2022 Best Charter Middle Schools in California

Granada Hills Charter

• Public School•
• GRANADA HILLS, CA•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,434 reviews

Senior: From my experience learning at Granada Hills Charter, I believe that the teachers and staff and very supportive and are always making sure the learning environment for students is safe and protected. The students are diverse, there are so many different leveled classes (CP, Honors, AP, IB, etc…), and programs that you can enroll in!...Read 1,434 Reviews

• grade A+

• 5,124 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Preuss School UCSD

• Public School•
• LA JOLLA, CA•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  292 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Preuss has been fantastic. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in many activities after school too and prepare them for university! I also feel like this is a safe space for me and ask teachers for help; teachers here at Preuss really want students to succeed. As a first-gen student, Preuss has done their best to guide me for what to do when applying for universities as a senior and makes sure that all students are on track! Through it's rigorous curriculum, all of these are established this way to make it easier for students by their senior year without having to worry much if they're meeting all the requisites when applying to universities. Student's can view that handwork is paying off in the end...Read 292 Reviews

• grade A+

• 830 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Yu Ming Charter School

• Public School•
• OAKLAND, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Great school, I go there and I love it so much! There are a lot of different things you can do but I love how it also teaches me mandarin and it also is super strong on math and English even though its half Chinese!...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• 487 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

University Preparatory

• Public School•
• REDDING, CA•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  191 reviews

Senior: Going to a school that is grades 6-12 is honestly such an amazing experience. You get the chance as a high schooler to be a role model for the younger kids, and as a younger student, you feel safe and welcomed at the school because everyone else is so accepting. The administration and staff do everything they can to make the school a productive learning environment while also encouraging students to join extracurriculars and participate in various sports and clubs. In terms of college readiness, I am a senior and I personally feel so ready to face the challenges that I know college will throw at me. I feel prepared not only academically, but socially as well since I have been able to be around so many different types of students during my time at U-Prep. There is absolutely nothing I would change about my school, it has helped to prepare me for the journey in life ahead so much, and I feel so grateful to have been able to attend such a great school for so many years...Read 191 Reviews

• grade A+

• 962 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Western Center Academy

• Hemet Unified School District, CA•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: Western Center Academy is a comfortable, curiosity fueled charter school that truly shows what it is to be a teacher. As a student, I have always felt listened to completely by my teachers. They've done a fantastic job at teaching us how to be college ready; telling us where we can look for help, given us free opportunities to take expensive exams, and keep us interested in our learning environment. I've had the opportunity to take both woodshop classes and advanced physics, on a campus full of dedicated educators and delightful students. Though it has no sports programs on campus, any parent looking for a charter in south CA, this is your school!...Read 47 Reviews

• grade A+

• 712 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

New West Charter School

• Public School•
• LOS ANGELES, CA•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: My experience at New West Charter High school has been a really good one. I've been in New West since 6th grade but since then, the school has expanded and took in many things. I like how this school has dance as an option to replace PE credit. I also like all of the teachers and staff members; they are all super uplifted and eager to help the students. But I do feel like they could have done a little bit more of a good job in terms of academics because there is no AP courses offered in New West. Although we are able to raise the GPA by taking honors courses, it still would have helped if there were AP offered. But you are definitely able to take SMC AP classes to replace that gap. Overall, I've met many of my great friends in New West and I had a really fun time. Go Eagles!!...Read 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,002 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Larchmont Charter School

• Public School•
• LOS ANGELES, CA•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  89 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 89 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,551 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bullis Charter School

• Public School•
• LOS ALTOS, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: Teachers work as a team to deliver an integrated curriculum that covers the subjects through selected themes/topics that integrates all the learning.The arts and music teachers standout in terms of what they are able to do to engage all students in amazing productions.They are also innovative, creative, flexible, free to IMPROVE on a continuous basis.Read 13 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,039 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Temecula International Academy

• Public School•
• TEMECULA, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We had a great Kinder teacher who cared about her students and was exceptional in creating a learning environment that always grasped the children's attention. If you as a parent support the learning at home your child can soar. ...They have a dedicated French and Spanish teacher and the program flows very well. Is it an immersion program, no, but my daughter is still speaking the French she did learn and it's summer. Parent communication is great. I am very impressed by their weekly emails and monthly news letters!! Their goal is to purchase their own property for the school within the next few years as well. And they let go teachers who are not up to par. Versus full public institutions where they have to keep the bad teachers...I support this school whole heartily and make two 40 minute round trips a day, for pick up and drop off for my daughter to attend. Long story short, you get out of the school what you as a parent are willing to put in and trust...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• 204 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Oxford Preparatory Academy - South Orange County

• Public School•
• MISSION VIEJO, CA•
• PK, K-8
• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: I had two boys attend school at OPA-SOC and I wholeheartedly recommend this school! The educational philosophy they adhere to, Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, is top notch. My boys were exposed to and developed strengths in multiple learning and teaching methods, which has sent them off to their next schools extremely well prepared. They were challenged academically and supported emotionally by their teachers, the support staff, and their peers. I am grateful for the time my boys got to spend at OPA-SOC and I feel that they are better from having been there...Read 18 Reviews

• grade A

• 792 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Discovery Charter School

• Public School•
• SAN JOSE, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: I got the benefit of going to this school because all my older brothers were already going there. I went to DCS all the way from kindergarten to eighth grade. There are so many things that this school offers which you will never find anywhere else. One of the things that might either seem like a pro or a con is that DCS is very reliant on parent participation. This participation often makes school a lot easier as a young child. Though if you worry that as a parent you wouldn't be able to participate whether it be due to a job or something, don't worry about it! DCS is very understanding and only encourages parent participation if possible. Another great thing about DCS is that they really focus on building the skills you will need to succeed late in life. They might not give you as much homework and so it might seem that it is easier, but realistically they are just trying to get away from the idea of working for the grade rather than the gaining of knowledge and understanding...Read 13 Reviews

• grade A

• 569 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Western Sierra Collegiate Academy

• Public School•
• ROCKLIN, CA•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  140 reviews

Freshman: I have been a student at WSCA for 3 years, and so far I have loved and enjoyed my experience. The teachers, staff, admin, classes, and a majority of students are great. Due to the size of the school the culture and community is vastly different from other schools in our area, and the usual stereotypes or student clichés are not as apparent. I love the academic rigor of the school, but as a freshman currently I do not feel challenged or tested. Both the school and board have done great coping with the ongoing pandemic. ...My least favorite part of WSCA is the lack of opportunities. While the college preparation is great, I feel like we lack a lot of clubs, abroad programs, and sports that other schools offer. As a student I am very interested in Debate, Model UN, DECA, etc which are not available to me. After being at Western Sierra for 3 years, I feel stagnant with clubs and abroad programs- almost bored with the things offered to me. ...I still love my school, fight wolves fight!Read 140 Reviews

• grade A

• 728 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Francophone Charter School of Oakland

• Public School•
• OAKLAND, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We've been here for a few years now. I have been extremely impressed with the teaching. We attended a private French immersion school before this, and I think that academically speaking, this is very similar in terms of the teaching and curriculum, only it's free! I'd also say the student/family community is very warm and diverse in every sense of the word. So we're very glad we made the switch. It is still a growing school and sometimes the systems and processes are a bit messy and disorganized, that I would say is the main downside...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 289 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Charter School of Morgan Hill

• Public School•
• MORGAN HILL, CA•
• K-8

• grade A

• 653 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley

• Public School•
• LAKE FOREST, CA•
• PK, K-8
• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: Since we began school in the middle of a pandemic, the staff and administration have been super communicative helpful and supportive! They are organized, and when something is not working, they make adjustments. It is a learning curve for everyone, and they have been great...Read 19 Reviews

• grade A

• 646 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Creekside Charter

• Public School•
• OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: Creekside is a real gem of a school where parent involvement is mandatory. The Creekside model is one where the students learn how hard work pays off. Although listed as a 'nonclassroom based school', Creekside has 4 days of in-class (Monday - Thursday) for students. Even though they have 4 days of class time, they have 5 days of work. This 5th day of work is done on out of the classroom and at home or over the weekend. ...Creekside offers great flexibility for families that travel on their own time for short or extended periods. As long as the work gets done and turned in the teacher's attendance is not mandatory. Getting the work done is mandatory. There is a lot of work, call it homework or independent study. And parent involvement is required. The creekside kids work very hard and the results show. The leadership and teachers are there to help and are nothing short of amazing. Student engagement is very high, the kids LOVE Creekside and going to school...Read 19 Reviews

• grade A

• 188 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Old Town Academy K-8 Charter School

• Public School•
• SAN DIEGO, CA•
• K-8

• grade A

• 265 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

WISH Community School

• Public School•
• LOS ANGELES, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: I have 4 kids that went through WISH Elementary and now 2 are at WISH Middle and 2 are at WISH Academy HS. WISH has been an amazing experience for my kids and us as parents. The teachers and staff care about the kids and families and really build a community. The school is far more diverse (in terms of socio-economics, race, neurodiversity, physical ability, culture, learning style, etc.) than other westside schools and that has huge benefits for it's students. I feel like my kids' time at WISH has laid a strong foundation for whatever my children choose to do in the future...Read 11 Reviews

• grade A

• 781 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach

• Public School•
• LONG BEACH, CA•
• 6-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Intellectual Virtues Academy is a unique and compelling place to learn for high schoolers from all walks of life. Small, intimate, challenging and accepting, IVA recognizes what is special in each of its students and promotes and encourages each learner to do the same. A remarkable faculty and administrative staff will push your child to think, reflect and push hard to challenge norms and think well beyond the box, all in an environment of support and connectedness. My daughter is a senior with just a few months left until she graduates. As we prepare to say goodbye to what has been a vital and engaging part of our lives, I cannot say enough how important this school has been not only to her but to all of us. What a gift to have been a part of the IVA family these past four years...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 235 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Goethe International Charter School

• K-8
• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  42 reviews

Parent: We have found this to be a truly wonderful school with outstanding teachers, devoted administrators and a diverse community. We love the project based learning and critical thinking skills that our son is gaining through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program provided at the school. We also really value the opportunity that he has to learn TWO new languages, through German immersion and then Spanish beginning in third grade. Moreover, the school community really is international and very diverse. We love how different cultures and traditions are highlighted throughout the curriculum and school activities. Additionally, we have been really thrilled by the individualized attention that our son receives. The teachers and staff all really take the time to get to know individual students and their families, and are there to provide support and encouragement to all of us!...Read 42 Reviews

• grade A

• 380 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Renaissance Arts Academy

• Public School•
• LOS ANGELES, CA•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  41 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 41 Reviews

• grade A

• 539 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Inland Leaders Charter School

• Public School•
• YUCAIPA, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I love this school! My kids (3rd and 5th grade) have been fortunate enough to attend this school since TK. I had to do their independent study program to get them enrolled and it was so worth it! The school works hard to instill leadership qualities in the kids and my kids have thrived there. I Can only hope they are able to get the high school approved before my kids finish here because I cannot imagine sending them to a regular public school...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 1,039 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

San Carlos Charter Learning Center

• Public School•
• SAN CARLOS, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Charter is a very good school with lots of group projects and involvement. They have lots of special activities and programs for children with learning difficulties. Parents are super involved and teachers are committed and ready to provide 1:1 guidance. For children who need advanced studies, the teachers will provide differential learning. The students are super friendly and ready to learn. There is a lot of focus on social emotional learning and teamwork. The administration is kind and helpful. The school applies Project Based Learning and hand-on activities. Students get lots of choice in what they do...My one problem though, is that in the new campus made of shipping containers, whenever there is motion on the top floor, it makes a really loud sound on the bottom floor. This becomes a real difficulty for students k-2 and in the library. But they are working it out in different ways including doing a fun art project with egg cartons...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 384 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kinetic Academy

• Public School•
• HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA•
• K-8

• grade A

• 286 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

San Jose Charter Academy

• Public School•
• WEST COVINA, CA•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: I went here for all nine years, I never had an issue with any staff. These teachers are always there for you. I'm still in good contact with my 3rd-grade teacher.Read 7 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,253 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio