2024 Best Charter Schools in California

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.72 out of 5  156 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 156 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 962

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Fresno, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  255 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 255 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 487

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• 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  182 reviews

Senior: My school is extremely small and technology-based. While they offer all subjects and a myriad of student-led clubs, the main focus of the school is STEM, hence the technological focus. The Robotics team is considered the equivalent of the varsity football team, which segues into the fact that my school also lacks sports teams, other than the highly-ranked running team. This proposes some issues, as it's difficult to experience traditional high school events such as football games, large school dances, and more. However, the tight-knit community I've found while attending this school has allowed for close friendships and lasting memories, even if they differ from those of large, populated high schools. Though there have been downsides, I remain grateful for the unique high school experience I've gained in the meantime.... Read 182 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 372

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,528 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 1,528 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,675

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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  852 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 852 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 3.63 out of 5  97 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 97 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  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

• Oakland, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Works Here: Hardworking teachers and staff. Supportive administrators. Parents are super involved and contribute so much to the school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 672

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• 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 4.13 out of 5  82 reviews

Senior: At Summit Shasta, I've learned how to be independent in achieving my academic goals, while receiving great help from attentive teachers as needed. Additionally, the school culture is heavily emphasized as there are several grade level and all school events held regularly throughout the year; students have close bonds with staff as they are paired to a "mentor" at the beginning of their freshman year who advises them for the next 4 years. Also, our clubs and extracurricular activities are almost entirely student run; our extracurricular (Expeditions) program is very good for student involvement in the community and or receiving diverse non-academic related skills. Lastly, our sports teams are highly inclusive and very successful. I haven't experienced any downsides at the campus, nor do I have any suggestions for change.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 459

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pacific Palisades, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  702 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 702 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 4 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: We chose to send our daughter to ACLC based on the recommendations of our friends with kids at the school and our visit to the campus. We love the small class sizes and the accessibility of the teachers and staff, as well as the engagement and involvement of the families - we certainly feel very respected as parents here! Academics are obviously a core focus, but the breadth of extracurriculars (clubs and sports) is amazing for such a small school and was something we were glad not to have to give up by leaving the traditional school district.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Public School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Love the schools vision of inquiry based education and it’s commitment to equity which plays out in many facets of school life from the curriculum to admin priority setting. My kids absolutely adore their teachers and are engaged in what they are learning. I’ve never once heard that school is “boring”. We have also loved the parent community and opportunities to engage such as at Friday All School Meetings. While we would like to see a more robust arts program and expanded extracurriculars we know the school is still in its early years and bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic. The school leadership is very focused on teacher retention - a national challenge post pandemic - and on closing achievement gaps, which we value tremendously. Looking forward to all the growth to come!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Los Altos, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  15 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 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• Stockton Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  138 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 138 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• Lemoore, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: Lemoore Middle College High School has been a really amazing school to experience high school. It is a small school and campus, which is nice and you can get to know the teachers well. You can get personal help on assignments and questions you have! A negative about having such a small school is that there are not many electives and opportunities. My school does not have any sports, however, we can do sports through the neighboring school Lemoore High School. We can take college courses for free at West Hills Community College Lemoore.... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Rocklin, CA•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 106

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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 4.39 out of 5  139 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 139 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1