2024 Best High Schools in the Sacramento Area

• Sacramento, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  23 reviews

Junior: Amazing teachers and amazing students. I came to this school in 9th grade, unlike many of my peers, however I felt so welcome. All of the teachers really care about their students and the quality of the classes are very high.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 575

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Roseville Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  343 reviews

Senior: The main reason why I transferred from my previous school to Granite Bay High School was because I fell in love with the block schedule they offered! It was really nice not needing to balance a whole bunch of classes when I could focus on 4 classes at a time. The schedule gave me room to breathe, to study, and to take in all the information I was learning efficiently. Another reason why I love my school so much is because of the athletics section and our school spirit. We got voted the #1 High School for our spirit in our county on the Sacramento Bees News Article. As a school we come together for our athletics and have the time of our lives. Speaking academically, this school also offers a huge range of courses to take, and they excel in their electives, specifically arts. Due to these opportunities, Granite Bay High School gives their students room to study their classes efficiently, express their feelings through art and other electives, all while having fun in student activities!... Read 343 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,050

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Davis Joint Unified School District, CA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  402 reviews

Senior: Davis is a very college-oriented school and I can confidently say that the staff here wants to see the students succeed. Just recently the school finished constructing a new robotics building and they are constantly improving and adding to their academics. The parking here is quite limited, I will say, and in general they do have a problem with accommodating for the large number of students on the relatively small campus. However, I can tell that they are slowly but surely addressing the issues and the more important aspects of school they do well on. I always feel safe here and all of my teachers care about me and are experts in the material they teach. Being a senior has actually been quite fun this year!... Read 402 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,810

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Sacramento City Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  433 reviews

Senior: West Campus ranks as the number one high school in Sacramento again! West Campus is an inclusive, diverse school filled with the most caring students and staff. Although the curriculums taught may be tough, West Campus challenges its students and encourages them to work harder. In addition, there are many events such as the Halloween carnival, multicultural fair, and rallies where students and staff dress up and show their spirit. The students and staff are so enthusiastic, it makes events extremely fun! This especially goes with the rallies. During rally week, everyone dresses up for each spirit day and helps their class paint their themed posters. On rally day, teachers are chosen to judge each class’ posters, games, chants, 3D object, etc. These rallies bring students together as they bond through competition. There are also many clubs for almost anything. If there isn’t one you wanted, you can make a club! West Campus is a great school and really feels like a second home.... Read 433 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 834

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Sacramento, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  265 reviews

Senior: I’m currently a Senior here at Christian Brothers High School and I got to tell you, I’m absolutely loving it. I love how CB has a different variety of programs, classes, clubs, and sports to choose from. Ever since I joined, I have received nothing but kindness from both faculty and students. The teachers do actually care about their students, and help them on their academic journey. The atmosphere here is just so welcoming. There are so many opportunities here at CB, and it really does prepare you for college. I recommend you go here for high school!... Read 265 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Juan Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  382 reviews

Senior: I really liked the diversity throughout the students and faculty. I liked how much this school encouraged me to do my best, even when times were at their worst. Although there were lots of positives, a few negatives included basic aspects that would apply to most high schools. Some of the classrooms just seem very dull, along with several mean teachers. The opposite end of this is that there were also some amazing classrooms and learning environments, and some amazing teachers that have affected my life in drastic ways.... Read 382 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,680

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  291 reviews

Senior: At first my experience was a bit rough. I was online because of covid and so I basically wasn’t able to go to in person school furing freshmen year til March of 2021. It was hard because half of the week was online and half of the week was in person. But sophomore year was when things started again. I was able to go to football games, dances, and other school events. I was in student government as well which meant I got to help out with all of the school events. But there was still restrictions on some these events which made it hard to enjoy. On my birthday, people protested about masks, which I will never forget. Junior year, things started getting back to normal and I got to enjoy the little things and appreciate them even more. I became friends with so many more people, I was still in student government and I was the Junior class vice president. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed junior year. I got to go on a mission trip to Mexico and spent my winter break in Italy!... Read 291 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,785

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Sacramento, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  85 reviews

Sophomore: The most important thing in Jesuit High School is that I feel like an individual. The school and faculty make immense effort towards pushing every student out of their comfort zone, and in doing so cause everyone to stand out. I wouldn't have joined the volleyball team if not for Jesuit High School's counseling department pushing me to take risks and try out for a cut sport that I had been on the bubble of trying out for over the past year. I wanted to join the team, but was filled with self-doubt. The affirmations and support offered to me by the counseling department thrusted my mentality towards standing out among a thousand students and not only trying out for a team, but making it too.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,072

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  495 reviews

Senior: While most schools tend to lean towards either a strong focus on sports or academics, Folsom High School has perfected the formula for prioritizing both. Beginning with the academics, Folsom High has a wide variety of fun and career-driven courses for their students. Regarding careers, Folsom High provides excellent course pathways for students to take during all four years. For example, the engineering pathway at Folsom High is exceptionally strong, and even inexperienced programmers or innovators can acquire the knowledge required to pursue an engineering career. Additionally, the sports program at Folsom High is phenomenal, and there is a lot of diversity for students when it comes to choosing sports. Students can pursue athletics including football, tennis, lacrosse, and so much more. The coaches for all of these teams are amazing, and they make sure to push you to your full potential. Overall, Folsom High is a fantastic school and it gave me a fantastic high school experience.... Read 495 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,675

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Elk Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  777 reviews

Senior: My experience at Franklin High School is relatively high. They put a lot of emphasis on both academic achievement and supporting student's mental health. The school faculty especially are very open and friendly, I've rarely gotten into any serious disagreements with any of them. The school's facilities could use some improvement, though. There are some areas they seem to have so much funding into, and others they seem to have put none. The restrooms seem to always be dirty, and particularly the boys' restrooms never even have soap dispensers. Plus, the "garden" space has become neglected and overgrown with weeds and moss. Overall, I'd say my experience has been better than most high schools, at least in California.... Read 777 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,697

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Fair Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: Now two yeas in, I am so grateful that my son is at SWS. It is an emotionally safe environment where the teachers and administration work together for the betterment of all students. They are easy to reach and connect with and I find them to be collaborators towards my son's education. Since there are no tryouts for sports, my son loves that he gets to play even though he might not make the cut at other schools. He enjoys being part of the athletics program, and the social connections and opportunities that come with that. The students are caring and have welcomed him, even though he knew nobody when he first arrived. It's good to see him in a place where he is supported socially, emotionally, and academically. For those considering SWS, don't think twice. You'll wish your child had gone here sooner!... Read 43 reviews

• grade A

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rocklin, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  146 reviews

Parent: If you are looking for a school that focuses on academics and college acceptance, this is the right place for your high school student. VAPA programs are decent and meet elective requirements, faculty are well educated and class sizes are not too large. Some advanced courses are offered here that are not available or taught at other schools including Sports Medicine and Mandarin. My eldest daughter received a bi-literacy seal on her diploma for Mandarin. In sports, the school excels in basketball, volleyball (both genders) and soccer. The football team is not a high skill level. This is college prep school. A minimum of 2-3 AP courses each year are highly encouraged, some are required.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A

• Students 779

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Natomas Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  202 reviews

Senior: From my experience, the teachers have been very friendly and understanding. They are willing to put in extra work to help their students succeed. The school is relatively small and thus close-knit. The regular curriculum is challenging while also offering more advanced courses through AP and dual enrollment with American River College. Some things I would like to see change are more sports opportunities since many athletic students prefer to attend Inderkum for high school. NP3 only has dance, and occasionally, basketball. Expanding the sports department would greatly benefit the physical and mental health of our students while diversifying the student body. NP3 focuses mainly on academic pursuits and offers activities such as journalism, robotics, and mock trial, but I would like to see more clubs such as debate or Model UN that can provide more opportunities for academic competitions.... Read 202 reviews

• grade A

• Students 632

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Sacramento, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  308 reviews

Alum: My experience at St. Francis High School was no less than great. The community is very welcoming and it's easy to make friends. Most of the teachers are extremely understanding, patient, kind, and explain they explain concepts well. But my favorite part of this school is obviously the food! I always felt comfortable and good, waking up and going to this school every day. I couldn't think of any changes I'd like to see made to this school, since it has already reached every expectation in my view.... Read 308 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,091

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Elk Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  549 reviews

Alum: Attending Cosumnes Oaks High School was a four-year journey filled with ups and downs. Reflecting on my time there, I can pinpoint both positive and negative aspects of the experience. The teachers I had were friendly and serious at teaching their students and guiding them through the years. The school offers various clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities that engage students to connect with one another. Additionally, Cosumnes Oaks' AP programs were top-notch, providing an opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically and prepare for college. I had the chance to take AP Calculus AB and BC under Melissa Sherwood. She was very enthusiast at her lessons despite distant learning due to covid a the time. However, my experience at Cosumnes Oaks was marred by some significant issues. The most prominent problem was overcrowding. The school seemed overwhelmed by its student population, leading to packed classrooms and limited resources.... Read 549 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,132

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Elk Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  560 reviews

Alum: The quality of education is extremely high. The IDEA academy is well funded. The school cares greatly about students' mental health. The worst part is that the buses are short staffed, so bus students arrive an hour before school begins. I did homework until midnight and had to wake up at 5:30 to catch the bus. A new California law requires schools to start no earlier than 8:30, which is a step in the right direction in terms of fixing sleep deprivation, but the short staffed buses still result in significant sleep deprivation for students... Read 560 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,566

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Davis Joint Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Junior: This school has changed my life and is the absolute best! The teachers and the students couldn't be more helpful. All of my teachers through DSIS have been the most encouraging.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Rocklin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  463 reviews

Senior: Whitney High School provides a plethora of opportunities for everyone, allowing students to be more than prepared for moving to that next step. My senior year has been a breeze with college applications and future planning because my administration and staff/counselors gave us all a multitude of resources. I was able to take all the courses I loved, and I got so many opportunities in music, arts, clubs, and volunteering to build experience for college/potential career paths. My school leadership program designs many rallies and events to create inclusivity and belonging among students, and teachers/staff are constantly around campus with smiles and motivating words. Even on bad personal days, my teachers and classmates are supportive and provide unconditional support. I've never been to a campus with more genuine appreciation and love for its students. Overall, Whitney prepped me above and beyond for college, provided me with outlets to explore my passions, and created a safe space.... Read 463 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,040

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Rocklin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  420 reviews

Senior: I really like the teacher at this campus, most of the classes I had were with genuinely enthusiastic teachers who helped me to succeed. The campus culture is lacking a little, with plenty of activities but little interaction between social groups. The worst part of my experience is the schools lack of caution about health precautions during covid, instead focusing on trying to "bring back" the old spirit and cramming more than cda approved number of students into the gym. My best experiences are definitely with my teachers, and the classes i have truly enjoyed.... Read 420 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,210

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Placer Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  286 reviews

Senior: Del Oro is such a fun environment with loads of tradition and pride within the small town! I always have an event or activity to look forward to. I really enjoy how Del Oro has never ending school spirit which fuels our award winning student section. While Del Oro is overall a great school, Covid-19 really screwed up the way students and staff normally do things around here and we lost some of that tradition. However, everyone is doing their best to regain and the strength, unity, and pride Del Oro has always provided and I am super excited to see it get back to what it once was prior to Covid.... Read 286 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,657

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Davis Joint Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  80 reviews

Junior: This is a great school! We do a lot of projects and they have creative components in them. For example, in a recent project, we interviewed veterans. In another, we made a booth dedicated to something in the 1920s. Overall, the teachers are really nice and the community is very welcoming.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A

• Students 574

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Roseville Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  401 reviews

Alum: Great teachers and a beautiful campus! This school offered some of the best hands-on education in the Antelope area, classes were interactive, and teachers were patient and kind. Fairly new campus with great parking and so many options for activities, with lots of clubs and different sports, arts and sciences to take you will always have something to do and keep you occupied and interested!... Read 401 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,758

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• El Dorado Union High School District, CA•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  430 reviews

Senior: I feel that the school gives an overall comforting and welcoming environment. There are many knowledgeable, engaging teachers; however there are a couple that don’t admit fault or give reasoning for actions. There are many students that feel the same way about the teachers, but not much is done to address it. There is a range of AP classes available, but I would wish that there were wider options. School is in a safe area. Overall great school!... Read 430 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,537

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Roseville Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  571 reviews

Alum: I personally loved it. The atmosphere, the people, the classes, everything. My high school years really couldn’t of been better and I’m so grateful I got to go to Woodcreek for high school. One bad thing that myself and others didn’t necessarily like was they were super strict with certain events and things associated with the school. And it was only our school that was like that. Nearby high schools didn’t have those rules and it took the fun out of it with some things. However, other than that! I don’t want them to change. Woodcreek was amazing and I hope everyone has the best experience going through that school.... Read 571 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,044

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Elk Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  650 reviews

Junior: Going into Sheldon High School I was naturally worried about how I'd be able to adjust to such a big change in my life from distance learning to a live in-person school. But the whole campus is very easy to navigate and the teachers for the vast majority of my classes have been really good at helping me understand the class. I've also been able to make so many lasting memories with people that I doubt I could meet if I didn't go to Sheldon. In addition to a wide variety of teachers and students, there's such a variety in classes, programs, electives, and even student clubs that makes Sheldon one of the best, and I'm very glad to be able to attend such a wonderful school. Go huskies!... Read 650 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,565

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1