2018 Best STEM High Schools in California

Best for STEM

380 results

Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
9-12
251
7 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Alum: I miss registering for and attending classes at Gunn. Registration was so stress-free (especially with the Jacoubowsky's assistance). Classes were engaging--almost every teacher was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and willing to learn if they were new to a subject. Just remembering them brings a smile to my face. They were so quirky!

There were some horrible teachers. If they were better, this school would be excellent. One was outwardly dismissive of certain political views. One never returned assignments and was rumored to pick course grades out of hat--she got fired. One admitted she was crushing our dreams by giving low grades. One would not post course material online. One gave only one lecture.

Many of my peers made up a group of the most inclusive, intelligent, and accomplished individuals I know. The administration should listen to students more. These students are experts about their own mental health and their personal lives and concerns.
Read 251 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,918 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Saratoga High School
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District, CA
9-12
147
9 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: I liked my experience at SHS! Overall, it's a great community with great academics and opportunities to get involved with the student body. It's kind of cliche but your experience is "you get out what you put in." It's easy to abstain from activities, but if you really want the best experience possible, I suggest joining clubs, sports, and going to the many many events SHS hosts. The teachers I've had are mostly great, with a few exceptions, but I feel like they all do want me to succeed (except for maybe one or two). I've always found the student body to be supportive and generally good people, but I know some who do not share my viewpoint on that. I super duper suggest you join MAP bc it's the best family to be a part of :)
Read 147 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,305 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lynbrook High School
Fremont Union High School District, CA
9-12
406
11 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: I really enjoyed the clear structure for students to follow when choosing courses. In addition, the guidance counselors on campus are some of the best guidance counselors in the high school world. They are very open to hearing student concerns and make their best efforts to resolve issues ASAP.

This school definitely prepared me for college level classes. AP Literature & Writing gave me anxiety everyday, but it improved my SAT writing scores (thanks to my wonderful Lit teachers).

One thing about this school that is not as satisfactory as the academics and the peers on campus would be certain administrative people: such as the attendance clerk and a few Vice Principals. A few teachers don't teach the class well, which seriously should change. Other than these (very) few individuals, Lynbrook is amazing!

I love you Lynbrook, I will miss you!
Read 406 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,766 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Monta Vista High School
Fremont Union High School District, CA
9-12
335
12 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Monta Vista is a very spirited school - with the frequent rallies, dances, sports events, club activities, etc., it emphasizes community involvement that excites all the students. The teachers are okay - some are only around because of their tenure, while others are very enthusiastic and passionate. The teacher-student relationship is not as strong as other schools. The competitive environment, guidance counselor/admin talks, and career center availability allow students to have a good handle on college readiness.
Read 335 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,322 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
9-12
274
18 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Alum: Good academics, rigorous coursework. However, it depends on the classes you take and the mindset that you have. Teachers are generally good and dedicated to their jobs, although not always interesting/insightful. Student culture can be a bit competitive/toxic at times, but it also depends on the people you associate with. Resources for mental health are growing, which is good for the students that have trouble with reconciling schoolwork and personal lives. Club presence on campus is fairly lacking, with only a few major clubs. Administration has made some questionable decisions. Access to Town and Country marketplace across the street, which is what many people do for lunch. In terms of diversity, there is a significant lack of non-Asian minority students, and a lack of socioeconomic diversity. In terms of college readiness, as a college freshman at an "elite" college, I feel that I have been over-prepared by Paly.
Read 274 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,993 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mission San Jose High School
Fremont Unified School District, CA
9-12
321
19 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Alum: Although Mission has a rap for being an extremely tough and stressful school, it is ultimately up to the student and the courses that he/she decides to take. Students who sign up for Advanced Placement courses should expect a much tougher work load as their study in the subject becomes increasingly independent. Yes, the math department is pretty rigorous and some of the teachers might suck, but that's life. In the long-run, it will make you a more independent and resilient student!
Read 321 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,069 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sonoma Academy
Private School
Santa Rosa, CA
9-12
32
Senior: Although this school is expensive, the education is well worth the money. I have gone to school here for four years, I am now a graduating senior. I am sad to say I will never experience a community of this quality. The teachers and students respect each other in a way that isn't something you would experience at a larger school. The students are so accepting and open; I have formed strong bonds and made lifelong friendships. What's more, I have been accepted to every school I have applied to, thanks to my awesome college counselors and the quality education the teachers provided. There is never a lack of support and genuine care from everyone that is at Sonoma Academy. I am truly sad to leave, but also prepared.
Read 32 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
308 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dougherty Valley High School
San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA
9-12
543
25 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: One of the negative reviews on here states they were heavily discouraged from doing fine arts and that Dougherty is more of a STEM school. While many of the students are STEM-focused due to their background and parents being in the STEM fields, I would highly disagree that fine arts are not encouraged here. As a student who has been heavily involved in the music program for all of my years here, I can say that we have extremely talented students and passionate teachers in both the fine arts and performing arts programs. There are students who go to colleges to study music, with recent graduates going to schools like U of P and Northwestern. We hold amazing art shows, musicals, concerts, etc. all year round. It's unfortunate that that alumnus succumbed to the peer pressure, but I definitely did not feel the pressure to not be involved in band. In fact, it's probably more likely the people/teacher will try to keep you from quitting a fine arts class just "because my parents said so"!
Read 543 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,759 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cupertino High School
Fremont Union High School District, CA
9-12
378
26 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: At Cupertino High School, I loved the competitive atmosphere and teacher support that pushed me academically and physically. In and after classes, I would notify teachers for a needs of assistance and they would never miss a meeting. With students, I found many encouraging and thoughtful friends that would aid and comfort me in the pressuring school environment. Finally, joining proactive and competitive sports like baseball and cross country helped distract me from school work and spend time playing with my childhood friends. Overall, I found my experience at Cupertino high school very satisfying and comforting as I now move onto college.
Read 378 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,233 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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San Marino High School
San Marino Unified School District, CA
9-12
241
27 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: I've been at SMHS for the past four years, and overall, I've had a good experience here. Most of the teachers are great - helpful, very knowledgeable, and readily available. However, there are definitely a few that are on the opposite end of the spectrum, but, luckily, I haven't encountered many of those! The environment is rather competitive and somewhat stressful, especially if you're in all or mostly AP and honors courses, but if you ever find it too overwhelming, counselors are easily met, and I've heard there are other resources you can turn to as well!
Read 241 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,200 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Los Altos High School
Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, CA
9-12
246
28 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Sophomore: Los Altos high school is a great school overall. Academically, mostly every student is pretty successful with the help of great teachers. With the many resources and support systems from counselors and perhaps the implementation of a wellness center, LAHS is very safe, diverse, and welcoming. It’s an overall free and open campus that accepts people of all backgrounds. However, in terms of school spirit and student involvement in different activities such as sports, clubs, and other things, I think that LAHS could definitely promote these aspects more by encouraging students.
Read 246 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,039 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Troy High School
Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
9-12
749
30 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Alum: Troy High School is not your average American public high school. As you probably may have heard, we excel both in academics and athletics, with multiple accolades and recognitions on national levels. The school population has always fostered a safe learning environment -- we are very inclusive, with a special education program and multiple cultural organizations, and bullying seldom takes place. Although the academic courses I took were very rigorous, I have never regretted taking them because they gave me a strong work ethic and allowed me to develop a passion for learning. Go Warriors!
Read 749 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,755 Students
28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Whitney High School
ABC Unified School District, CA
7-12
318
32 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Junior: Whitney High School is rated as the #1 High School for college preparation, according to the U.S. World News Report. I was proud to say that I attend Whitney because of this, yet it was through empty words. Now that I am currently a junior at Whitney High School, I discovered why I love Whitney so much. The student body is full of open-minded, innovative, and competitive students, who care about making a difference in the world. The welcoming environment of Whitney’s small student body (only a 1,001 students!) creates a community where I can be comfortable sharing my ideas and work with others. The competitive energy and determination in everyone positively influences me to do the same and the knowledgeable staff makes it even better. Through their guidance and support, I was able to figure out my passions and work out a plan for my future. While many perceive Whitney’s selective admissions process negatively, I finally see the opposite.
Read 318 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,011 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Idyllwild Arts Academy
Private School
Idyllwild, CA
9-12
37
Parent: IAA invited my son into an academic and artistic community, comprised of faculty, staff and students communicating in a wide variety of languages, reflecting real diversity from around the world and within academic and artistic disciplines. While giving my son clear and rigorous guidance on the fundamentals and the incremental steps required to master any particular academic or artistic competence, he was encouraged to explore and take risks within his studies and projects. He learned and developed confidence in and out of the studio and classroom, through which experiences he developed resilience, when he fell short or erred on his path towards his goals. The administration provided structure and rules, with clear communication and warmth and nuance, as needed. His teachers held him accountable when he needed a check and built an independent path for enriched study in areas when he wanted to reach further.
Read 37 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
310 Students
4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Arcadia High School
Arcadia Unified School District, CA
9-12
950
36 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Amazing community with large amounts of opportunities. However, it's not very diverse so there is some cultural ignorance. Highly competitive both in academics and sports. The teachers are absolutely amazing!
Read 950 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,424 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Miramonte High School
Acalanes Union High School District, CA
9-12
178
37 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Junior: Even-though you are in this high stress environment, it's completely worth it. There are ample opportunities to get help and support and the pure diversity of courses and the depth and education that comes out of them are worth it. Prepares you AMAZINGLY for college! Very prestigious but in a good way. Go mats.
Read 178 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,232 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Canyon Crest Academy
San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
9-12
467
38 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Canyon Crest Academy has a student body like no other. We've got the feel of a liberal arts academy, but in reality, we're just another public school. Just recently, we've outgrown our neighbor Torrey Pines in student population, which, if you're familiar with the area, is pretty impressive. CCA's arts program is amazing, and we offer classes from drawing and design to digital composition to rock band to improv! Not to mention that the sports programs are quickly gaining a winning reputation. I gave it 4 stars because the academics are intense and stressful if you sign up for too many APs. Since we're on a 4x4 system, it simulates the college experience a little better. The class schedule never changes during the semester, allowing for more learning to get packed in during classes. You learn faster, but you definitely have to be willing to keep up with the workload. Other than that, our students are super friendly and weird (we want to keep it that way).
Read 467 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,255 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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University High School
Irvine Unified School District, CA
9-12
421
39 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: I loved going to University! I'm a senior, and today is my last day. I am eternally grateful for my 4 amazing, exciting high school years. Teachers and administration at UHS are truly amazing, supportive, and patient. I've never had a bad teacher here. Students are very nice...there is a wonderful sense of community. UHS's advanced courses and wide range of electives, as well as special education program prove that students learn at their own pace. In my classes, we did lots of hands-on, engaging learning. UHS has an AMAZING athletics program as well as fine arts. We also have an outstanding club called Best Buddies, where students who join are paired up with special needs students and hang out with them, and even go on field trips! I am very excited for the next 4 years I will be spending at Harvard in Massachusetts. There are so many fun events here, and most importantly, Trojan pride.
Read 421 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,617 Students
28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mountain View High School
Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, CA
9-12
244
45 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Overall, Mountain View High School is a great school. Its academics are fantastic, the teachers push you to be your best, and your peers around you will help you through anything. There is a lot of stress because some of the brightest kids go to school here and they all want to get into their top colleges. The administration doesn't make an effort to listen to the kids and only does when they absolutely have to. Besides that, Mountain View High School is a fantastic school.
Read 244 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,857 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Leland High School
San Jose Unified School District, CA
9-12
242
46 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Sophomore: I think Leland High School is a very good school; in terms of academics. All of the academic departments have good courses and there are many to choose from each year! For college readiness, every now and then we have assemblies in small groups where we are taught about college applications, GPA, and various other topics. But what made my overall experience 4 stars instead of 5 was the lack of diversity and spirit at our school. Our school is Asian dominant, and almost everyone is academically competitive (which can be seen as good and bad). Although we have 'rallies' where we play games and cheer on our football team, at times Leland can seem dispirited and segregated, because everyone is so academically competitive. This impacts the importance of sports, which stands in the shadow of AP/ accelerated classes and SAT prep. But I believe that in future years, Leland can become a well rounded school that appeals to anyone, leading students towards their individual goals. Go Chargers!
Read 242 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,807 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Amador Valley High School
Pleasanton Unified School District, CA
9-12
424
47 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Overall, Amador Valley High School really prepares you for college. If you take tough classes, like I did, its challenge, but then you are better prepared for the real world. The teachers are genuine and try and help their students. I was in the band program for all my 4 years and it was fantastic!
Read 424 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,628 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northwood High School
Irvine Unified School District, CA
9-12
440
48 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: If you're a high achieving student (your schedule is loaded with either honors classes freshman year, or APs your junior and senior year), Northwood can be a very competitive environment. I was a relatively "average" high achieving student and it was pretty stressful for me.

I will say though, as a school in a relatively affluent community, Northwood has TONS of resources. VAPA is super strong and ROP classes are extremely well-stocked (video production and culinary classes are AMAZING.)
On the flip side, our sports teams (particularly football, has a pretty bad rep). School spirit is sometimes okay. But in the group I hang out with, it's pretty lacking. Will definitely differ from your friend group to friend group.

Overall, a pretty high-intensity school where people can be a bit more focused on academics than they should be, but not a bad school at all. Most English/Humanities teachers are pretty great too!
Read 440 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,240 Students
28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oxford Academy
Anaheim Union High School District, CA
7-12
558
49 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Junior: Students at Oxford Academy are surrounded by a protective bubble that separates them and protects them from many of the typical dangers that are associated with high school such as drugs and bullying. Students at Oxford are truly part of a family as each grade is composed of 200 carefully selected students that are together for six years. The true reflection of a community and familial aspect of Oxford Academy is reflected by my grade especially: when a student passed away in our grade, our class united and supported one another through hard times. Despite such a great community, Oxford is a competitive environment that sometimes causes students to question their worth and harbor insecurities as our student body is composed of exceptional students. We literally have students who have met the president or been to Antarctica! However, despite such drawbacks, this competitive environment pushes every student to push their boundaries and truly reach their full potential.
Read 558 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,208 Students
28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Campolindo High School
Acalanes Union High School District, CA
9-12
230
50 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Campolindo offers elite education and various courses. Courses at Campolindo are rigorous in order to prepare students for higher education. The student body is welcoming, but lacks diversity. Teachers are very concerned with helping students learn. There is an abundance of clubs and activities available to students. Men’s Football, boy's and girl's basketball, boy's and girl’s lacrosse, cross country, track and field, swimming, and men's and women's water polo teams have all participated at least once in a North Coast Section Championship, Northern California Section Championship, or State Championship in the past four years. There is active communal and parental support for school sports, clubs, activities, and academics. The school is currently updating the facilities. The cafeteria has healthy food at fairly affordable prices. The school has a long history of no violence or intruders. The administration provides a great high school experience to its students.
Read 230 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,300 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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California Academy of Mathematics & Science
Long Beach Unified School District, CA
9-12
382
51 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Sophomore: There are a lot of high schools out there that don't have that many resources for kids to interact with besides textbooks and a few tools. Other high schools are very competitive in academics and sports which leads to not having a
very outstanding teamwork-base when it comes to group projects and teamwork in general.

CAMS, however, is a very different environment. Everyone, not only teachers but EVERYONE helps. You'll always get the help you need, and they'll go out of their way just to lend a hand and encourage. You also build up your self-confidence as all your classmates and teachers cheer on for you in student presentations. We even advance to robotic-building competitions around the nation and invent ways to improve technology and biomedical tools!

The only downside is no football for football players and other sports are minimized as well. But overall, it's an amazing, one-of-a-kind school and I recommend to try to apply. You never know where it takes you.
Read 382 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
681 Students
30:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
9-12
562
53 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Senior: Pen High has a school culture that allows students to not be afraid to showcase their true selves. It is a place that gives students a safe environment to step out of their comfort zones and continually grow to become a better version of themselves. The students that go here are incredibly kind, thoughtful, and welcoming, and they will accept anyone with open arms. Incoming freshman- when you come to Pen, make sure you take advantage of every single opportunity you’re given here. They are what make this school incomparable to others. Join a club, CREATE your own club, join PLUS, Link Crew, ASB or Service Learning, join the debate team, MUN, Teen Court, a sports team-whatever it is you decide to do-this is the time to try something new and challenge yourself. By the time you are a senior and you are reflecting back on your four years, you’ll realize how much of a positive impact this school has made on your life. Best of luck!
Read 562 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,519 Students
26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Irvington High School
Fremont Unified School District, CA
9-12
599
54 Best High Schools for STEM in California
Junior: Irvington is the only arts-magnet school in Fremont, CA. In addition to high test scores, students attend for the quality of learning. Irvington students gain an expansive perspective of the world through benchmark projects.
The CHANGE project challenges freshmen to work with 4 other classmates and target an environmental issue. Then the team of 4 go about creating solutions to the issue and partner up with companies to make those solutions a reality.
The WIP project challenged sophomores to study global issues and the responsibility Americans have to tend towards those issues.
QUEST is a senior project that pushes seniors out of their comfort zone. Seniors must find a social issue in their local area and work with the community to solve it.
Overall, the students are very open. We have a very diverse demographic of students as we are in the Bay Area. Some days we'll have a potluck featuring pad thai, other days we'll have kulfi.
Read 599 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,253 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 16

Henry M. Gunn High School

Saratoga High School

Lynbrook High School

Monta Vista High School

Palo Alto High School

Mission San Jose High School

Sonoma Academy

Dougherty Valley High School

Cupertino High School

San Marino High School

Los Altos High School

Troy High School

Whitney High School

Idyllwild Arts Academy

Arcadia High School

Miramonte High School

Canyon Crest Academy

University High School

Mountain View High School

Leland High School

Amador Valley High School

Northwood High School

Oxford Academy

Campolindo High School

California Academy of Mathematics & Science

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

Irvington High School