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2019 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles CountyAbout this List

The 2019 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 527
Best Schools
527 results

  1. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 575
    1 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Freshman: Great school! I currently go here and really enjoy it. The teachers are very enthusiastic and kind, and the students are nice too. One thing I would add is that its a huge school with very academic and determined students, so if you’re not an all A’s student who’s only activities are studying, then you might not love it so much. Homework is, of course, a mandatory part of your grade. After around 8 hours of school, depending on the classes you choose to take, you’ll definitely have at least 3 hours of homework per day. It’s a lot. Also, its hard to stick out to potential colleges in a school this huge and academic. Otherwise, its a great school with an awesome spirit. I would definitely recommend going to PVPHS.
    Read 575 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,519 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. California Academy of Mathematics & Science

    • Long Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 397
    2 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Attending CAMS was one of the best decisions I ever made. From being exposed to a variety of different career paths including engineering, biotechnology, and medical biology, to being exposed to a melting pot of cultures and people, CAMS has definitely impacted my career choice and who I am as a person. The rigorous environment and college - like curriculum have prepared me to attend a four year university and pursue my Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, being surrounded by many like - minded individuals with the same tact and eagerness to learn as myself has allowed me to become more comfortable working in groups, subsequently developing my teamwork and leadership skills. Overall, CAMS, though heavily focused on engineering, is a well rounded school that thoroughly provides you with enough resources, including peer and college aids as well as access to university classes, to receive a quality education.
    Read 397 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 681 Students
    • 30:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Granada Hills Charter High School

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 1,225
    3 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Sophomore: Throughout my two years at Granada Hills Charter High School I have enjoyed the friendly and safe environment. Not only does this school offer 29 AP and 38 IB courses, but offers college courses provided by Pierce College as well. The diversity in these classes ensure that every student is encouraged to take a course that best fits their interests. There are also many programs at GHCHS that tend to different needs such as STEM and Humanitas. All students are encouraged to try their best, even when coming from a difficult background. The teachers here at GHCHS care about their students and fellow co-workers alike. Teachers often spend hours after classes helping students study, prepare for future exams and answering important questions. With this being said, the teachers also help their fellow co-workers by sharing classroom ideas, worksheets, and exams so that they can later discuss what students and missing or need more guidance with. I hope this helps!
    Read 1,225 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,650 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Friends Academy

    • Private School
    • North Dartmouth, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 2

    Parent: I am grateful that the teachers and administrators at Friends Academy really KNEW my children. It wasn't simply that they received integrated educations, but that they became independent thinkers. They became globally-, culturally-aware citizens, they were academically challenged, and they were genuinely supported in their social-emotional learning.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 249 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. San Marino High School

    • San Marino Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 244
    4 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    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 244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,200 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. La Canada High School

    • La Canada Unified School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 307
    5 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: This school has amazing academics and wonderful teachers and administrators! All who graduate from here say that this school goes above and beyond in preparing you for college, and students get really high test scores. It does have a strong atmosphere of academic competition and stress, and for many people the pressure that this school puts on them proves to be too much. But for others the pressure pushes them to do their best and they excel!
    Read 307 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,075 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Arcadia High School

    • Arcadia Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 981
    6 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I have enjoyed the variety of facilities and resources the school has had to offer, such as the new library, new swimming pool, and peer tutoring services the school provides. The teachers at this school are great, preparing lesson plans that help students reach their goals. Many of these teachers are a big reason for the excellent college readiness the school provides. There is a very large course list to choose from, including many AP classes. This school is extremely competitive academically, which has driven the academics to be outstanding. This academic excellence has resulted in a very high pass rate for AP exams, showing college readiness in courses. The administration is also helpful, ranging from all the counselors to the nurses. But, diversity is deficient. At least 70-80% of the school is Asian, mostly Chinese and that disrupts the diversity of the school. The food needs to improve as well, as the sometimes serve greasy food that is unappetizing to students.
    Read 981 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,424 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Whitney High School

    • ABC Unified School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 332
    7 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Whitney High School is a place that challenges their students to excel in their academic careers. Although the workload can be really overwhelming, most teachers always strive for the success of their students. Some things that have cone to my concern are the classes that are offered to students. Many of the fine arts or cultural classes have been cancelled and in turn have introduced many science/ technology-based classes or classes that further limit the diverse academic endeavors of our students. Otherwise, I believe that the community of Whitney follows their title of a college-prep school and offers a lot of opportunities for their many students to succeed.
    Read 332 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,011 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Walnut High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 533
    8 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: The thing that stood out to me about Walnut HS was the teaches that mentored us beyond the classroom and gave us the opportunity to grow and mature outside of the academic setting that really prepared us for success in college. One of the best experiences for me was running track, which taught me the skill of interacting with others and dealing with and motivating people both directly and indirectly. This was such an amazing quality that cannot be taught in books but was given to me and has stayed with me throughout college and into the workforce. Walnut HS has allowed me to push myself to be the best version of myself!
    Read 533 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,675 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Academy of the Canyons

    • William S. Hart Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 202
    9 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: I transferred to Academy of the Canyons at the beginning of my junior year in high school, and it was one of the better decisions I ever made in high school. I have learned to push myself to extents I never knew I could reach and made so many new friends that made me feel proud of who I am and where I come from. I love the diversity found in the school and all the kind teachers that help the students through anything they ask. Another positive experience I gained from attending AOC is the opportunity to enroll in community college, since AOC is a Middle College High School. I have adapted to the college life extremely well and will be receiving my Associate's Degree in Psychology around the time I graduate high school! Overall, Academy of the Canyons has provided me with so many opportunities and lessons that I would not have learned elsewhere.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 395 Students
    • 33:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. South Pasadena Senior High School

    • South Pasadena Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 390
    10 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: This school is very very good. I've learned so incredibly much from most of the teachers I've had. Cafeteria lunches are incredibly satisfactory, and assemblies are quite bland, but the connections you make with other students are invaluable. One thing the school can improve upon is with the administration. If a student comes up with a complaint with their learning experience, it takes quite a while (sometimes months) for their issue to be processed and taken care of.

    To sum this up, I really enjoyed my High School career, but I'm happy to be leaving soon.
    Read 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,528 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Diamond Bar High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 699
    11 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: It is a really competitive school. I think the academic in dbhs is definitely strong since you can always feel peer pressure pushing you. However, teachers in dbhs are various. I have met some teachers barely teach at all and expect you know everything by yourself. And one of the characteristics I found from dbhs students is that most of them are able to manage this problem well, either do self-study a lot or get tutored. Sometimes it is stressful being in this learning environment. I get upset when I am not able to understand material easily just like other people. I think that having a good attitude is an important key to adapt the school. Also, I still met a lot of great people here!
    Read 699 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,061 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Mira Costa High School

    • Manhattan Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 504
    12 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Mira Costa High School is undoubtedly a representation of the strengths and weaknesses of Manhattan Beach society. While a large amount of funding is naturally poured into the school, many of its problems remain unsolved as they are not always met with open ears and active response by faculty. On-campus food, the math department, the Latin language class, and the band program are obvious examples of under-funded or poorly managed programs at the school. In spite of this, Mira Costa breeds outstanding young performers, particularly with its Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras; participation in any of these programs is a great privilege to its students.
    Read 504 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,437 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Beverly Hills High School

    • Beverly Hills Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 296
    13 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I love my school! Beverly Hills High School offers top-notch educational opportunities, with qualified teachers, administration and staff. There is an accepting and diverse environment where everyone feels accepted and comfortable to learn and expand their educational, athletic, and social horizons.
    Read 296 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,589 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Crescenta Valley High School

    • Glendale Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 551
    14 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: Great community, safe environment and awesome teachers! The counselors are very welcoming and helpful. Athletics is a huge deal in CV, mostly in every sport league champs. Coaches are amazing they want the win
    Read 551 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,670 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Cerritos High School

    • ABC Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 532
    15 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 532 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,132 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Santa Monica High School

    • Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 677
    16 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Senior: I loved Santa Monica High School! From my first day of freshman year, I had no clue what my passions were, and I was in the completely wrong friend group. Through taking classes, joining clubs, and participating in sports, I discovered which kinds of people I like to surround myself with, and then environment that helps me succeed the most. Samohi has amazing diversity, and no matter who you are, you can find friends to connect to, and clubs to join that share your passions and goals.
    Read 677 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,950 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. High Tech Los Angeles

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 123
    17 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 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 390 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Palos Verdes High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 353
    18 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 353 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,716 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Redondo Union High School

    • Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 556
    19 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Junior: Here are some reasons why I love my school. RUHS has one of the best high school campuses in California. Our campus is about a mile long, complete with 2 gyms, 2 turf athletic fields, 2 baseball fields, 12 tennis courts, a swimming pool, and an amazing auditorium. When I played lacrosse (which by the way, we are one of the few schools in the South Bay that has a girls lacrosse team), players on the opposing team would tell me how nice our campus and fields are, and when my cousin came from AZ to compete in a football tournament that my school was holding, he was in awe of our amazing facilities. But our campus isn’t the only thing that makes RUHS great! We have over 100 clubs on campus, and we’re the proud home of an award-winning school newspaper (High Tide) and yearbook (Pilot). In addition, RUHS doesn’t have the high school stereotypes like you see in the movies. With over 3,000 students, you’re bound to find people that you connect with and make high school more bearable.
    Read 556 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,755 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Temple City High School

    • Temple City Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 392
    20 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: Temple City High School is an academic-oriented high school that are filled with academic-focused students. There are various AP courses for students to enroll in; however, most of them are only limited to juniors and seniors. The APs that are open to sophomores, or in special cases to Freshmen, are AP World History and AP Art History. The school is super safe and friendly. Sports needs some improvement, but coming from an athlete that graduated from there, students always gave it all in practices. I enjoy my time at the school, and wouldn't do anything differently. GO RAMS!
    Read 392 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,076 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. West Ranch High School

    • William S. Hart Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 580
    21 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Parent: I loved the teachers and the sense of community at West Ranch! The school really prepares the students for college. The school encourages parental and student involvement. There is something for everyone at West Ranch. The school is highly academic and has a lot of support for students not naturally gifted in the academic department. The teachers really help the students succeed and are truly vested in preparing our kids for the future. It's a very safe school and have a good code of conduct for all students. Our overall experience at West Ranch has been a positive experience.
    Read 580 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,455 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 6-12
    • 373
    22 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: I really enjoyed the teachers there that were well-versed in how they could maximize their teaching for the students. However, like everything else, there are teachers on the "lower bar" whom I wonder how they ever learned their teaching certificates. The school always pushed its students to go beyond in every aspect, one example being the amount of AP classes. Students were recommended to take several after the 9th grade. LACES and its endeavour of excellence is instilled in students who are willing to accept its heavier workload because it is worth it in the end. The school definitely prepares you for college; there is a reason why the school is considered a high performance school with its name up among the elite educators.
    Read 373 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,648 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. Palisades Charter High School

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 559
    23 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Sophomore: Pretty good from an acedemic, athletics, and safety aspect. Could definitely use improvement in the math program! Also, the administration works hard to be inclusive and proactive, but sometimes their gestures would be better if actual action was taken.
    Read 559 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,970 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. South High School

    • Torrance Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 383
    24 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles County

    Alum: South High School is a pretty average high school. It's definitely not the worst in the district, but could use some improvements. The campus is decent and open, although the students tend to leave things pretty messy. The teachers are often better than not, however there are some iconic teachers that are a little worse for wear. Even with the stricter teachers, they provide an environment that allows students to learn a lot of material--if they choose to pay attention. The school does it's best to involve it's students in a variety of activities and events such as pep-rallies and Class Comp--a school-wide event all allows all of the grade to come together and compete against one another, driving individual class pride as well as school pride.
    Read 383 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,069 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. New West Charter School

    • Public School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 6-12
    • 29
    25 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 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 823 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Ramona Convent Secondary School

    • Private School
    • Alhambra, CA
    • 9-12
    • 180

    Parent: My daughter was the only person from her school to attend Ramona so she was nervous. Within the first month, she was asking to come to school early. She especially loves her teachers and feels like she has learned so much from them. The academics are challenging but the expectations are realistic. She was able to join a sport and there is where she has made friends in all of the grades. The administration is intelligent, really listens to parents and takes immediate action on issues. The campus is peaceful and just so beautiful! I am excited to see what the coming year will bring for my daughter.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Santa Margarita Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
    • 9-12
    • 263

    Parent: SM gave our daughter Samantha so much more than we bargained for - not only rigorous academics, but fostering personal growth spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It is the close personal connections between faculty, staff, and students that set this school apart, and create a caring and supportive community based on Caritas Christi. We are forever grateful to have been part of the SM family!
    Read 263 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,670 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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