2022 Best high schools in California

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  943 reviews

Senior: I am currently a Senior at Troy High School and have overall really enjoyed my experience here. I have nothing but great things to say about the Teachers, each teacher I have had has done an amazing job at preparing their students for the next level. Most teachers here truly show how much they care about their students and never fail to make us feel recognized and appreciated. Although Troy does lack some school spirit, and our admin sometimes shuts down a lot of student requests, I appreciate how they make Troy a safe place for its students. During my four years, I have been involved in many clubs as well as the cheer squad. If you're considering sending your child to Troy, make sure they are keeping a balance! A lot of students come here and are pushed too far by their parents causing them to crack under pressure. When coming to such an academically focused school, you must do what's best for you and not forget to indulge in the parts of high school that make it so unforgettable.... Read 943 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,614

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  117 reviews

Parent: My daughter has completed her Freshman year at Marymount and I can't express enough how incredible the year was for her. Socially she made many new friends, who all have different interests, personalities, and goals. The young woman at Marymount really support one another and encourage each other to try new things. Academically, the faculty is extremely attentive to the students and work with them if they need extra help or explanations. Also, Marymount makes sure the students are on track for the college admissions process. They really get to know the students and help guide them every step of the way. I love the events they offer such as the Father/daughter dance, Mother/daughter brunch, and the Father's BBQ on campus. These types of events really help the parents get to know one another and spend time with their daughter's friends. If you have a daughter who is looking for a high school in the future, I highly recommend you take a look at Marymount!... Read 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 322

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pebble Beach, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  87 reviews

Alum: Terrific place to learn, grow, make lasting friendships, and prepare to be someone with passion and a good work ethic. Graduated 2010 as a boarder and went to an Ivy. Incredible teachers who knew the material well and made the classroom engaging and fun for the most part. There was lots of homework and would regularly spend 3 hours a night studying a day for my 5 classes. This was at the time frustrating but it made studying in college that much easier. Great variety of core classes and electives which made Stevenson more fun and open to explore than some other schools I considered (e.g. radio, music theory, AP physics c, Econ). Students and extracurriculars were a plus too. Looking back, people were nice and school culture had a strong California vibe (fun and cool) as opposed to a more East Coast school (intense and colder). The school being larger than other boarding schools was a double edged sword since the community wasn’t as tight as some smaller schools, but still good.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 524

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  29 reviews

Alum: Pinewood School has changed me into the person I am today. This community has helped me open up more to get more out of the world instead of staying to my own all the time. I have learnt to be a little more sociable when necessary and taught me how I can keep improving based on my experiences. Pinewood would always try to find ways to alleviate stress on students and care about their emotions towards completing an assignment, going to a practice, or anything else. All teachers teach with such a passion that the relationship of teacher and student turns to just a discussion group talking about an very interesting topic. Although the tuition is a bit on the pricey side, I would totally recommend Pinewood to others looking for a high-quality academic and fun-loving, social community.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Lafayette, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  102 reviews

Sophomore: The teachers and academics are great. Over my time at Bentley, I've had many wonderful teachers! The college counseling and students are great. However, a few things that aren't great at Bentley is the Admin and Sports. The issue with the admin is that they don't always treat the teachers great so we have a high turnover rate for teachers. Our sports aren't great in that there isn't too much emphasis on them, so we usually don't do super well... Overall a reasonably good school, though.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Anselmo, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  106 reviews

Parent: A purpose-driven education drew us to SD for our kids in 3rd and 9th grades in 2021. 3rd grade encourages kids to connect with passions and the needs of the world. High school seeks purpose in classes like world religions, philosophy, global studies & electives, sports, assemblies, spring trips and community service. Faculty have consistently kind and respectful communication, an expectation of inclusivity, and positivity. Our 3rd grader who can be shy loves school and riding the bus. Our high schooler is developing relationships and felt comfortable enough to join a sports team. Academics are excellent. Our 3rd grader's learning differences are supported by teachers, a counselor, and tutoring onsite. Our high schooler was given the tools to step up to the challenging curriculum and he's independently managing his work. Care and consideration goes into every detail. Students benefit from the school's maturity and quest for improvement and innovation. We are delighted with SD!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  168 reviews

Junior: I love Flintridge Sacred Heart because of the community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. I can be friends with anyone and I feel comfortable being myself. Everyone has so much school spirit and love for the school, that it makes events super fun. Everyone participates in everything! Teachers are also super helpful. They are there early in the morning and late at night. They all want to ensure that we succeed in high school. The teachers are always available to help when needed. They show so much support through arts and sports as well by showing up to events. As a whole, the community is outstanding at Flintridge Sacred Heart. I also feel like I am being prepped very well for college. Everyone is rooting for everyone's success!... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 367

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Calabasas, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  117 reviews

Senior: Viewpoint School is an amazing school! During my Freshman year, they made workshops and took us on field trips which helped me create friendships. The curriculum is massive, so it really allows students to explore what they want to pursue in life from an early age. The sports program is amazing; we achieve new accolades each year, even though we are in one of the most competitive leagues in the country!... Read 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,215

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  211 reviews

Senior: I'm currently a rising senior at Bellarmine. So far my experience has had its ups and downs, but great nonetheless. My only complaint is the phone policy. Recently, as in start of 2021-2022, there was the introduction of a banning of phones during school hours. Students would get detentions if caught using their phones. The thing is, everyone used phones with little enforcement of the policy. Whoever made the policy probably thought that it would get people away from their technology, but it didn't, and it probably never will. Other than my one complaint, Bellarmine is a great school. But it isn't for everyone due to occasional masses (once every few months) and it being all dudes. We have sister schools, but it ultimately comes down to how social you are.... Read 211 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,643

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sherman Oaks, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  44 reviews

Works Here: Buckley has an incredible community of faculty, students, alumni, and parents. I've worked at the school for several years now and have been so impressed by the caliber of my colleagues and students. In particular, I appreciate how our smaller size encourages students to take on more challenges; my students take rigorous courses while also participating in sports, playing an instrument, writing for the newspaper, and anything else they're interested in trying. The campus is also beautiful, situated in the mountains -- there is even a nature trail off the field! The school has incredible, state-of-the-art facilities for arts, tech, athletics, and more.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  565 reviews

Junior: I love Orange County School of the Arts, it's such an incredibly diverse cultural and artistic environment. You get people from all around Southern California, from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego from so many different backgrounds! I feel accepted and respected here as a woman and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I'm challenged every day artistically and academically, I truly feel like I'm becoming my best self and that I'm being set up for imminent success in my future in the arts. We have notable alumni and the opportunity to interact and learn from industry professionals regularly who have been successful in artistic industries like film, television, musical theater, dance, animation, graphic design, fine arts, and creative writing. I would seriously recommend OCSA for any budding artist who has an interest and passion for a career in the arts or artistic industry.... Read 565 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Sacramento, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: Have been having a amazing overall time here. Good Teachers, decent food only had it once (had my own from home). Also met the love of my life. It’s a great school would give it a ten, but it needs a little more work on small stuff. Otherwise amazing school I love it!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 507

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: I really liked attending Bay for my 4 years of high school. Bay provided me with both a quality education and the social emotional tools I will need for college and beyond. I'm really glad I chose to go here because I always felt so welcome, at home, and cared about. The college counseling department is so helpful in making sure students have the tools they need to successfully apply to college, and it's no surprise that the majority of kids get into one of their top college choices. The food is also really good and healthy! The only huge downside is the price tag. If you have the money, I would definitely recommend sending your child here.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  647 reviews

Sophomore: PVPHS is a great choice for kids who are willing to challenge themselves and prepare for college. Most of the teachers are excellent and well-qualified, and I’ve had amazing experiences with many of them. The majority of students are also very kind, vibrant, and accepting, compared to my last school in LA—they put extra effort into making you feel welcome. Along with that, the school spirit is fun and contagious, and kids here feel a lot of pride to be Peninsula students. However, the student culture here sometimes gets overwhelming—many feel pressure to get perfect grades and be involved in extracurriculars. While kids here are really polite, there’s always an underlying message: you need to do well and maintain your grades, or else. The pros outnumber the cons significantly: supportive people everywhere you look, some of the best academics in the state, and endless valuable experiences and opportunities. Final tip: Just be sure to find good friends and a decent work-life balance!... Read 647 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,359

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  470 reviews

Senior: Torrey Pine High School is all about participating in school spirit! Everyone gathers together at all of the games and fills the chaos section with so much energy. It is a very sports-minded school, but luckily they do offer many clubs to those who aren't sporty. The teachers are all amazing and want the best for each of their students. The campus is beautiful! Almost everyone there is college driven, and will only encourage others to want the best future for themselves.... Read 470 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,547

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  81 reviews

Alum: Convent is a great school for college-driven students. Due to the small size of the school, you are able to have more opportunities to take advanced courses (AP/IB). These types of students have the ability to excel academically and receive all the support they need. In that regard, 10/10. Only reason I did not provide a five star review is due to a lot of the blatant favoritism to students who went to the school for all of their education (K-12) as opposed to students who joined in high school. Convent and Stuart Hall is an amazing institution all around.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  503 reviews

Sophomore: I've had a pretty amazing experience at University High School in Irvine, California. They have provided me with so many opportunities for rigorous learning and opportunities to be involved in so many unique clubs, activities, and classes. Students at University High are really passionate and love to collaborate with each other. Teachers also really care about their students and I've had so many meaningful interactions in their classes. Classes are interesting and engaging and we often have interesting discussions. Also, no matter what question I have or if I want to learn more about something, there is always someone willing to help me -- teachers, counselors, students, anyone! I've had a chance to really foster my love for learning by taking honors classes. The only downside I would reflect on is how competitive the environment can be, which makes you feel a bit pressured at times to be high achieving. But competitiveness has also encouraged me as well!... Read 503 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,708

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  41 reviews

Parent: Laguna Blanca is a gem! We moved to the area and enrolled our kids and WOW we are so impressed! I have never seen my children so in love with school. Every day they come home and say how amazing their day was. They love their teachers like they have never loved teachers before. The teachers are above and beyond. The kids are kind. The curriculum is challenging, but somehow still incredibly fun. I feel so lucky to have my children in such a magical place!... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  250 reviews

Sophomore: My freshman year was better than I could have ever imagined it! Going to an all girls school may seem like a center for drama, but the community built there is wonderful. Everyone at the school is so nice and cares about you. The teachers are wonderful and are skilled at what they do. I definitely feel that I am getting the very best education that I could have here at ND. The classes aren’t too big, so you are really able to get a one on one experience within your classes. School spirit is big at ND, but also super fun. Spirit week at ND was amazing and made me feel proud to be a Regent at ND. I am so happy I chose to go to this school and grateful for all of the opportunities ND has provided me to become a woman of impact and a strong leader in my community.... Read 250 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Westlake Village, CA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  261 reviews

Parent: I have an Oaks Graduate and a current sophomore. Both are very different children and both have had amazing, unique experiences at this school. From the caring teachers and faculty, to the amazing athletic programs, chapel and spiritual encouragement, combined with tons of extra curricular and student government opportunities, there is something for everyone at Oaks Christian.... Read 261 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  103 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, International is a very rigorous school that prepares you to be a great person and undergraduate. Coming from an African American household, I feel this school lacks a lot of diversity not only in the cultural and racial department but in the education representation around said topic. The school is not very transparent around What our tuition Goes towards or what resources are available to us as students. The school has also been very unorganized in informing the students of Important information like final exams and class information. I will say though that this school has the excellent ability to unite students and prepare them in a way no other school can. The level of education is something that drew me to this school - being able to be around students who love learning and love being at school is something that encourages me to work harder everyday. The arts is also something worth mentioning as they truly understand the importance of the arts in a students life.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  348 reviews

Junior: I'll start off with the bullying: There is none. Everyone is nice and helpful to each other. The homework is a bit much but with some encouragement from parents, it's not all that bad. The teachers are extraordinary at explaining the class material and subjects and are always willing to help a student in need. But the school is not all work. La Canada High School also offers a plethora of sports teams and clubs, most of which are run by the community or students. As a student with ADD (ADHD Innatentive), staying focused has been a bit difficult. Luckily, the teachers are nice and give me extra time to complete assignments or tests. Now onto the food! The cafeteria offers a variety of food, usually with different menus each day. There's also a wide variety of drinks and snacks in the Cafe.... Read 348 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  482 reviews

Sophomore: Most of the teachers are friendly and are willing to help you outside of class time! They are also very understanding of other classes students take! The teachers are also very knowledgeable in their subjects as many have been teaching for many years. To add on, there are a variety of different electives students can take, and the teacher helps everyone prepare very well! There are also about a hundred clubs on camous which can help anyone with a diverse interest during both lunch and brunch! Overall a really large, friendly, and engaging school environment! Would recommend!... Read 482 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,942

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  361 reviews

Sophomore: I love this school so much! Coming from a public middle school not as much funding, the teachers and education overall were not as great. The support from faculty here is amazing, and so is the community. When walking through the halls, you feel like these people around you will help you if you just ask. That sense of support is a necessity, especially in high school when most students feel alone. Here at SI, I can try new things even if I am terrified of the thought. This past year, I tried new sports, clubs, and even ran for student council! There are numerous new activities you can try out. If you think you will run out of things to try, that is where you are wrong. The campus is beautiful and HUGE. If you are looking for a wonderful college preparatory high school in the bay area, you should look into this one. Starting the school year online and during quarantine was tough, but the faculty was still very supportive and got us back in person as soon as they could.... Read 361 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,476

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Monterey, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  86 reviews

Junior: SC is a school for very dedicated girls who are willing to put in a lot of time to reach their goals. That being said, it's the best, well-rounded high school education I've heard of here in northern California. The staff is there for you, but a lot of your class management is your responsibility. But, it pays off! Many girls get into great universities, and I've heard that the transition into university-style classes is very clean/easy.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 230

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1