2023 Best Public High Schools for STEM in California

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  490 reviews

Senior: Lynbrook is a very academically-focused school. The environment is often described as competitive, however, students are generally supportive of each other and their individual endeavors. Quality of teaching varies at Lynbrook. In general, teachers are supportive and caring of the students, but having to essentially self-study some courses does happen occasionally. As one may expect, AP classes have a heavier workload at Lynbrook, but in general I've found that I get more out of an AP class compared to a regular class. This is due to the teachers usually putting more time and effort into properly engaging the class with the courses. Support for extracurricular programs such as clubs and sports will depend on the specific activity, as some programs are funded more than others. The school can improve on equally funding all extracurricular programs. School spirit is high and the student body can get highly involved in activities such as homecoming, rallies, and other spirit events.... Read 490 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,942

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  210 reviews

Sophomore: This school’s actually amazing academically, but when you take a look at the school beyond that, it’s a terrible environment. It’s no single individual’s fault- not the administration or the students. But the pressure put on an individual when they attend this school, it’s crippling. Every student wants to attend the best college it seems like, its highly competitive but also so stressful. It makes everyone feel like they aren’t good enough. Not to mention the diversity issues- there’s terrible diversity which creates a racial divide- I personally felt often uncomfortable. Many students use race as a factor to judge others, because stereotyping is such a real thing at Saratoga High. Maybe because of the small campus, or the pressure academically, or the diversity, it is unknown. Also: the teachers are terribly inconsistent. I have some terrible teachers who make me want them fired over anything in the world and also hate the courses, but then some wonderful teachers.... Read 210 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,159

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  322 reviews

Senior: Honestly not terrible. Can at times be a bit hit and miss (i.e. got unlucky with teachers, but at what school is that not a thing), but for the most part you can get a pretty good experience out of this school if you stay optimistic. Which brings me to the main downside: (it feels like) everyone goes to college. And because of that, there are great resources to go to college! Which means you can get lulled into a false sense of security around knowing what you need to do for college even though you don't because so much has been handed to you. But as long as you're aware of that you can avoid those pitfalls and have a pretty good time.... Read 322 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,936

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  405 reviews

Sophomore: It is an overall fun school with many joyful people and teachers! The teachers remain calm and keep us safe even when times of emergency and evacuation. The school emails keep me on date with all the current events and school festivals. There are a variety of clubs, and the people that I've met so far are very nice and willing to help out whenever. Most of the teachers don't give me a frustrating feeling every time I enter the classroom since they always know how to cheer things up, and some even talk to the class like friends! Making the class more enjoyable. However, certain subjects that you take might not have a good grade due to different teachers' grading styles, and if you are compatible with their style of teaching. If you are not compatible and are slowly declining in terms of grade, you may drop out and not receive any credits and count that time period as a trial period before you decide whether you want to drop or not. The school lunch is ok since it's free for me.... Read 405 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,032

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fremont Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  408 reviews

Freshman: Ever since covid has started, perhaps, the first thing on my mind was starting high school. And, now that I am in high school, I do have to mention that it is quite weird without being there in person, or having people around you while you dash to your lockers in between periods. However, covid has definitely eased my way into 9th grade, with the teachers being so supportive and hard-working. If you are a student, you probably have either felt really bad and guilty as the teacher pleads (for the 100th time) to unmute and speak up or when breakouts are so awkward and can really relate to the uneasiness in the beginning of the school year. But, hats off to the teachers! They are so dedicated and helpful. School during covid is definitely not easy, but my respect has grown remarkably for the teachers who make it happen every day! Also, shoutout to all the leadership students, who keep us entertained and energetic throughout the day with fun concepts, events, and fundraisers!... Read 408 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,063

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Riverside Unified School District, CA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  54 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Riverside STEM Academy has been very rigorous and inspiring so far. Attending since 5th grade, the teachers are very supportive, ensuring your success through very thorough explanations whenever you ask a question. Additionally, though the work is very demanding and rigorous, there is always the feeling of self-satisfaction in getting a project done. As we are partnered with UCR, research and extracurricular activities, especially during the summer are plentiful and recommended. A close-knit community, Riverside STEM Academy is a place for those wishing to pursue a better future for themselves and their family. It is a place that unless you are willing to put 100%, you will not enjoy it.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 655

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  484 reviews

Parent: After sending our son for a year, we are happy to tell that the school is filled with wonderful people. CAMS students are kind, friendly, supporting each other across grades, and caring younger students very well. Parents are very nice and supportive, too. Most teachers have decent backgrounds/careers. It's easy to communicate with teachers and school staffs. Minimal donation/volunteer requests. The school is for students like Engineering, Computer Science, or Bio-technology. Required courses include manufacturing with CNC machines & industrial 3D printers, computer programming, CAD designing, and college level Bio-tech curriculum. Located on CSUDH campus, junior/senior students may take the college classes at reasonable cost. More than 50 clubs to choose from. 1/5 students join FRC or VEX Robotics teams. While sports teams are limited, good players compete at tournaments. Dancing teams actively perform at various school events. A lot of fun and exciting opportunities at CAMS!... Read 484 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• ABC Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  389 reviews

Alum: Academics are definitely rigorous and challenging, but they have great teachers that genuinely care about their students (in addition to the SIA James--shoutout to him!). The school is small so it's easier to make connections with your peers and teachers. It only really feels competitive once you get to senior year applying to colleges; otherwise, I'd say it's a collaborative environment where students are willing to team up and share resources or help each other out. Make sure to keep your mental health in check; while you obviously want to do good in school, getting enough sleep and taking care of yourself is key. Take advantage of the great college and career center, especially their weekly newsletter.... Read 389 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,019

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  343 reviews

Junior: Paly High is one of the most unique high schools in the nation. It is very academically focused, and pushes students to the next level. It opens doors for collegiate and career opportunities, and adequately prepares students for college. Although it is a great school, there is a toxic environment ever present on campus between students, as there are times when students view each other as competition and not classmates or friends. I personally enjoy sports over academics, so this school has been a unique experience, as I was new to the school my junior year. However notwithstanding, Paly High is a great school and I am proud to call myself a Viking. SKO VIKES!... Read 343 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,085

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  489 reviews

Senior: Most teachers are enthusiastic about their subject and I can find friendly classmates in just about all of my classes. The campus is really nice and we have access to a lot of academic and tech resources. There is a heavy emphasis on STEM compared to arts and humanities, which may be a con for some. Communication is not always great (teachers, athletic coaches, administration). There is definitely a lot of academic pressure but not to the point of feeling cutthroat. If you are low income, special ed, not taking advanced classes, etc. you may feel a bit overlooked. Unfortunately, many students here do tie academic performance to self worth. Teachers and staff generally seem to care about student well-being and take steps to be inclusive. While not perfect, it's undoubtedly a really high quality school and I'm grateful for being able to attend Tino!... Read 489 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,198

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  712 reviews

Alum: Love how DV prepares you for the rigor of college! It can be very challenging and competitive at times, however. Dougherty has some amazing teachers who are willing to help you not only with academics but also help you understand your future plans. Being involved in activities on campus from clubs, sports, and organizations will provide a meaningful and enriching experience.... Read 712 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,384

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  507 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 507 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,708

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  959 reviews

Freshman: Troy High School opened my eyes to various opportunities in the media, cyber, engineering, governmental leadership, and business pathway through the Troy Tech program. There is a program for everyone, as there are over 100 clubs that fit your diverse interests. Various extracurriculars are available. There are tons of smart students that inspire you to work harder (science olympiad & cyberpatriot national teams, National Honor Society awardees, robotic competition winners, etc...). IB and Cambridge Diplomas are available for students who want rigorous courses.It is a perfect magnet school for anyone.... Read 959 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,614

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  612 reviews

Senior: I loved the experience that Canyon Crest Academy offers. the four by four schedule provided my peers and me with an exciting challenge that has prepared us exceptionally for our futures. Most of the teachers were so dedicated to the emotional, mental and physical well-being of their students, and they have imparted so much wisdom upon who I am as a person and student that will be crucial as I continue my education at the college fit for me!... Read 612 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,503

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  329 reviews

Sophomore: I've moved to this school very recently, I used to attend Great Oak High school and moved recently. This school by far has been amazing. Everything from the Teachers to the schools facility are great. All of my teachers are amazing and very helpful and very engaged with their students. The students at this school are very kind and were willing to go out of way to help me around and even give me a tour of the school. The school also offers programs like counseling, collage help and free tutoring too. As far as academics and sports the school is very competitive. Facilities here are very well maintained and kept in excellent condition. The student body is also very diverse. Overall I really like my school and I know for a fact that anyone else that might transfer here would too. GO LAHS!... Read 329 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,209

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Marino Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  279 reviews

Parent: My kids have thrived in SMUSD schools. Most importantly, the caliber of their peers and classmates positively contribute to my children' attitude and enthusiasm for learning. The community's collective focus is aligned to excellence. The people and schools in SMUSD are true gems in California!... Read 279 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 949

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Francisco Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,065 reviews

Senior: Lowell overall is a great high school for those looking to take competitive, rigorous courses. With the rigorous and challenging courses (29 APs, 11 honors), however, it is not uncommon for students to report high levels of stress and lack of sleep. The teachers, in my opinion, are just as good as teachers anywhere else. The main difference comes from the students. All the students are motivated to do well leading to a class environment that fosters learning with minimal disruptions. Aside from academics, there over a hundred of student started clubs that anyone can join; from cultural clubs such as La Raza and Fil-Am to Model-UN and Forensics to Robotics and LSRP (which offers a great unique to Lowell UCSF internship opportunity), all students can find clubs that suit their interests. Overall, I would recommend Lowell to those that do well under high-stress and are good at time management. Juniors and seniors usually end up with 4 hours of homework a night and over 10 on a weekend.... Read 1,065 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,786

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  471 reviews

Parent: Homestead High School is excellent in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. Students fair well in all the fields and stand first when it comes to a dedication in general. Staff efforts are much appreciated in general and children excel well and in general, it is an excellent school and facilities provided are extraordinary. Homestead is a school that always follows unity in diversity and children study from all walks of life. Clubs and other activities conducted at school premises and also sports play an important role at school and lots of competitions are conducted and students are benefitted through this type of friendly competition. Students here get into prestigious universities and are placed in a recognized company and get a good carrier opportunity throughout the US and other countries. Our kid had a good experience and is a happy Graduate, Graduating from HOMESTEAD soon. Thank You!... Read 471 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,379

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  547 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Northwood Highschool from another school in California. When I was a new student, I was embraced by staff such as my councilor in a way that made me feel safe. They helped me get sorted into the new school, giving me all the information I needed for a easy transition to happen. And it was! The staff deeply care about the students health and wellbeing, while still ensuring that we get a proper education. All the teachers that I've had, have been amazing in their fields, helping me become the best at the certain subject. The schools atmosphere is amazing as well. The open space, with nature filled radiance touches the school. I absolutely adore how there is open space at in the school's field's rather than it being filled with a cement stadium like other schools. It gives a relaxing vibe to the school and the athletics department as well.... Read 547 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,756

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fremont Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  710 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Irvington in 2019, and after two years away from this high school I can see how much growing up in this district has affected me. Like anything in life, there are many pros and cons. The pros - The benchmark projects (CHANGE, WIP, QUEST) help. I was definitely one of the students that complained about the benchmark projects when I had to do them, but looking back they gave me really useful skills that I still apply to my college classes. Additionally, the global perspective we are given early on is extremely beneficial and continues to encourage more critical thinking even after high school. - A strong culture of striving for success. Almost every student here strives to go to college and that is really influential in shaping students. Everyone is striving for something great in life. CONS - The competitive culture can lead to anxiety. Anxiety and depression are extremely normalized here, and it wasn't until I got to college that I realized it was not normal.... Read 710 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,382

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  350 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 350 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  226 reviews

Senior: Miramonte is a great school with many resources to offer students. The academic courses can be rigorous, but the teachers are all there to help you out. The teachers care about their jobs and are passionate, which contributes to their overall success in academics. Athletics are also great! There are lots of good opportunities to improve and everyone builds each other up.... Read 226 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,174

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Arcadia Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,105 reviews

Senior: During my four years at Arcadia High School, I was challenged very academically. The students here take their education very seriously because they heavily emphasize the importance of getting into a good college. My favorite part of the school is that it has so many amazing opportunities and programs for students to join and really find themselves. I joined their Marching Band for four years and during those times, I was given exciting opportunities to perform in places I would never have dreamed of. Just this year our band flew to Florida to perform in the Outback Bowl halftime show! Their programs are very well funded. Students will have a chance to learn the true meaning of teamwork and consistency. Whether you join the theater department or a sport, you will have fun. Overall something to improve on or change is the attention of the student's well-being. Quite often, the students get so caught up in studying they become stress and forget to take care of themselves,... Read 1,105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,032

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  330 reviews

Junior: Leland High School has given my a wonderful education for three years now. I love Leland because the student body here is comprised of the perfect mentality of working hard but also not being toxic about it. A lot of Bay Area schools have a toxic study mentality amongst its students but I can confidently say that Leland students really care for each other. Furthermore, the teachers here really care for their students (aside from a select few) and have incredibly effective teaching methods that result in Leland students consistently placing in the top percentage of AP exam test takers.... Read 330 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,776

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  815 reviews

Junior: Great environment! There're a lot of things to do here, including out of class activities like clubs or athletics. If you're interested in classes like choir or the arts, this school has a lot to offer. The teachers are also generally kind and caring. Overall, a very academically rich and diverse school.... Read 815 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,544

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1