2019 Best Charter High Schools in the San Diego AreaAbout this List

Preuss School UCSD

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 6-12
• 253

Sophomore: My experience at the Preuss School UCSD was amazing. As I spent time here, I realize that this school is a safe community for me to be in. I made new friends who I grew very close with these past 5 years. It's almost unbelievable that there's only 2 more years left until we separate and go off into our own ways into college. In addition, the Preuss School UCSD fantastic resources that help us students to get accepted into 4 year colleges. The school provides us opportunities with scholarships and internships directed towards our school only. This demonstrates the schools capabilities in creating connections with other programs to support the low income students at this school. I really appreciate what this school has offered to me, and I consider myself to be really lucky to be able to attend here. I do not regret coming here, and so I would like to say my overall experience with the Preuss School UCSD has by far been spectacular!
Read 253 Reviews

• A+

• 840 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Classical Academy High School

• Escondido Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 157

Alum: I attended CAHS all four years of my high school career and absolutely loved it! The teachers and admin really care about your personal success and well-being, not just your grades. The students are kind and considerate of their classmates and overall pretty respectful of their teachers. There are so many other good things about the school, but to keep it brief, I'll just leave it at this: Small campus, nurturing academic environment, pretty accepting student body. This is not your average high school.
Read 157 Reviews

• A+

• 1,084 Students
• 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Escondido Charter High School

• Escondido Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 168

Senior: I have been apart of the American Heritage Charter Schools program since Kindergarten. I have been a white tiger for all 13 years, where my friends have become my family. Because of the small campus, it feels like home. The teachers are very supportive and do their best to see their students grow. I would not change a single thing about this school. I am blessed to have been apart of many traditions throughout the school years that make Charter, Charter. The uniqueness of the school makes it different from others. From Saxon Day, to airbands, there are many days that students look forward to every year.
Read 168 Reviews

• A+

• 765 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Helix High School

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 687

Alum: Helix was a great school! Graduating from helix was such an accomplishment and knowing I was prepared for college. I mastered giving and preparing for speeches. As well as researching reliable sources and writing 10page research papers. Helix is a very college driven school and every student that graduates from there definitely leaves prepared for college. The school is very diverse although there were cases of bullying everyone knew everyone and A majority of people supported everyone cheered everyone on in sports, performances, academics, and so much more.
Read 687 Reviews

• A

• 2,475 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

River Valley Charter School

• Lakeside Union Elementary School District (Lakeside), CA
• 7-12
• 88

Senior: It's a very small, welcoming community. The classes are very small, with only 18 students at most. It's a college prep school, so students only attend school twice a week, which gives them time to take college classes. The teachers are among the best, all graduates of local universities, all very passionate about the subjects they teach, all very kind and caring towards the students. All the students are very motivated, and the graduation rate for seniors is 100%. Overall it's a very good, social community with exceptional education.
Read 88 Reviews

• A

• 272 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

High Tech High International

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 153

Senior: High Tech High is a friendly and very open environment. It encourages people to include others and connect with other students and teachers. At High Tech we call our teachers by their first names. While this does seem unorthodox, it actually allows us students to see our teachers as more than just teachers. They could be friends or just somebody to talk to when you have a bad day. The teachers really care about the students and strive for them to succeed. They go above and beyond to help us get into college by helping us write essays to actually offering college courses during school. All in all High Tech High International is a great school.
Read 153 Reviews

• A

• 399 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Steele Canyon High School

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 366

Alum: Steele Canyon High School successfully prepared me for my first year of college. The teachers and faculty are always helpful and want to see students succeed. I was always communicating with counselors about how I can graduate with honors and how I can display my best self to colleges I was applying for. I want to thank Steele Canyon for helping find my potential and become more independent as an individual. I highly recommend students apply for AVID, the program is fantastic and had major influence on my attitude and performance throughout high school. We bleed Blue, Cardinal, and White and as always,
Rah, Rah, Cougars. Cougar Pride, Get Some!
Read 366 Reviews

• A

• 2,165 Students
• 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Literacy First Charter School

• Public School
• El Cajon, CA
• PK, K-12
• 15

Senior: The sense of community is great as the school is fairly small. Everyone knows everyone, teachers are reliable and are actually caring for the betterment of your success. There is no bullying and the school does have a lot of events that bring the community closer.
Read 15 Reviews

• A

• 1,639 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

High Tech High North County

• Public School
• San Marcos, CA
• 9-12
• 97

Senior: High Tech High North County has been beneficial to me, but isn't beneficial to all. This school's workload isn't as heavy as public schools since it's a public charter school, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Being a project based school, students are constantly doing research about different topics while doing regular school work at the same time. The difficulty level depends on the student and what they're capable of. Every class offers challenge options for student who need more to do.
Read 97 Reviews

• A

• 484 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

High Tech High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 148

Alum: High Tech High is a very diverse community that represents a family. Being apart of the High Tech High community allows so much growth and understanding about yourself and the world around you. The project-based system has it's pros and cons. You are able to communicate with the outside world and build connections, just like how it is in "real world." Some cons is that the project-based system doesn't prepare you much for college. Not knowing how to prepare for tests and studying can be quite challenging. Overall, High Tech High is a great school that really teaches you life lessons.
Read 148 Reviews

• A

• 583 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Guajome Park Academy Charter School

• Vista Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 139

Senior: A lovely school to be a part of! Being a small school allows students to get to know one another more. I have made so many friendships along the way. Key club has been here since 1994. The very same year our school started. I have met so many smart, kind and most importantly good leaders of our home, school, and community through this club. As a group, we have all participated in various cleanups, food drives, and veteran stand downs. It's wonderful being able to be a part of this Club and especially serve as President for the last two years. Overall, this school has many other wonderful clubs and sports. It is missing a football team but its okay. We have an amazing soccer team. They put so much effort during practices and is overall reflected when they play during their matches. They play so well that last year they went to the finals! The teachers always have their plans ready before teaching. Every lesson goes smoothly. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful institution.
Read 139 Reviews

• A

• 1,342 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

High Tech High Chula Vista

• Public School
• Chula Vista, CA
• 9-12
• 232

Junior: I love this school! I have learned valuable life skills such as leadership, social engagement and collaboration, how to apply for internships and engage in interviews. I also have participated in my school's ichthyology and herpetology program. I have learned many skills in this program alone. 10 out of 10 recommend this school to high achieving and goal setting students.
Read 232 Reviews

• A-

• 639 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

High Tech High Media Arts

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 126

Sophomore: I love the change in my learning experience compared to public schools. I love how the teachers care about your experience and can connect with you . Teachers ask what you want and how you want to be graded as well as show you their expectations to create a happy medium. The administration encourages parent involvement and want to ensure students are on the right track for college. They show that working with others and that making mistakes shows growth in your brain. Working in a Project Based Learning environment is very different and very effective on our mindset for not only school life but for life in the future. Teachers encourage students to express themselves whether it is in clubs, advisory or within our school work, we feel very passionate and are supported through every step of the way.
Read 126 Reviews

• A-

• 400 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Greater San Diego Academy

• Jamul-Dulzura Union Elementary School District, CA
• K-12
• 7

• A-

• 292 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The O'Farrell Charter School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 56

Senior: Coming from Mexico, the schools I went to never really looked like O'Farrell. Of course, private schools would look a lot nicer than public schools but nonetheless O'Farrell showed me that regardless of public or private I'm worth a good "first impression". These teachers care, nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I've met people, created bonds/relationships that I thought I would never be able to. I've learned things. Not just school things like English or Math but life lessons that O’Farrell helped guide me to. Growing up I've come to understand O’Farrells' reasoning for things so no, I wouldn't change anything about it.
Read 56 Reviews

• A-

• 1,578 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

California Virtual Academy at San Diego

• Spencer Valley Elementary School District, CA
• K-12
• 78

Junior: The curriculum here at this school is amazing; at this school, I learned many things I wouldn't have learned in public school. The teacher and staff are very helpful, friendly, and are open to your questions and concern at anytime. Since this is an online charter school, you can connect and discuss topics with with many students from different backgrounds in a family friendly setting through online discussion boards and Blackboard. Another benefit is the flexible schedule, so you can do homework at anytime if you have a busy schedule. There are also many fun clubs and activities to participate in throughout the school year. My sisters and I have been here for nearly 4 years, and I have to say that I highly recommend this school to any families seeking a higher education for their children and with very busy schedules.
Read 78 Reviews

• A-

• 2,533 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Learning Choice Academy

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 32

Junior: I've been attending the learning choice academy since 2nd grade and it has been AMAZING! The teachers are so nice and love when you ask questions! They really want to make sure their students are understanding what they are learning and want to make sure they are having a good time while doing it. The students are great as well, everyone knows each other and hangs out! The best homeschooling experience of all time!
Read 32 Reviews

• A-

• 983 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Health Sciences High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 108

Senior: I liked the fact that Health Sciences high offers an astonishing degree of ethnic diversity. They build a support system that encourages and respect those of all religions, race, and ethnicity. They have an incredible connection with the Cuyamaca/Grossmont community college district and that enables their students to take challenging college-level courses on top of their school work. The problem with this though, is that although this is ideal in a high school environment (where students are supposed to be nurtured emotionally), students have trouble letting go of this mentality when it is time for them to move on to the real world. College is not going to be waiting for you with open arms, ready to forgive the mistakes you made because you 'had a bad day.'
Read 108 Reviews

• B+

• 593 Students
• 37:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Coleman Tech Charter High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 25

Alum: It was a change from going to a bigger high school then transitioning to a smaller one like Coleman tech. The school is a smaller school, so you will know all of the other students, teachers, and administrators. It gave me more of a one on one experience with my learning experience and helping with the planning of my future. They did have the same school schedule as college, so it did help with the transitioning. The only downside could be how small the athletics side is, but the school is not about that part, more about technology. It is a good school if you like smaller side of schooling.
Read 25 Reviews

• B+

• 269 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School

• Chula Vista Elementary School District, CA
• K-12
• 46

Freshman: im currently a freshmen at this high school and i honestly love it! some don't understand the great advantage they have being at this school! The classes are small (about 20 in each class) enabling teachers to be more one on one and more attentive. I also love the community development of Comunidad ( a class to just develop oneself and be able to succeed) Altough there isn't much diversity due to being a small school its still a tight community. There aren't many clubs/activities but the ones that do exist are really fun and exciting. There are a significant amount of sports but not many but still are good i recommend joining basketball! Food isn't that great but there are food fairs every Wednesday with good food. Overall i give this school a 4/5
Read 46 Reviews

• B

• 1,444 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

e3 Civic High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 58

Senior: I have been with e3 Civic High my whole high school career and it's an amazing schooling experience! Their learning environment is so relaxing and very college oriented. I love how the learning facilitators (teachers) engage the scholars (students) into the class and empower them to try and reach for new goals. The staff there are really helpful and really organized. There is nothing that I would change about this school.
Read 58 Reviews

• B

• 405 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Gompers Preparatory Academy

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 6-12
• 101

Senior: I love how Gompers is so involved in academics and helping students get to college. The school takes the time to work with each and every student to help them reach their full potential. Gompers is currently making a new gym so hopefully the sports will advance. The teachers are very involved in all academics and extracurriculars. Even though the school is located in one of the worst parts of SouthEast San Diego, the community members still make sure each and every student is safe. Growing up at this school has shaped me to reach out for help when I need it and to use my resources to my their full potentials.
Read 101 Reviews

• B

• 1,192 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dehesa Charter School

• Dehesa Elementary School District, CA
• K-12
• 23

Niche User: I absolutely loved Dehesa Charter School! I attended from 5th grade to a sophomore in high school. You have an option to attend a "Resource Center", and for me, it was a great experience. Although very small, I made close friends and passed all of my classes. An EF (Educational Facilitator) meets with you once a month to check your progress on your studies and classes. Through Dehesa Charter School, I was able to have free control of what classes I take, and my schooling was personalized to meet my needs at that time. Overall, my experience at Dehesa Charter School was amazing and prepared me to go into traditional school after I moved away from California.
Read 23 Reviews

• B

• 1,022 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Arroyo Paseo Charter High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 11

High School Senior: As mention previously, the school has a huge money budget, but I would love to have the experience all over again. The teachers are amazing, the small and few clubs they had, the staffs made it possible to have fun. the cooking class gets to cook whatever they please. the teacher is supportive about that. Fashion class is out going, the teacher updates on the latest trends as well as the students on their free time. We are inspired to do our own drawings.
Read 11 Reviews

• B

• 124 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

North County Trade Tech High School

• Vista Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 6

Senior: North County Trade Tech High School is an amazing school. It prepares you to go out into the real world. They're programs which set you into a job or internship right after high school. It has many interesting classes. It's not a regular school and that's what I enjoy most. The teachers care and pay attention to their students. There are less students which give you a one on one time with teachers. The school try to get parents involved as much as possible. The school pushes you to do your very best in classes, sports, and after school activities. There are clubs such as Robotics, Key Club, Music, and sports which gives every student the chance to grow and interact with one another. It's a very great school. Best 3 years of my life so far. Great teachers, office administration, and students. It feels like a huge family.
Read 6 Reviews

• B

• 161 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio