2023 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  480 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 480 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  349 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 349 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  652 reviews

Sophomore: PVPHS is a great choice for kids who are willing to challenge themselves and prepare for college. Most of the teachers are excellent and well-qualified, and I’ve had amazing experiences with many of them. The majority of students are also very kind, vibrant, and accepting, compared to my last school in LA—they put extra effort into making you feel welcome. Along with that, the school spirit is fun and contagious, and kids here feel a lot of pride to be Peninsula students. However, the student culture here sometimes gets overwhelming—many feel pressure to get perfect grades and be involved in extracurriculars. While kids here are really polite, there’s always an underlying message: you need to do well and maintain your grades, or else. The pros outnumber the cons significantly: supportive people everywhere you look, some of the best academics in the state, and endless valuable experiences and opportunities. Final tip: Just be sure to find good friends and a decent work-life balance!... Read 652 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,359

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• ABC Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  388 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 388 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,019

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• William S. Hart Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  232 reviews

Senior: Academy of the Canyons is a very academic-oriented school, as it has no sports. It has high offerings in the STEM fields, so you can take advantage of a lot of opportunities there. The clubs and activities are lacking in terms of their breadth, but that is to be expected from a school of 400, so most of what you do outside the classroom is in reality outside the school. The teachers and staff there are amazing and always ready to support you, in & out of the classroom! Overall, a great school to recommend to academically focused, mature students ready to challenge themselves in a college environment.... Read 232 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 414

• Student-teacher ratio 30:1

• South Pasadena Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  443 reviews

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 443 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,451

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: I love my school! I love how the Integrated Arts Conservatory is a literal family: everyone's super supportive, loving, and they all make classes and the school a safe place. Based on five culture pillars, students have had a unique opportunity to create a new campus culture from scratch, and I think we can say that we've done it, and we've done it well. Even throughout distance learning, teachers have been and still are supportive, flexible, and easy to reach. Teachers provide extra help and support to students who need it, and care about all of their students and their mental health. I would recommend this school to anyone who loves art, loves to learn, wants to find a home away from home, and is ready to have lots of fun!... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,016

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Arcadia Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,102 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 1,102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,032

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• 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

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 6-11

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: The school provides an excellent education from middle to high school in STEM fields. They provide a multitude of class options and facilities that can be used, notably the robotics lab and makerspace. The students have a very tight knit community which the teachers are often a part of. They work together to start new clubs and organizations that the kids actually care about. The teachers are very forgiving and know how to teach the high level material. Though the coursework is challenging, it comes with a limited option when it comes to electives and courses. Schedules are mostly rigid with maybe one or two exceptions, and in the high school most of the coursework is AP by default. There are little options when it comes to art courses, and the school band is entirely student funded. An increase in art programs would be a welcome addition to the school's already impressive STEM curriculum.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 386

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,461 reviews

Junior: This is my third year at Granada and overall, I think it's a pretty great school! I think Granada does a good job at preparing students for college by providing lots of AP classes, and most teachers here are very good! Students here also have a lot of resources, such as weekly scholarship newsletters, a wellness center, and fun activities here and there like a "Fun Zone" during finals week. However, I will say that the environment at Granada can be a little intense at times. Granada places so much emphasis on college and academics that sometimes it's overwhelming, and it's hard to have high self-esteem here. Because of this, we do not really have much school spirit, which is something I wish we had more of.... Read 1,461 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,462

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• William S. Hart Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  666 reviews

Senior: West Ranch High School is an excellent, suburban public school. Most of the teachers are very competent and are more often than not, very interesting and engaging. The athletics programs here, in my opinion, are pretty good and the results show. The band here is also one of the best in Southern California. From what I've experienced, the arts program is pretty good, and I would recommend taking an AP art class if you are interested. The STEM department is very, very good. Most of the teachers are competent and engaging. Overall, I believe that it is a very good school.... Read 666 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,209

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  624 reviews

Senior: Overall it was a good experience. The one thing I would change is the layout of the classrooms. There should not be classrooms in far parts of the school, away from all the other classes. If there needs to be different sections to decrease congestion, then there should at least be more classrooms in that area. Most of the teachers are excellent, however, they do move rather quickly, so if you decide to attend, make sure you can keep up with the pacing!... Read 624 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,205

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  280 reviews

Senior: Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy has drastically changed my educational life. From the start, I was excited and ready for the challenge. This highschool can be tough academically but will definitely expand your capacity of knowledge. Rigorous AP classes, Challenging honors classes, mid college student at lahc and constantly studying for sat and test, Can all be DONE with the right time management. Good Time management, dedication And commitment is what I have obtained from my school. With the most involved teachers, dedicated counselors and staff, my high school couldn’t have gotten any better! Definitely a high enrichment school, where so many life opportunities are open...... Read 280 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 458

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  813 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 813 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,544

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  680 reviews

Junior: I love Redondo Union High School. I started going to school there this year and the teachers and administrators have helped me tremendously getting enrolled, choosing classes and helping me with my work. I have accommodations and my counselor met with me to discuss if I was getting the help that I needed. The campus is really big and is well maintained. I feel super safe there. I play beach volleyball and they have a great workout facility. There are so many clubs and activities to choose from. I bring my own lunch but my friends say that the lunch is good. During my enrollment the PTA was there helping everyone signup for activities and directing the students and parents where they needed to go. My classes are challenging and they are definitely helping me get ready for college. I really love my new school!... Read 680 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,117

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  441 reviews

Freshman: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies is an extremely resourceful and student-friendly school. The system is set up to allow for the highest success rate for students. All A-G requirements for all colleges are met as standard classes at LACES. The school has an extremely kind and caring mental health expert who listens to students' issues on a daily basis. She has helped students deal with their problems. Furthermore, each grade level is assigned a counselor who regularly meets with the students to discuss their well-thought-out plan for college. I have personally found the school to be extremely helpful for students of all types. Additionally, the teachers are outstanding. They are kind and use creative methods of teaching to help engage with the students. Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies is a resourceful and student-friendly school that offers support in every area.... Read 441 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,635

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  790 reviews

Alum: What really made my experience so great at Santa Monica High School was the choir program. I had been a part of it since my freshman year and I just finished off my senior year being a part of it, ending the experience with such incredible opportunities and rich knowledge in something I am so passionate about. This school is also known for its diversity, which I believe is very important to have, so everyone feels they have a place. It is such an inclusive environment, which has given me the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many different people. Lastly, the English department is absolutely amazing. With such great teachers who really love what they do, it really inspired me and gave me a much greater appreciation for reading and writing. The support is really fantastic at this school and my teachers have really shown that to me and my peers.... Read 790 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,863

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Manhattan Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  578 reviews

Junior: For a California public school, Costa is probably one of the best you'll find. It's a public school and faces the same challenges most public schools do, but all-around it's a good school. There is a culture among students of being high-achieving, and the academics here are good. Sports are also a plus- there are a lot of really impressive sports teams here, and there's something for everyone. I'm pretty slow and unathletic, but I've still had a great time on the XC team. Manhattan is an affluent area and that has it's ups and downs. Cons- there are plenty of entitled rich kids. Pros- a lot of often-ignored programs are better funded and stuff like prom can be really fun!... Read 578 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,463

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Lake Balboa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  175 reviews

Senior: High Tech Los Angeles has helped me a lot in public speaking in where I feel comfortable presenting to a large crowd. This school has helped me to grow out of my shell and become more confident in myself. The school isn't as focused on sports but I like the more technology focus. The art program has improved lately, allowing all sorts of different art programs from digital to fashion design. I've learned to express myself in both my art and body language, making it easier for me to get along with others. The friends I've made there have also given me some great memories and I'm very happy I decided to go to High Tech Los Angeles!... Read 175 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 369

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Glendale Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  635 reviews

Senior: My experience with Crescenta Valley High School has been one I would not have gotten with any other high school. Crescenta Valley's incredible opportunities to grow not only as a student but as an individual are available and accessible to everyone. I have found myself succeeding and becoming someone involved in multiple communities, and love coming to school each day. Crescenta Valley High School fosters a friendly environment that enables students to reach their maximum potential, and genuinely cares about its students! I am beyond thankful for my time spent studying and becoming my best self at Crescenta Valley High School. Go Falcons!... Read 635 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,569

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• El Segundo Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  549 reviews

Senior: The teachers and staff at my school provide a wonderful experience for all students. They are always there to answer any questions you may have and to help you with anything you may need. They never let any student go unattended when it comes to needing help. They provide a lot of opportunities for students when it comes to volunteering, internships, etc. The campus is absolutely amazing! We are free to do most of what we want with some restrictions. Even the students at the high school are amazing. It is easy to make friends and everyone mostly knows everybody at the school.... Read 549 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Beverly Hills Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  325 reviews

Alum: Amazing School! I really enjoyed my experience at BHHS as I had other high schools to compare it with (I transferred junior year). Top notch academics and your kids will be in good hands and super prepared for the college transition. The most important thing is to take advantage of the AP courses, which is where you will find the best teachers, opportunities and develop life long skills as a scholar.... Read 325 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,248

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  29 reviews

Sophomore: To start off, the teachers are always super involved, and give you the time to think for yourself. I really loved the fact that all the students were so close together, you always knew everyone, even if you rarely talked. The cafeteria is a bit small, but there is a lot of outdoor seating which is great to catch a little bit of sun. There are so many opportunities in clubs for both engineers and biomedical students! In regards to sports, there is a volleyball club, basketball team, and soccer team. One super important thing that SATO has is A LOT of spirit. There are always spirit weeks were everyone dresses up, and there are so many dances to attend. Everyone is really involved and super academic, I think the teachers, staff, and students all really care about the school. Though, in the mornings it is a bit crowded in the College Career Center, because everyone is usually studying there, or connecting with their friends. Overall, SATO is a great school academically and socially.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 421

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Torrance Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  460 reviews

Niche User: West high school has many teachers that are there to help the students! The classes offer a mental challenge and are successful in preparing students for college-level material. Last, but not least, the campus is very large and contains many resources and clubs that will enhance the experience of any student attending this school.... Read 460 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,903

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1