2023 Best Charter Schools in San Jose

• 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

• Los Altos, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  14 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 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  14 reviews

Middle school student: The teachers and staff pay a lot of attention to the students to ensure they have an optimal learning experience. The curriculum (especially for AP students) is quite ahead compared to schools in the area. One unique thing with Discovery students I have categorically seen is their confidence in speaking to others, most students gain that trait from presenting to their classes about topics they've researched and have a vested interest in. Great school!... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 537

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Morgan Hill, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Sunnyvale, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  31 reviews

Sophomore: I enjoyed my time at Denali, but unfortunately it had to be closer permanently. I loved the mentor aspect of Denali. The way you have one adult to guide you throughout all four years of high school is really great. I just wish they pushed students more. For example, we don’t have any homework, so they should incorporate more hands on learning during class sessions at the least.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: KIPP San Jose Collegiate is a school that has given me all the resources I need to succeed and created a safe environment where I've made friends. I was able to connect with my teachers and feel comfortable among my peers. I had deeply hoped and voiced several times since 8th grade about being able to get into the school in sophomore year because that's where all my friends were and I knew that the school would benefit me from all that I've heard, and I was right. I feel successful, accomplished, and appreciated in this school. The only reason I rated my school four stars is because of rules that I felt were excessive and regulations that are unnecessary. Examples are phones being locked up in pouches while most of us are young adults, poor lunch line management, and general treatment that made me feel like some teachers didn't see us for our age. Nonetheless, this school has made me content with my academic life and gotten to me the point in education that I'm satisfied with.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 544

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: I haven't been here for a long time, especially since the pandemic, but so far I think it's a pretty good school. My ELA teacher is extremely challenging and they give you a bunch of materials and resources if you need them. The teachers are understanding and make sure we feel safe and enjoy learning. I think the way they handle negative behavior is very professional. The admin staff take care of any malfunctions and they have lots of materials to make sure the students have everything they need. They give you two, 15 minutes recesses. And, 25 minutes of lunch. There are 5 periods. ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Elective. Elective is either PE, Art, Music, or Leadership. This is on a normal day. On a short day there is only 15 minutes of recess, 20 minutes of lunch, but still 5 periods. Although they are 15-20 minutes shorter. The short day is on Wednesday. However, sometimes I do notice some favoritism, or if a teacher treats a student with less expectations.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 452

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: Great charter school! This is high-level education for free. Highly recommend Summit Tahona School. We were looking for a school with strong academics, with teachers who care about students, and also a school with a friendly environment. We transferred from another public school and my son is happy to be in Tahoma. They do a lot for college and University preparation.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: If I am being completely honest, I believe KIPP Heartwood Academy was an outstanding school with an even more outstanding education system.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 427

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Cambrian School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Middle School Student: Now that I transferred to a different school, I genuinely miss my experiences at Price. All its interesting people, teachers, traditions. I didn't realize how much I value that school until I moved away. It's primarily because of the friend circle I built over my two years there, but the environment played a role as well. I liked most of the teachers. The campus could use some upgrades, yet it rarely bothered me (except the oddly placed music room and "speedwalking" from one far side of the school to the other). The academic spectrum slagged; of course, as do all standard American schools. However, a fair amount of diversity balanced it out. I never joined any clubs because there was honestly nothing of interest, but I participated in concert/marching band, yearbook, art, cross country, track & field, and basketball, so I got a feel of the activities offered. Overall, Price would be an average school. Though, it is rated 4-stars by me because of the fond memories I created there.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 887

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 571

• Student-teacher ratio 34:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: The teachers were great and very supportive. Everyone was nice to each other and very friendly. The school really helped me become more open and confident.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 454

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Middle School Student: Rolling Hills Middle School is a great school! It has a variety of opportunities and clubs to help us out in the future. I enjoyed the academics, although I came from a private school. This was one of my favorite schools during my childhood.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 892

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: We are incredibly fortunate to be part of the DCS Falcon community. This institution has created a truly remarkable learning experience. The emphasis on parent participation is a game-changer. It fosters a deep sense of involvement & connection with our children's education. Parents are a child's first teachers. By involving us in the learning process, they create powerful partnerships between home & school. The focus on individualized & holistic development ensures that each child's unique needs are met. They thrive academically and socially with the support of the staff. The school's philosophy is rooted in Positive Discipline which cultivates a sense of belonging within our children & family. Moreover, Discovery Charter instills values of community, responsibility, & empathy. Lastly, they are cultivating a LOVE of learning by developing their intrinsic motivation. We are so glad we found this wonderful school & highly recommend enrollment. Proud Parents, Shelley & Darren McGee... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 541

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 608

• Student-teacher ratio 36:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Village is an excellent school. The parent involvement is what makes Village School great. The teachers and staff are also very experienced. This is my child's third year at this school and she has learned so much, not only academically, but she also has developed social and life skills. The school set is small so we feel like we are a big family. If you like parent participation, it is up to the commitment this school requires and want your child that attend a school that is not focus on state tests. This is the right school for you.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 217

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 558

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• Cambrian School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 480

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Cambrian School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: What I like about Rocket Ship Alma was that the teachers give us a telephone number for any questions about the students and they were so helpful I’m so grateful that my daughter was a Rocket Ship Alma. I wish that she could still there but they only have until fifth grade not middle school teachers are some concerns about the student. That’s what I love about Rocket Ship.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 516

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My son started in the inaugural year of the school and his sibling is also now enrolled. We have had a great experience with this school from the start. We have been fortunate to have had great teachers every year. The first two years of the school being open, I was much involved in volunteer activities at the school and have appreciated the being part of that wonderful community of parents/guardians. I feel that the school's curriculum is very up-to-date, the flexible approach to learning, its promotion creativity and collaborative learning, its emphasis on social-emotional learning to name a few. When you look at the school's Profile of a Graduate, the school's curriculum is aligned with the most important skills of success that has been called 21st century skills. I'm grateful that my children will be able to attend this school through 8th grade. As a parent, I feel good taking them each day to a school where I know that are thriving academically, emotionally and socially.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 664

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 479

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Campbell Union School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I've had an amazing experience this year at Castlemont. It was my son's first year of school, and he attended Kindergarten at Castlemont. He had a phenomenal teacher and all the other Kindergarten teachers were also so great. The entire school is supportive, pro-active, kind, and they really do look out for the benefit of all the children. I was also a part of the Parent community and they were all wonderful.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1