2023 Best High Schools in the Modesto Area

• Ceres Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: The atmosphere on campus is amazing! The teachers are extremely helpful, and there are always an abundance of resources available for use, such as SAT study guides, FASFA seminars, and the principle or staff are always available for any questions there may be about college. Their unique online and onsite classes allows students to have a flexible schedule, while maintaining a high level of academic success. Whitmore Charter is a great school, and the opportunities they give their students lasts a lifetime.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A

• Students 124

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Modesto, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: Since my freshman year, I have loved attending Central Catholic! This school has not only helped me become a better person academically but spiritually, socially, and emotionally. By having the WE mentality, I have become a strong-willed individual, who is unafraid of what lies ahead and defeats anything thrown at me. I couldn't have become the person I am today without the support of the place I'm proud to call my high school, Central Catholic.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Modesto City High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  541 reviews

Senior: Enochs is the best school ever. It has a Forensic Biotechnology Academy which is very unique and has taught me so much more than any basic science class. Enochs is clean, safe, and the staff cares about the students. I have never had a bad experience while on campus. My school also keeps students motivated with different incentives for participating in school spirit. Plus, my favorite thing is that we have so many resources such as a psychologist, counselors, and college counselors. There are so many people ready to help the students and it's great.... Read 541 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,424

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Modesto, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Modesto Christian School is a great Christian School! My 9th grade daughter is continuously being challenged academically, athletically and getting to learn how to live for Christ. The teacher's and staff are incredible mentors and very knowledgeable of the courses they teach. Modesto Christian offers many ways to be involved for students and parents, building a family oriented atmosphere.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 348

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Turlock, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  45 reviews

Senior: The environment at Turlock Christian (TC) is fantastic! The teachers genuinely care about each student and will take time outside of school to mentor students. I came my sophomore year of high school from a school where I did not feel included and was depressed. Coming to TC was truly life-changing. I have been involved in almost everything: cheer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, powderpuff football, choir, worship team, Christian Leadership, Ambassadors, ASB, and FFA. If you want a wholesome Christian environment where teachers will pray for and encourage you regularly, a place to explore and deepen faith, academic rigor, and abounding opportunities to participate in academic and extra-curricular activities, then come to Turlock Christian. I promise you won't be disappointed.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 724

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Modesto City High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  377 reviews

Sophomore: There is no other school like Gregori. Whether it’s the teachers, staff, coaches, or any other people in the administration, the atmosphere is the most welcoming i have ever experienced at a school! There is a great agricultural program, great sports program, and a variety of clubs so everyone has a place to fit in.... Read 377 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,339

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Ripon Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: Ripon High School is a very small school, meaning that everyone knows everything about each other! The education is very competitive, so therefore the schooling is definitely a great push towards the next step in life. Outside of education, the school spirit is such a huge part of the environment, and because of it, all the events are SO much fun!... Read 167 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,042

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Turlock Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  422 reviews

Parent: Every School does the best they can with the help they get from governments, parents, teachers, and students. I believe Pitman has a wide variety of clubs. The clubs should be responsible for funding. They need to fundraise to make money for what they enjoy. It is not the responsibility of schools to budget these items. Athletics is important to all students. It provides a sense of team, pride in oneself, a sense of belonging. All kids should be a part of the school in some way. The music department is awesome. The band at the football games has been awesome! Love to watch them. The orchestra I have seen in the past but not recently. I am sure they are just as great. Most schools don't even provide music or arts anymore. It is nice to see it here.... Read 422 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,094

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Ceres, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  38 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at this school. I was given many opportunities for extracurricular activities, as there were several field trips throughout the year that focused on leadership, music, sports, and even just for fun. It’s clear that the teachers and administration care so much for the students.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Turlock Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  280 reviews

Parent: THS is a wonderful school, beautiful campus, friendly staff, and wonderful teachers. My daughter has only attended for her senior year - and it has been a wonderful experience. She has tried out and ran for the Cross Country and Track & Field teams - they have EXCELLENT coaches! The families involved in these programs are amazing... this has truly been a great experience for our family - and we are thankful for this school, and the experiences our daughter has been able to have here before heading off to university.... Read 280 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,510

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Ripon, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  69 reviews

Freshman: Ripon Christian Schools is amazing! The relationship between students and teachers is fantastic. Honestly, it’s like a second home to me. The school provides great educational courses that have helped me learn so much. The sports programs and fine arts are very strongly supported. It is a private school, which means classes are small compared to a public school with around 35-70 kids per grade. But that just means that I know every kid in my class. The most important thing about RC is how much a relationship with Jesus is focused on. We have chapels weekly with songs sung and sermons preached by local pastors. Bible stories have been taught since I was in kindergarten there. The school has grown me educational, academically, and spiritually. Overall, Ripon Christian Schools is a great place with many loving and caring people that will always have a place in my life!... Read 69 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 762

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Modesto City High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  293 reviews

Senior: I personally like this High School. It is one of the best in the Modesto area, there are some things that I would change like, the food and the school culture. However, I believe this high school is getting better every day. Most of the teachers and administrators are super nice and supportive. The facilities are great, and they do have great support for students. Sports are also good since most of the time coaches are trying their best to give the school a competitive team. Lastly, the science, math, and technology are great overall, this is due to the additaments and materials the school provides for us. I love it!... Read 293 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Escalon Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  147 reviews

Senior: Overall, this school is great. The administrators and the counselors try and help you achieve your academic goals. Because it is a smaller school, you get really close with a lot of your classmates which can really help your social life in and outside of high school. The only real hiccup is that there are not as many electives available at school because it is smaller. Other than that, Escalon high encourages students no matter where they want to go next. The counselors help prepare you for any type of school after high school that you may want to go to, whether that be a trade school, a junior college, or a four year. It’s a great environment and a clean school school as well. I would definitely recommend coming to Escalon high school.... Read 147 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 829

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Merced Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  224 reviews

Junior: Most teachers are chill, some can't really teach clearly but all are fairly nice. Environment is okay, not the safest not the worst. The administration for this school district is having many issues as of 2022 and 2023, issues effect students and staff who both have equally complained about their problems with the administration but things usually don't fix themselves. The counselors are not very useful and if you have questions it's better to research yourself rather than go to the counselors. Same thing goes with planning classes or school plans, you should plan it yourself because counselors aren't great.... Read 224 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,786

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Oakdale Joint Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  190 reviews

Junior: Oakdale has a really great sports athletic program and good class options that will be useful in college. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. I enjoy all the activities and events the leadership class offers and creates. It is a great class that brings more students together and helps us students build many memories during our highschool years. I especially enjoy football games because our school is very loud and supportive, and even our town is one of the biggest supporters of our school. Plus at football games I get to watch Oakdale play their best and make memories while spending time with friends and family. There are only a few minor reasons why I did not put 5 stars. This is because I wish the school would announce and encourage the students more about the clubs and extra curricular activities in our school. Another minor reason is that some teachers don’t teach very well, but they are all very good people. Other than that Oakdale High is a great high school to attend!... Read 190 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,745

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Hughson Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  141 reviews

Senior: Hughson High School is like any other high school but on a much smaller scale. Hughson is a small town, therefore we are a small school. The campus is hard to get lost in, everyone basically either knows or knows of eachother. Most people that go here have gone to Hughson schools their whole life like myself, and although its cool to know everyone, you tend to get tired of the same people every year. The school is pretty good on events and sports games, I have been to football games and had a good time, and I have also been to event on campus. Programs like the FFA and clubs like the HYLC and Key Club are also big in the school. The FFA is constantly doing things in AG and having events to fundraise. The HYLC and Key Club do their fundraisers on a smaller scale on campus but regardless they make the school more involved. There might be better schools but I have gotten used to the small school. I survived the 4 years and so do 150+ seniors at this school when they graduate.... Read 141 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Modesto, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  22 reviews

Alum: Valley Charter High School was an experience unlike many other typical public high schools in the Stanislaus County. Our student populous fluctuated between 100-150 enrolled students, which is a fraction of your run of the mill, public high school. Because of how small the institution was, everyone knew each other and allowed for a more personalized educational experience, especially when connecting with professors. One of the most appealing parts of this school for me personally was how close it was to Modesto Junior College, and because of this, they encouraged students to take courses there whilst attending classes in high school. Modesto Junior College was walking distance, and I was able to complete over 45 quarterly upon graduation from high school. This opportunity allowed students to graduate with their Associate's Degrees before graduating with their High School Diploma, which is quite impressive. I definitely recommend this school for those pursuing college readiness.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 121

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Modesto City High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  440 reviews

Alum: The community of people at Modesto High School is extremely inclusive and compelling. Despite the great academic opportunities offered, this was by far the most valuable and memorable attribute of Modesto High School. Insofar as the academics at Modesto High are concerned, the normal (CP) program at the school is somewhat weak. The school does offer, however, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which is extremely strong. The teachers are almost all relatively wonderful, but all are demanding. The workload and requirements are extremely rigorous, and personally, this is what I am most thankful for. The demanding curriculum and work forces you to develop a work ethic that is extremely helpful for college classes and makes the college workload that much easier!... Read 440 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,565

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Merced, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  31 reviews

Senior: Stone Ridge Christian School, is a place you will feel welcomed and loved. Having Jesus incorporated into every class is a great way to build a faith of your own. The staff and students are always there for you and are ready to listen and help.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 114

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hilmar Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  110 reviews

Senior: I hardly think there is anything to change at all at Hilmar. It is a school I feel completely safe at and there are countless opportunities to join different clubs, register for certain classes, and play many sports. The teachers are all amazing and kind, willing to help where it's needed, and the education gained from this school is remarkable, we don't just memorize, we learn. The support system, staff, and counselors are great as well are the students. We have a tight-knit community that I'm proud to be a part of and everyone helps each other become the best they can be.... Read 110 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 715

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Waterford, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  91 reviews

Sophomore: I think Connecting Waters is an excellent homeschooling program. The teachers are wonderful and reply promptly. All school standards are clear and defined accurately. High school graduation requirements are sent out every year and there are checklists for easier planning. One thing I would change is how connected its students are. Unless they are part of clubs and classes, there aren't that many ways students can get to know one another.... Read 91 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,068

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Ceres Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: My four year experience at Central Valley High School was great. They campus was well kept and all the staff made you feel as if you were part of one big family. Some teachers became my idols while some became great friends, and the coaches of the sports I participated in made me feel welcome and pushed me to be my best self, both academically and physically. The counselors there provided me with tons of support for my future and gave me information that I used to get into the four year university that I will be attending. I will never forget that school and the memories it gave me. GO HAWKS!... Read 258 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,254

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Merced Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  499 reviews

Alum: Buhach was your average high school. I did make plenty of friends and life long memories on the baseball team and in speech and debate. The teachers always worked hard to provide the best education they could. I have many fond memories of my teachers and my classmates. However, there was a severe lack of discipline at BCHS, and often times, there would be litter over the school after lunch, or fights would break out and there seemed to be no control over them. There needs to be a better effort on the part of the administration to demand excellence and maturity among the student body.... Read 499 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Ceres Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  262 reviews

Niche User: Ceres High School is a defined as small compared to other high schools nearby. The pro about going there is that if you live nearby you can just walk to and from school and you won't have to tell you're parents to take you. The staff members are very nice. If there was one thing I didn't really like was that I didn't have one counselor through my 4 years of high school, I had a different school counselor each year which isn't good. Since usually there is a counselor you built trust in through the beginning of the year all the way to the end. Which defeats the purpose of you getting to know your counselor and your counselor getting to know you. Other than that Ceres High school is a safe place and shows there school spirit every week. They now have a new program where students who earn good grades will get a treat which I think is great too! More of a reason for you to keep up those good grades and attend school.... Read 262 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,751

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Modesto, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  65 reviews

Junior: I've loved my school. I'm currently a High School Junior, and I've been attending since my 7th grade year. With it being a Christian school, my expectations for the quality of academics weren't too high. I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of education I've received here. On average, there are about 50 students per high school graduation class. The small community here is very nice. I've gotten to know students of all grade levels. The tight-knit community here is definitely something you can't get at a public school. As much as I've enjoyed all that, the diversity of students and faculty here isn't the best. In my years here so far, I've participated in Drama, Art, Yearbook, Leadership, and Cheer. I joined cheer at the start of my Junior year, and I've loved it. With the small student body, anyone can basically try any sport or activity they're interested in without being incredibly skilled at it to begin with. The coaches are great at training the students on their teams.... Read 65 reviews

• grade B

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 35:1