2024 Best Charter Schools in the Los Angeles Area

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.73 out of 5  157 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 157 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 962

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  604 reviews

Senior: I think over the 6 years I've spent at Ocsa in both middle and high school, overall I've really enjoyed my experience here. Something I think I'm going to miss and take for granted in the future is the community and culture that is so prominent at my school. People are like minded and passionate about the arts, and good at it too! It's difficult to find another high school where students are SO driven and creative. Most people here are very supportive of individuality and expression, and it's a unique culture of acceptance that I think is rare in a high school setting. Something I think Ocsa can improve on is their transparency and communication between administration and students directly. I feel like we have a limited relationship with the people actually running our school, and it makes it difficult to advocate for things when we have problems.... Read 604 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,217

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lake Balboa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  183 reviews

Parent: HTLA is a diamond in the rough! As LAUSD is struggling with so many challenges, this little charter school is busy engaging students to prepare for life and motivating them to get a college degree. Our child was an honor student at a private school but, quite frankly, was bored by the pedagogy. Coming to the project-based method of HTLA has reignited their thirst for learning. Also, the diversity on campus is amazing. There is a multitude of races, cultures, personalities, preferences, and economic levels – HTLA is the real world! Learning how to engage with people different than you is an essential life skill. There are no sports teams but there are several clubs and opportunities to make new friends. Finally, and most importantly, the teachers at HTLA are fantastic and really connect well with the students. They expect maximum effort but are there to support, encourage and guide. If your child is kind, open-minded and highly motivated, they will thrive at HTLA.... Read 183 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 372

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,529 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 1,529 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,675

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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  65 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 65 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

• Pacific Palisades, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  703 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 703 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,988

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: Such an incredible school! The admin is incredibly supportive & has always made themselves available (along with advisors from every subject) to meet with me & my children to discuss their progress & any challenges they may be having. Everyone who works at this school wears multiple hats & because of this they really get to know the kids. You’ll see the humanities teacher out at Swift drop off waving cars along! I’ve always had the sense that my children’s teachers have cared deeply not just for their academic progress, but also for their emotional well-being. The math/science program in particular is quite challenging but because they teach in a manner that promotes group discussions & collaboration, my children are not intimidated with the material & have developed a real confidence & love of learning. These students are held to a high standard but instead of just memorizing facts for tests & stressing over grades, they are actually learning the material.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  142 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 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  43 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 43 reviews

• grade A

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  988 reviews

Senior: I would say that the specific humanities program that I am in within my high school has been fantastic. I feel very prepared for college from my experiences with the program. The teachers are all incredibly communicative and supportive of me and fellow students. I feel very welcome within this community. I think the overall school itself could improve in many ways. Facilities are not great. I think the teachers are overall really good at their jobs and what they do, however the adminsitration is not great with communication. I have struggled with communciation with my college counselor frequently and deans have been known to be rather harsh with enforcing small things like shirts showing too much shoulder or shorts not going down to your knees. However, I feel the overall experience I have had and environment I have been in has been positivie.... Read 988 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,785

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  50 reviews

Junior: As I prepare for the upcoming school year and reflect on my sophomore year experiences, my heart can't help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. After completing my first year of high school in Honduras, thoughts regarding how welcoming the new environment I would encounter clouded my mind. As a first-generation student entering a traditional US high school, my hopes were that teachers and staff would aim to support me despite obvious academic differences between me and my classmates, the students whom I had difficulty connecting with at first. Nonetheless, my original expectations were completely surpassed once I began having meaningful interactions with the teachers and staff. Not only did they help me realize having a different background is an advantage when it comes to acquiring a unique perspective, but they also helped me embrace and show pride in it. New west has encouraged me to build a strong and empowering character, one where my differences stand out proudly.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Northridge, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: This school is a gem. The teachers are enthusiastic, inspiring, and also really take the time to get to know the individual students. They encourage curiosity and love for learning instead of focusing on scores, memorization, and busy work. In addition, the emphasis on college advisory makes college planning less daunting. They get to know who your students are, help to find them schools that would be a good fit, as well as provide structured, practical guidance during the college application process. One of my children, who graduated from VIPHS, is now a sophmore in college who is thriving. Another special thing about VIPHS is that it provides the students with opportunities to study with teachers in other countries. The students here seem to value learning, tend to think outside the box, and appreciate being part of a close knit community. The only suggestion I have would be to offer more electives geared towards sports/physical fitness.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 263

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• Public School•

• 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

• Students 870

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Woodland Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  692 reviews

Junior: ECRCHS promotes student engagement by organizing various extracurricular activities and events. From dances and talent shows to football games and spirit weeks, these activities foster school spirit, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging among the student body. Engaging in these events allows students to develop social skills, build lasting friendships, and create cherished high school memories. ECRCHS provides students with the opportunity to earn a capstone diploma, which represents a culmination of their academic achievements. The capstone diploma signifies a rigorous and well-rounded high school education, highlighting students' accomplishments across different areas of study. This achievement reflects their dedication to academic excellence and distinguishes them during the college application process. ECRCHS offers an extensive range of clubs, catering to the diverse interests and passions of its students.... Read 692 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,624

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  559 reviews

Senior: At Taft Charter High School, the environment and academic setting are there to help you succeed. The teachers at the school are supportive and will help their students with whatever they need. Extra resources are also offered to students who may need extra help. The student life is vibrant with weekly sporting event games and an active student body that presents spirit weeks and on-campus events for everyone to enjoy. Other students will help keep each other motivated and constantly striving to do better in the countless AP and extracurricular classes offered on campus. Students also have access to engineering and computer science courses designed to help passionate students learn and develop their skills in their respective fields. Although there are many great things about the school, it is quite large, with over 2000 students, and sometimes students may find it hard to fit in. However, students do have the ability to create clubs to find like-minded peers.... Read 559 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,208

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Pedro, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  471 reviews

Senior: One notable aspect of Port of Los Angeles High School is its commitment to academic excellence. The dedicated and experienced faculty members strive to provide quality education and support to students, helping them achieve their full potential. The school also offers me and my peers a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams, allowing students to explore their interests and develop well-rounded skills. Furthermore, Port of Los Angeles High School fosters a strong sense of community and encourages students to engage in community service and leadership opportunities by requiring a 40 hours of community service in order to graduate. The school's emphasis on character development and community involvement helps students become responsible and compassionate individuals.... Read 471 reviews

• grade A

• Students 975

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  342 reviews

Sophomore: Alliance Marc & Eva Stern Math & Science School is notable in the way teacher's care for their students, showing each day to teach undauntedly, with compassion, which is respectable considering the different educational backgrounds of their students. They aren't annoyed or frustrated at the fact that topics are unknown or hard to understand many of them could be seen as role model in the way that they act towards students and work toward a safe environment. Disconnection from faculty to students is found to support hostility between the two. The office is reluctant to help, rude or passive aggressive, they enforce hostility in an environment which is a safe space. Everything has a fault to it which can't be helped I can't say these things as a student without acknowledging the needed efforts to meet the school halfway. Stern MASS is passionate in giving students a chance at a fine education and prepares students, no matter their path, a life after high-school... Read 342 reviews

• grade A

• Students 574

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: USC Hybrid High College Prep is a pretty good school. They support students in any way possible which include academics and their future. As a student, I have experienced that teachers actually care, value, and want the best for us. There is always help available to those who need it through "flex," a time where we can attend teacher's office hours and do work, and their clubs like Trojan Tutors, where students can be of help for their peers. This school does a really good job of helping us have a better future by guiding us and our families through the process of getting into a 4 year university. Admin always informs us of the opportunities and benefits we are able to recieve, making it clear to everyone that Hybrid wants to see every single one of their students to succeed. Of course, like with any other school, there are things that can improve one of which is the safety and wellbeing of all students, but overall it's a good school that has a clear goal of supporting their students.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A

• Students 546

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: It is a great school that, despite their lacking in resources and small size, clearly cares for their students. This is shown in the way that the school strives to ensure that all of their students attend college after graduating high school and the help the provide through the whole process of applying to both the schools and financial aid for the schools. However because the school is small at times it was hard to get a hold of an advisor but once you did they did their best to ensure you got the help you needed.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A

• Students 471

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Menifee, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  144 reviews

Alum: I went to a much larger school in a different school district for my freshman and sophmore year and struggled with the students, fitting in and feeling safe, all while trying to grasp what was happening with COVID. Santa Rosa saved me in so many ways and offered me exactly the type of learning environment and support I was looking for and for the first time in a while I started to thrive. The teachers, the staff and the students are all amazing and I am who I am today because of all those at SRA that supported me. GO RANGERS!... Read 144 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,651

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Temecula, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: It’s a great small school with recent leadership challenges. However, we see things turning around. Hope they get their own campus soon so both elementary and middle schools will be together... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• El Segundo, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  65 reviews

Alum: Da Vinci Communications High School is a tight nit learning community that focuses on maintaining a positive school culture and teaches through project based learning. The best part about DVC is definitely the teachers, who care about their student's education and their mental well-being. The pathways offered at DVC are also a huge plus, because marketing, computer science, journalism, and multi-media can interest a wide array of students. However, some downsides are the lack of AP classes, or rigorous classes in general. The honors classes are very weird, because there actually isn't a specific honors class. Every student takes the same class, and if one wants to receive honors credit, they have to attend a separate 30 minute bi-weekly meeting outside of class (still inside of school hours) and complete more work on top of the regular class they are already in.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A

• Students 527

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1