2024 Best Places to Teach in Orange County

• Laguna Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: Wonderful school with wonderful teachers and administrative support. Really cares about and supports students. Great opportunities to take many advanced and AP classes. Beautiful campus and facilities.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Average teacher salary $126,445

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I found a very welcoming community of students and faculty that are supportive and diverse. Navigating the new environment was easy and clear. The classes offered were taught by professional experts in their fields and had immense knowledge to share which I had learned a lot from. The variety of classes offered was intriguing to say the least and had opened up opportunities for a wider scope of paths to choose from. Not to mention the extra curricular activities that encompass many fields which elevates the college experience and cultivates well-rounded students across campus. One thing I would change is to have slightly more invested councilors in the counseling office guiding the students to a better and more efficient college experience.... Read 3 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $166,096

• Los Alamitos, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  103 reviews

Senior: Los Alamitos High School has impacted my academic life for the better. It has been a place that has allowed me to feel motivated and creative. The faculty and staff at this school are remarkable and really ensure your safety at the school. The resources available to help you succeed are endless. They offer a wide variety of courses one can take to make learning beneficial for them. There is a place for everyone to feel like they belong. Whether it is at the football games, in the science labs, on the stage or the school dances. I am so grateful to my parents decided to send me there.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Average teacher salary $121,919

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: I have three kids that are currently enrolled in the NMUSD. My oldest a Senior in high school and youngest in 6the grade. My kids and I have had an amazing experience being apart of this community and school district. My boys both play water polo at their high school and are high achieving students. My experience with the teachers has been awesome. Im also very involved as a parent and have served on multiple foundations throughout my kids schooling. I think that is truly what makes are school so great is the parent participation and fundraising! The worst part was COVID and having my kids out of school, although Im aware that was out of their hands I think it could have been handled better.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Average teacher salary $124,150

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  162 reviews

Senior: As a senior now I feel like I’ve had amazing memories that will last forever, created by the school. The school environment just aims you want to be at school and continue to learn the curriculum. They are always coming up with fun shows on campus during lunch or the play music to keep us interested. The football games and basketball are always a blast because of how everyone wants to go to them. The teachers and staff are always supportive and helpful when it comes to learning and asking questions. The classmates are also very nice to each other. I think the school can work on being more inclusive in the class, possibly make more groups projects. The school counselors should also be more interactive with their students when It comes to their junior and senior year and applying to colleges.... Read 162 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Average teacher salary $106,842

• Irvine, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  207 reviews

Senior: As a student in the Irvine Unified School District, I have felt greatly supported each year in high school. The parents who have been involved in sports were very devoted. The club opportunities on campus are vast and always accessible. The teachers I have had in the past four years have been wonderful! Each teacher is unique and extremely compassionate towards each student. Beginning my first two years of high school in the pandemic greatly affected my outlook on school. The physical and relational distance from everyone around me made it difficult, but my last two years have been more than I could have hoped. I have found a wonderful group of people, my teachers are role models, and I am encouraged to make a difference on my campus.... Read 207 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $99,456

• Garden Grove, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  261 reviews

Senior: Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) has been exceptionally satisfactory in assisting its students to achieve their academic endeavors and explore future career opportunities. GGUSD teachers, counselors, and other members of staff go above and beyond to provide the best educational and social environment for students, providing the appropriate resources that allow students to excel in their interests. Campuses are continuously improved through remodeling efforts by the district based on the recommendations and requests of students and parents. GGUSD provides an environment that is not only that of a school district but also a second home for students, a place where everybody has the opportunity to decide their future with the best, most supportive atmosphere.... Read 261 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Average teacher salary $121,311

• Santa Ana, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  323 reviews

Senior: I joined the Santa Ana Unified School District during my sophomore year of high school in 2021. I was previously in a charter school environment but felt disconnected. I joined Segerstrom High School and immediately fell in love with the school. I made friends quickly, teachers showed compassion toward the subjects they taught, and counselors showed genuine interest in helping me plan out my last years in high school. I feel comfortable reaching out to teachers and staff with questions regarding my current education, and my education beyond high school like dual enrollment programs, advanced placement classes, and universities. Something I would like to see change is that I hope, overall throughout the entire country, schools become safer. We had a serious lockdown in October 2022 and my school unfortunately was not well enough prepared. However, the staff recognized this immediately and trained to better handle these difficult and scary situations.... Read 323 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Average teacher salary $123,109

• Tustin, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  140 reviews

Other: I had a positive experience with Tustin Unified School District. The best part was their dedicated teachers who truly cared about students' success. However, class sizes were sometimes large, impacting individual attention. I'd like to see more resources allocated to reducing class sizes for a more personalized learning experience.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Average teacher salary $110,701

• Placentia, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  143 reviews

Junior: I've been in this district since I was in kindergarten, and most of the teachers and staff have been very helpful in finding a way to support my academic career. Some of my teachers have kept in touch throughout the years and have greatly impacted my life for the better. As for the curriculum, most teachers covered their subjects very well and prepared us for APs and finals. The only experience in this district that I did not find nurturing to the students were the political disputes. There were many times where district members would advocate for limiting certain education such as Critical Race Theory. Because of such bans on education and limitations of expression, countless students like myself would consider this part to be the most negative factor of attending a PYLUSD school.... Read 143 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $102,013

• Fullerton, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  220 reviews

Senior: I've attended Troy High School since my Freshman year during the Covid-19 pandemic. Attending school via Zoom 3 days per week and in person the other 2 days. My high school was very well prepared to transition to remote learning and I felt the level of education I received was still top notch even under such a stressful and odd time. The educators were always positive and supportive whether online or in person. Going into my senior year this fall, I feel prepared to academically challenge myself even more than I already have. The opportunities I've received via the Troy Tech program at Troy High School, via my summer internship at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library will be a great asset to my future. I realize how fortunate I am to be a student in this district. FJUHSD provides the type of rigorous education a student should expect from a private institution.... Read 220 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $102,641

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: I would love to see Edison High School become more of a modern infrastructure by updating the seating areas, the brick and mortar walls, and classrooms limited with windows, to enhance the scenery. I would also like to see more staff getting involved around the bathroom and hang-out areas, to improve the safety of all students. The seating around the school is limited and only stadium seating is available. Lunch tables outside would benefit everyone, for the fresh air and socialism. Perhaps, when staff get involved, the students will find that they are not invisible. In general, Edison is a great school with lots to do.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Average teacher salary $105,839

• Westminster, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Freshman: Westminster is really well-known as a STEM school and it lives up to this reputation. While it is in a low-income neighborhood, it makes up for this with its stellar academic programs and extracurricular activities (AVID, MERITS, PUENTES).... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Average teacher salary $121,224

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  154 reviews

Senior: The experience that SVUSD has allowed me and my fellow classmates to have had been outstanding. The staff always makes sure students are doing what they’re supposed to be doing and more importantly making sure we are in a safe environment. Like every other school district there are many rules and/or staff guidelines that make us unhappy and unfortunately I experience some of those rules, but in the end I know that they are doing it to keep us safe and happy. The main theme the district seemed to go by was making sure everyone got the most out of their school experience. The district did a great job in entertainment, safety, and health for all schools that I have attended. Thank You SVUSD for making school much more enjoyable than many people see it to be!... Read 154 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Average teacher salary $108,831

• Cypress, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I love Cypress Elementary School. The staff is so helpful and always teaching my children new things every day. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Cypress Elementary School has a great education program for children and always help parents who are need of anything. I highly recommend this school to other parents and children.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $116,728

• Brea, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: Brea Olinda Highschool is a great school! Awesome campus and student life is a positive and fun environment. Definitely some repairs necessary to athletic facilities such as tennis courts (currently not available on campus & students must travel to El Dorado to use courts) and AC in the gym; some updates in the classroom or places such as the pool deck would improve the BOHS experience immensely! Overall this school is great, with most teachers eager to engage with students and dedicated to their future.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Average teacher salary $94,413

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Works Here: The teachers are great! The classrooms are a great learning environment. They are always trying out new technology and different classroom set ups.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Average teacher salary $122,713

• Buena Park, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Four of my children currently attend Miller elementary school in La Palma. Excellent teachers with good communication skills with students and parents. Safe, warm and loving atmosphere. Great follow up with parents on school homework. I would highly recommend this school and the teachers. Mr. Hunt, Mr. Fairchild, Ms. Miller, Mrs. T. and Mrs. McClure are so very attentive and fair minded, and go the extra mile with students. After having several kids through private and public schools, I can truly attest that this is a wonderful school.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Average teacher salary $117,026

• Fullerton, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Sophomore: Fullerton Elementary School District provides a positive environment for children and prepares them for junior high.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $117,810

• Anaheim, CA•

• School District

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Average teacher salary $121,677

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: As an English learner I had a lot of experiences at school, I would like to thank some of my teachers who helped me, some of my teachers translate their assignments for me, so I could understand better . It wasn't easy but I'm that kind of person that doesn't give up, I'm proud of who I am and where I come from. Ocean View has a lot of great teachers who care about you. My experience in Ocean View is great, Fun, and also stressful. I love some Teachers and I have friends, and I love to watch the soccer and basketball games at school.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Average teacher salary $113,899

• Orange, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  121 reviews

Alum: I attended West Orange Elementary, Yorba Middle School, El Modena, and Orange High school throughout my k-12 education. Although I was a Santa Ana resident, I was able to attend any schools within Orange unified through an interdistrict transfer and I must say, it was the best decision my parents and I decided. The neighborhoods surrounding the schools were safe, teachers were helpful and friendly, and Orange High School supports every one of its students. I definitely feel that Orange Unified offers their students great opportunities and encourages their students to complete their post-secondary education. Overall, I am very glad that I attended schools within Orange Unified!... Read 121 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Average teacher salary $100,966

• Anaheim, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Sophomore: All the teachers and staff i won't say i like exactly what they do however its not my choice they are required to do their job just like how i ma required to be a student and achiever my ultimate dream to become a gynecologists'. It is very hard to go to school when you are different i can relate because i am Arab/Muslim and when i was young many people saw me differentially , however they are very respectful nd understanding at magnolia i wouldn't say the whole school because every school has a few kids that don't agree with anyone, however other then that i like the school.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Average teacher salary $120,844

• Fountain Valley, CA•

• School District

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Average teacher salary $105,374

• Anaheim, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  304 reviews

Senior: I am so happy I enrolled in Anaheim High School! There is so much opportunities to experience. There is a wide range of sports, clubs, activities, classes, and much more. I am part of the Anaheim Cheer Squad and I have a blast cheering on our sports and performing to our school. I am also part of the Medical Careers ROP classes and this program has amazed me. I have always wanted to get into the Medical program and Anaheim has help me get closer to my dream of becoming a Pediatrician with the help of ROP Medical Careers. There is so much effort Anaheim High School has put into their school, however not every school is perfect. I do believe that Anaheim High School is lacking the Academic support. Counselors are not always available when someone is in need of help, it takes a while to receive a response. I have also been given misinformation of the school year guidelines. Although, this will not stop me from loving the school that made me who I am today and who I will be in the future.... Read 304 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Average teacher salary $108,208