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2020 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles CountyAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 542
Best Schools
542 results

  1. California Academy of Mathematics & Science

    • Long Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 438 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I think CAMS provides a lot of opportunities for their students to grow in both academics and team-work skills. Be prepared to be really busy while going to this school, and if you're not, you're doing something wrong! It's essential to be involved in something here, whether it be in our robotics teams or other science programs. CAMS is also very specialized! Expect to take a lot of extra math and science classes, all of which will be more advanced compared to other curriculum in the district. It is also very important that you understand how you learn best, and you'll have to teach yourself a lot.
    Read 438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 667 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 616 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: I love Peninsula High School. Lessons are engaging and exciting, and it is evident that the teachers care deeply about their students. We have an extremely wide variety of activities on campus, making it possible for every student to connect with others with similar interests. The atmosphere on campus is so welcoming and safe that Peninsula is truly my second home. Go Pen!
    Read 616 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,348 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. San Marino High School

    • San Marino Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 256 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: San Marino High School is a very diverse school, both academic and athletics are very outstanding. Our school offers a lot of courses, including pre-college courses and many electives, this makes our weekdays very rich and never boring and exhausted. In addition to academics, the school sports and clubs are also very attractive. I have participated in several clubs, such as Math Team, Girls Who Code and some volunteer organizations. These clubs can not only greatly help my college application, but also make me able to develop my extracurricular interests. For sports, we have football, rugby, water polo, basketball, tennis, swimming, track, and golf, etc. They are all fantanstic!
    Our campus life is very dynamic and full of enthusiasm. I hope that our school can continue to flourish forever. The only expectation is that teachers in the same subject can try to unify the standards and processes as much as possible, thus avoiding the students' grades greatly depend on different teachers.
    Read 256 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,123 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Whitney High School

    • ABC Unified School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 358 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: As a student from Whitney High School, I found the environment to be very welcoming yet also challenging. The curriculum and activities in the school definitely push students to their best abilities in order to help them strive in the future. Besides academically motivating students, Whitney High School also consists of a lot of sports and clubs that allow students who are not academically strong to engage in their strengths and interact with other students (of all grades) along with the teachers and faculty. Students are allowed to pursue their interests with the assistance of teachers who are well-versed in their specific fields and are able to improve drastically within their time at Whitney High School. Overall, I believe that Whitney High School benefits students and encourages them to reach their goals.
    Read 358 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,008 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Granada Hills Charter High School

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 1,346 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Sophomore: As i'm still currently enrolled at Granada, I won't be able to give a full account of my experiences there. However, even though I've only been here for about two years now, i can already tell how amazing the school is, and how much I would recommend applying to get in. Granada is a very friendly, academically strong school that also has some pretty good sports teams as well. I personally play for the Granada soccer team, so I would know. It's a very fun, safe atmosphere, and you really get to enjoy the diversity of the school. Everyone comes in all shapes and sizes, colors and backgrounds, and you get to meet them all! I love being able to go to Granada, and I would really recommend it as a school to try to get into!
    Read 1,346 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,650 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Academy of the Canyons

    • William S. Hart Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 219 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Freshman: Coming into Academy of the Canyons, I was nervous and skeptical. I had heard such great things (high prospects, amazing teachers, high achievers), but also many negative things (no sports, no social lives, too much work) about this school. Overall, I can say that although the classes are hard, they are doable. As for the teachers, they are amazing! They care so much for the students, and do everything they can to help. I have found that I am not really missing social events as I can attend the events at any of the other schools in my districts, and have found a very close knit niche of friends to spend my days with. Overall, I feel as though this is a great school for anyone looking to get more out of high school, and enrich their minds and academic experience. Be warned though, you need to be motivated and stay on top of your work, or you will drown.
    Read 219 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 406 Students
    • 31:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. La Canada High School

    • La Canada Unified School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 329 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: La Canada High School can help any self-driven student reach their full potential with the abundant amount of educational opportunities offered. The numerous amount of diverse advanced placement classes allow students to explore their interests, while also rigorously preparing for college. AP teachers at the school typically take pride in their work, and engage their students in very interesting ways. This being said, La Canada High sometimes struggles to motivate students who have difficulty learning and require a more personalized approach. Because this school is so academically competitive, incoming students should expect an ample amount of stress, and sometimes, a lack of support in to manage this stress. At the very end of a student path at La Canada High School, a feeling of accomplishment is inevitable.
    Read 329 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,079 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Arcadia High School

    • Arcadia Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 1,052 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    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 1,052 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,306 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. South Pasadena Senior High School

    • South Pasadena Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 426 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: We have a gorgeous campus! It is outdoors, and there are lots of plants. They look beautiful in the springtime!
    The teachers are also incredibly nice, and their classes are fascinating! It is rare to have a teacher who does not want you to do well, and most of them offer tutoring outside of class. Latinx students have reported that they are not very supported here though. A new Latinx club is trying to change that, but the environment is still there.
    Socially, most of us have known each other since kindergarten, and new kids often spend years alone. It is a rich school with some snooty people, but most are friendly. It is not dangerous, and I do not know of a bullying problem.
    There is a strong emphasis on academics, especially STEM, but this makes many students stressed. I know several people who have been turned away from the counselors, and some of them were harming themselves. The mental health department is the school's weakest point, in my opinion.
    Read 426 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,492 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Santa Monica High School

    • Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 739 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I loved this school. I met so many cool people from many backgrounds and had so much fun. SAMOHI really pushes you to do your very best and challenge yourself with a difficult schedule. They want you to succeed and get all the help that is available, and there is a lot! As a low income student, I was given so many opportunities to strive and do my best even if I usually couldn’t afford to. The teachers, counselors, and staff are all so genuine and although they might not all be nice and teach the way you like, they stay true to themselves and they all truly care and love our school. This public school is the closest thing to a private school because of the myriad of opportunities you are given time and time again. SAMOHI is a gem that prepares you for your future outside of high school.
    Read 739 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,826 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Palos Verdes High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 371 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: amazing teachers, schedule, and support. I think that the PVIT program is a rare gem in our public school systems. I had the opportunity to work hands on in engineering since my freshman year. The teachers in the program truly inspire and I have experienced a connection to learning and teachers throughout my time on this campus. I also think the block schedule is good for my health...on Wednesdays we have late start and I am on the surf team...so we can go surf before school and or go to competitions. On days with no surf, I get the luxury of sleeping in- something all high-school students need!
    Read 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,778 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Walnut High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 582 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: From my four years of attending Walnut, the academics, sports, and opportunities were amazing. I've gotten in contact with many outside organizations through the clubs I've joined, and the connections I've made with my teachers have been long-lasting throughout high school. The staff members care about their students, although they need to be more transparent at times with new rules and regulations. Their academic opportunities are stellar as some of the teachers I've had truly prepared me to be above and beyond and made me feel as if AP tests were easy in comparison to the class itself. In addition to that, the school staff has taken measures to increase school safety through implementing new systems for free periods and giving teachers scanners to check students in.
    Read 582 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,527 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Crescenta Valley High School

    • Glendale Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 598 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: Crescenta Valley is an excellent high school. As all high schools, there are pros, cons and some mishaps along the way. Their are some true gems amongst the staff that are passionate about their jobs and student’s success. The curriculum is challenging for all levels and the athletics truly stand out. There is room for everyone at CVHS. I always felt supported and welcomed. Only problem, parking!
    Read 598 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,645 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Diamond Bar High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 757 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: The school spirit here is great! Usually about half of the school participates in spirit days and our rallies are super fun. There are a lot of clubs to get involved with that are all very active, as well as sports to join. One thing I would like to see improve is that some of the sports programs care little for their students. The music program here is AMAZING I was a part of it for four years and I have no regrets. They are extremely supportive of your other activities (for example I was a "scholar athlete" and they were very understanding of the schedule conflicts)
    Read 757 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,918 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Mira Costa High School

    • Manhattan Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 540 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I have had a good time, but listen: you must take all of the AP courses that you can in order to have any chance at good colleges. I will have taken 7 AP Courses, along with 3 Honors courses by the time I graduate, and that's BARELY enough at Mira Costa. As for the non-academic part of Costa, I never did any sports but I have heard of many issues with some coaches, but Cross Country is one of the "cleanest" sports on campus, so if you like running, I highly recommend that. Also, diversity is definitely lacking and the richest always bond together and exclude everyone else. However, I do like the abundance of clubs and programs available, and our MUN program is spectacular! Overall, the best way to succeed here is to take rigorous courses and join the clubs you are interested in but choose the organizations that interest you and build your friendships from those and you are sure to have a great time at Costa!
    Read 540 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,541 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 6-12
    • 403 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: LACES is one of the best schools in terms of college preparation and guidance through the college application process. As a senior, I visit our College Center almost daily, sometimes just to say hi to our College Counselors who know us all by name, ask about our families, and take time out of their busy schedules to provide support to us. There are so so so many clubs open to students to join, to branch out and explore! In addition, the combination of the middle with high school students on one campus allows the transition between middle to high school become more smooth, as well as allows middle schoolers to seek solace and guidance from upperclassmen who have been in their shoes once before.
    Read 403 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,655 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. New West Charter School

    • Public School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 6-12
    • 37 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: New West has a friendly atmosphere and sense of community that genuinely makes attending this school pleasant. Going to this school since 6th grade, I can say that at New West, the student body remains respectful and good-natured. Everyone here is supportive and fairly understanding of one another. The small class sizes are one of the best things about this school, and it allows students to grow closer to their peers, work well with others, and most importantly, receive the extra support/help from teachers during class. The teachers are demanding but fair, the academics are engaging, and the workload is often manageable. Students are both competitive and cooperative; however, the "college-acceptance/honors-class culture" can sometimes be overwhelming for some, as a majority of the students tend to be academically competitive here. Nonetheless, that is a given for most schools. Overall, New West has been a fantastic place to grow and learn and has staffed amazing, engaging teachers.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 825 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Cerritos High School

    • ABC Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 570 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Entering high school was terrifying to me. As a person who has anxiety, high school was something unfamiliar. However, during my first few days starting school, it wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought. My biology teacher made me feel welcomed, talking to me and making me feel comfortable. Along the way, I met an amazing group of friends.
    Furthermore, every staff member I encountered was so caring towards the students. They wanted to help in any way they could.
    In addition, our school offers many career pathways. There’s many hands-on activities which helps students get a head start on their career. Also, it helps students figure out what they would like to study in.
    However, the only request I have for Cerritos High School are the bathrooms, especially for the girls. There was always a crazy amount of girls waiting in line to use the restroom. Also, the toilet paper and the soap would be empty for days. Besides the bathrooms, Cerritos High School was a great experience for me!
    Read 570 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,186 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Temple City High School

    • Temple City Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 427 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: I personally really love the experience I had at Temple City High School! The experience of both extracurricular as well as academics at this school really defined my experience of learning and even shaping myself into the person I became today. With the various activities and classes that they offer and very intimate school culture and administration, I felt very close and even intimate with the people at my school and really advocate for such a great experience. With the teachers that are willing to help and support you as well as the counselors and career administrators pushing you to do your best in school I always felt a need to push and drive myself to do the very best I can. However, there are things that this school does lack. Such as diversity, with a campus that is heavily populated Asian it can be lacking in diversity for the student as well as the food and sports my school may not be known the best at but we still try to improve!
    Read 427 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,977 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Beverly Hills High School

    • Beverly Hills Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 310 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Beverly is a great school with lots of opportunities open to everyone because we don’t have a lot of competition amongst students which can happen at private schools. The only downside with the schools is the current construction, but once that’s done the school will be absolutely amazing!
    Read 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,448 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. West Ranch High School

    • William S. Hart Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 632 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Overall my experience at West Ranch High School over the course of four years has been satisfactory. I've had amazing teachers who have helped me engage in rigorous classes and programs. The absence of the last star is solely based off the fact that I believe he math program struggles in certain areas missing key criteria. There are a selected handful of outstanding math teachers that basically carry the rest, which is where I notice the fault. Besides that, I have enjoyed and had fun throughout high school here at West Ranch and would recommend the school itself. With a loving community and welcoming environment the staff help ensure everyone get's the most out of their education!
    Read 632 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,470 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Redondo Union High School

    • Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 629 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Redondo Union is an overall amazing highschool. Not only have they gotten me prepared for college and the future, but the school also has terrific athletic programs, as well as clubs and organizations fit for everyone! The administration team and teachers are super helpful. The school also provides students with plenty of resources to help students be prepared for the next chapter in their lives. Last but not least, the school also has extremely clean and nice facilities; from their gyms to classrooms, the campus is absolutely gorgeous. Students are even able to have a view of the beach from certain spots on campus!
    Read 629 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,948 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Palisades Charter High School

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 620 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I love Pali High. It is a big school, which is beneficial because you have the opportunity to make plenty of friends and be involved with many different friend groups. There are also always SO many activities going on every day, and you could basically participate in any sport you wanted or theatre group etc. There are hundreds of clubs, and it is VERY easy to make your own if you wanted! The teachers want what's best for you and prepare you very well to pass the class.
    Read 620 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,056 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. High Tech Los Angeles

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 136 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: I love it because it provides me with a great education, and I know I am prepared for college! It may be small, but I feel like that is what makes the school stand out. I have closer interactions with my teachers, and they can get to know me well, which is a great resource for recommendation letters. I have learned a lot in the past few years at High Tech, and I could have not been thankful for this wonderful education. I recommend this school to any high schooler who is willing to do their best to get to college. This really is the number one best college readiness school in Los Angeles! It is a safe environment with plenty of resources to easily contact teachers. You get to meet new people from wonderful, interesting backgrounds that you may not have thought about coming across.
    Read 136 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 394 Students
    • 32:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 262 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: I love the closeness, a very small school so you really get to know your peers and teachers. Best English department! The algebra 2 teachers isn’t the best but the other teachers are great! Really prepares you for college but some teachers do favoritism. Other than that awesome school!
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 453 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Ramona Convent Secondary School

    • Private School
    • Alhambra, CA
    • 9-12
    • 200 reviews

    Parent: As the mother of a sophomore at Ramona, I can enthusiastically attest to the great education that my daughter is receiving. She is challenged by her classes.

    She is also encouraged by teachers to be actively involved in a variety of activities - soccer, theater crew and robotics, which she loves and has developed great friendships.

    I chose an all-girls school to develop in my introverted daughter leadership skills and am happy to say that she has been given the encouragement and opportunity to lead inside and outside the classroom.
    Read 200 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 293 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    St. Bernard's Academy

    • Private School
    • Eureka, CA
    • 7-12
    • 26 reviews

    Parent: As a 3rd generation SB family, I can say we absolutely love St. Bernard’s! There are so many aspects that we love including the small student-teacher ratio, the rigor of the academics, the feeling of my children being in a safe environment and the family atmosphere to name just a few. The teachers truly care about the students and their lives inside AND outside the school walls.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 234 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    KIPP DC Valor Academy Public Charter School

    • KIPP DC Public Charter Schools, DC
    • 5-8
    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 307 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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