit too hands-on and protective at times, so I'd want to see a more independent student life. They should also take us on more frequent short field trips to the park and other locations since we are located in a building rather than on an outdoor campus. E3 Civic High, in my opinion, is a great institution. It may not be the best choice for everyone, but if you're looking to improve your academics this is a great option.... Read 99 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 413

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1