2024 Best Charter High Schools in California

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  152 reviews

Parent: I absolutely love CSArts! I couldn't imagine sending my children to any other high school. The teachers and staff are amazing, and the students are the icing on the cake! This is such a diverse, accepting, supportive student body. I feel very comfortable sending my children to school here, knowing they will be safe and cared for. The education is top-notch and the conservatory classes, I can't say enough incredible things about them. I HIGHLY recommend this high school!... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 962

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Fresno, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  253 reviews

Junior: I'm so glad that I made the choice to come to University High School! On first day of Freshman orientation, I was immediately welcomed with kind and supportive peers. The staff are incredibly nice and fun to be around! There are lots of clubs, organizations, and school activities at UHS that are bound to make any student love the school! The school itself is also not a very big campus, so almost everyone knows each other. However, we also have access to Fresno State campus! Being on a college campus really allows students to have their own freedom and experience what it's like to be a college student. At UHS, students take college classes through Fresno State along with AP classes for Junior and Senior year. While being a college prep school, UHS also puts emphasis on music education as well! The academics at University High are definitely not for everyone, as they are pretty rigorous compared to other schools. However, the fun that happens at University High is definitely worth it!... Read 253 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 487

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  599 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is an excellent school. I am in my 3rd year at this school, as a freshman, and there are so many art opportunities for students wanting to pursue any type of art, as well as many academic opportunities such as a vast selection of clubs, honors societies, and volunteering activities. Students make so many great connections in their art field and can make friends with people they are much closer with, due to overlapping passions. Many of the arts teachers are actively working in their fields making them great resources! Overall, OCSA is a great option for any student passionate about art and curious about learning more about art! Although there are some problems with OCSA including safety because of the location, academic teachers because some are not sufficient in teaching, as well as the food since some options can be unhealthy and the menu does not get switched out daily, OCSA has a great positive community that accepts all!... Read 599 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,217

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lake Balboa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  181 reviews

Alum: High Tech Los Angeles is a High school which focuses on its technology and provides students with opportunities to engage in project-based learning and innovative educational experiences. Its focused aim is to prepare students for success in college and into further careers for a variety of fields. While being a student here I had access to modern technology and tools that helped me learn through a variety of experiences. The school's focus on project-based learning, helped me and my friends stay engaged while experiencing real-world situations. HTLA using technology with a focus on project-based learning helped me as a student develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which have proven valuable during my college. Being in this environment which encouraged innovation and creativity helped me grow a passion for learning and exploring new ideas.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 372

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  1,514 reviews

Sophomore: Granada Hills Charter High School has an intellectually enhancing curriculum that is unique to any other LAUSD or charter school that allows students to succeed further in life. From things such as the STEM program (which I am in) allowing opportunities for AP Physics and Honors Chemistry in freshman year, to increased amounts of extracurriculars from service hour opportunities to endless amounts of successful sports!... Read 1,514 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,675

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  308 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 308 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• La Mesa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  847 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 847 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,462

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  188 reviews

Alum: University Preparatory Academy charter has help to truly develop me into becoming a young adult. I loved the support that I had throughout all my years at UPA, even thought the pandemic teachers were there looking out for our educational well being and even mental well being. I loved the push for community and friendship that i had developed with other students from UPA of all grades. One thing I would like to see change in UPA, is the flexibility of teachers, it seemed as though most teachers had too much to handle with having to teach serval different subject and yet then some even coach sports, and didn't have time to help students and sometimes office hours would be closed.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 716

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Santa Cruz County Office of Education, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: I have two children at PCS a high school boy and a middle school girl. They are both thriving! Our daughter entered in 7th grade and her experience was so good, her brother decided to transfer in the middle of 10th grade. He loves it too. His attitude towards school and his grades improved because the teachers are so stimulating and the social environment is so positive. He has more homework than at his old school, but it's more interesting and exciting for him, so it's actually easier for him to do it. My children are very different and have different learning challenges, but both are thriving at PCS.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 556

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• El Segundo, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  309 reviews

Alum: The school community is what made the school years very enjoyable. The environment this school created is beyond great. They make sure you’re on the right track to college, making sure you’re taking all classes needed to graduate while helping seniors with applications and the whole process of it. Even though the work may seem a lot it prepared me for college. I found the workload to be the same in college which help make the transitions much easier than expected. Additionally, the school prepares students with their public speaking skills without them even knowing. Having multiple presentations, speaking in front of a panel of teachers, speaking in front of people in the medical field such as doctors and more! The school has a very big emphasis in the STEM field holding activities in which their own students help expose the different careers STEM offers to the younger kids. Lastly the hands on experience the teachers provide are what makes each class enjoyable.... Read 309 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 566

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Hemet Unified School District, CA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  64 reviews

Junior: As a student, I’ve had so many great experiences especially coming from a school that didn’t really care what happened to the students while on campus. For me the best parts are just being there and knowing that I am surrounded by people who care about me and my future! Now my worst experiences are with some of the teachers because they are either uncooperative with students that they don’t like. In my past 2 years of being at the school, I’ve had two teachers who don’t care about students grades especially the ones who don’t kiss up to them and I’ve also had one teacher who finds comedy in throwing markers at students when they don’t give her the answers she wants. Personally and luckily, I have only had to deal with the two teachers who don’t care too much about putting grades at all! But otherwise, I love being here and I wouldn’t have changed my mind about attending this school no matter what!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  92 reviews

Parent: Our child has been at Larchmont since kinder and has thrived. He went to the elementary Fairfax campus, a smaller campus with spacious classrooms, and he has loved the bigger Selma campus too. The leadership works hard to create an accessible and friendly atmosphere for the students and parents so there is a strong sense of community. The admin is collaborative and value parent input. The teachers are nurturing and attentive and know when to give students more help or more of a challenge. There are many enrichment classes (art, music, gardening, sports teams, band), a social-emotional curriculum and clubs. Most kids eat the (optional) lunch prepared in the Fairfax kitchen and is SO good. At Selma, our child has delved deeper into academics and developed new interests like government and digital media in clubs. We have seen his intellectual curiosity and independence grow and we look forward to the La Fayette Campus!... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,609

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Daly City, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  78 reviews

Junior: As an incoming Senior at the school, I must say the school has changed throughout the years. Starting from freshman year I absolutely loved the admin, classes, culture, and extra curricular. However, after doing a year through zoom and now coming back in person for my junior year, there have been many teachers and faculty that I loved who have left. The school academically is great in my opinion, classes are challenging as they should be and we have lots of time to do work and take college courses. However, I wish we had more classes like art and music, a class where students could creatively express themselves. Athletically, our school has really great basketball, volleyball, track, and baseball programs that have all won some type of title. But, we don't offer sports like football or swimming. About our campus, students have street parking and walk a block or two but it is annoying when you have to deal with the people that live in the area who take majority of the parking.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 459

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pacific Palisades, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  698 reviews

Junior: What I love about Palisades Charter High School is how they academically prepare you for college admissions as the offer only honors, college prep and AP classes. I also admire the variety in class from Clothing and Textiles to Hiking class. There is also a student body, ambassadors and link crew that helps new and current students settle into school. Every staff member there is more than willing to help you succeed in school and life. I also love how the staff members are open to new ways to improve the school, overall I rate the school a 5 out of 5!... Read 698 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,988

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  203 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 203 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Alameda, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: ACLC has all the benefits of a small private school without the price tag! With just 50-60 students per grade, teachers and administrators really know each child and are committed to their success. Students have the opportunity to lead and shape their community in meaningful ways. A "learner-lead" school looks a little chaotic sometimes, but results in confident young people with the skills to succeed.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Lakeside, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  105 reviews

Senior: River Valley Charter School is really an awsome place to go, if you are okay with a smaller school size and unique schedule. You only attend school two days a week, recieveing homework for the other days. In terms of what the campus is like, it is small but well furbished. The teachers are super nice, and I have developed several awsome friendships with teachers, as the small class sizes allow for personel help and interaction. Everyone there is also super nice and inclusive.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 233

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Stockton Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: A very good school in not the best part of town. Students and staff are willing to help, although some teachers can be a bit rude. There isn't much encouragement when it comes to academics. People claim to be busy busy and that's why everyone is okay with the massive procrastination and culture of laziness going on. The poor TAs! The emphasis is definitely on extracurriculars, of which there aren't actually that many. If you've heard about how you can get an Associate's degree here, it's true. Our student-teacher ratio is so high because our many professors aren't accounted for in that metric. Still, classes of 30+ students are normal. I know all this makes it sound like I hated SECA, so final pieces of advice: advocate for yourself, take risks, and try to have some fun! YOLO!... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• Lemoore, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  161 reviews

Niche User: It was a really great experience. This school and its staff memebers push their students to do the best they can do. When a student struggles, they are there for them, and are willing to help them. They are flexible and, more often than not, willing to sacrifice their time just to help their students. I was also able to get part of my AA degree finished because I came to LMCHS. Although, it's wasn't easy, it's not impossible because I graduated. They created a wonderful, beautiful, and safe environment to build an amazing community. Totally recommend this school to anyone and everyone, whether if they love academics or not. Wonderful school! Wonderful school!... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  40 reviews

Junior: What I enjoy most is the fact that no boundaries are put between subjects or students. All students can explore the same subject and yet still learn something. They have done an excellent job at involving the arts in our academics, and it has made me understand certain topics more than I used to. What I would change would primarily be how we are prepared for college. The school does fulfill a lot of requirements for us, however we can't add much for extracurriculars, and resources are pretty rare.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: During my stay at Rise Kohyang, I saw many great things within the students and faculty. Many teachers built great relationships with all of the students, which encouraged growth, work ethic, and enthusiastic attitude. I was able to make great friends and build long lasting relationships with my peers as well. Rise offers a variety of clubs for students to choose from, such as anime, book, guitar, soccer, student government, gaming and many more! Personally for me, being in student government helped me build cool friendships, learn about organizing events for our school, and obtain skills that will be of benefit for my future. Rise also provided so much valuable support during my college application process, which I am very grateful for. I am truly thankful for everything Rise Kohyang has provided me with, and all of the things I learned during my time there will greatly benefit me in the future. Go Tritons!... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Redding, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  194 reviews

Senior: University Preparatory's (U-Prep) learning environment is the greatest in the area and possibly the greatest in the state. The college-ready courses they provide, and the potential doors they open to students eager to pursue almost any career is incredible. Whether you're interested in computer science, biology, any S.T.E.M.-oriented future, U-prep has a class to help guide you on that path. The teachers and other faculty are all very kind and supportive, and its great to get to know them, and learn from their experiences. All I would consider changing is expanding to provide even more opportunities to the students, as I'm sure anyone would be eager to enroll, no matter how different and unique the class is.... Read 194 reviews

• grade A

• Students 992

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Tulare County Office of Education, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: When I first transferred to UPHS during my sophomore year, I didn't expect the community to push me toward involvement as much as it did. As soon as I settled in the school, I noticed countless opportunities for growth and improvement as well as how encouraging the students and staff could be. Thus, I started pushing myself in my sophomore and junior years, applying a growth mindset to activities such as Robotics, Drama Club, graphic design, Science Olympiad, civic engagement, and community service. Since my high school also offered college dual enrollment, I took advantage of that as much as possible, stuffing college classes into my schedule to the point where my time at college equaled my time at high school. Even though the high school classes are supposedly "standardized," I noticed how much the teachers push for improvement in every small aspect of their students' performances--not a single error is left ignored, but the students themselves also aren't criticized too harshly.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• Students 263

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• 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 4.38 out of 5  29 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 29 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,945

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1