2023 Best Public High Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  324 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 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,936

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: Amazing, dedicated students! Academics are challenging, and many students are stressed, but my experience here was incredible. The people are super nice and inviting. I recommend enrolling in Middle College or College Now instead of taking AP courses. You still get the high school experience and guaranteed college credit.... Read 345 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,085

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  211 reviews

Niche User: SHS is a fairly balanced school，that is relatively different from other best high schools in the bay area. Although STEM is also very strong, but overall, it pays a lots of attention to the cultivation of children's abilities in other aspects. There are many clubs in the school, and you will be amazed at the high level of the band, the dance group, the speach club, the robot etc. Children who can develop well here must have very strong self-reliance. Because many things have to be managed by the students themselves.Rather than being like many top private schools, in fact, most of them are arranged and promoted by teachers. Another point is that city of Saratoga itself is a very nice place to live, and it can be said to be one of the best communities in the whole San Francisco Bay Area. Most of the students come from families with similar backgrounds. Families would sincerely invest in building a better school, because a good school will also lead to a better community.... Read 211 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,159

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• 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

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  491 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 491 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,942

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  287 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Campolindo (class of 22) and, for the most part, I’ve enjoyed my time here! Some of my favorite parts of high school have been: -stellar teachers (especially Mark Roberts and Jake Donohoe) -great sports programs -challenging but rewarding classes that are good preparation for college -absolutely incredible performing arts programs! the annual musical is one of the best aspects of the school and something I have thoroughly enjoyed -for the most part, students are kind and accepting As with everything, I do have my criticisms of the school. -the political culture here is EXTREMELY toxic. everyone is expected (and borderline forced) to fall in line with far-left radical beliefs especially surrounding CRT. The school preaches “diversity and inclusion” but mainly talks in circles instead of saying anything of substance. If you want to be exposed to a diversity of beliefs and values, this is not the school for you. Campolindo is a great, but flawed, school.... Read 287 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,400

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Francisco Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,069 reviews

Senior: I'm from the graduating class of 2023 and I would say my overall experience at Lowell has been good! There's lots of different extracurriculars and clubs for me to join! As for academics, the homework load and amount of stress from it really depends on your classes and teacher. The community is really nice and there's many resources available for students. The bathrooms in the science building and world language building is really nice too!... Read 1,069 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,786

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  294 reviews

Senior: I'm very happy with the wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities at my school. There are many AP and elective courses in STEM, helping prepare one for further study in college, but there's also lots of sports, arts, and humanities too. We have many strong sports, a great marching band, a thriving student newspaper, and more. MVHS offers dual enrollment in Freestyle Academy for juniors and seniors looking to study art in depth. Even students who just want to try things out have many opportunities and lots of support in doing so, with lots of clubs and low-commitment electives. We have pretty amazing facilities and helpful teachers and staff. Also, our College and Career center is very helpful in learning about paths after HS, and we have lots of resources to pursue that.... Read 294 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,257

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Pleasanton Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  412 reviews

Sophomore: I enjoy the the community-feel of my school; the teachers are very invested in providing the best education they can give to the students, which is so refreshing to see, especially during distanced learning. However, the school is very competative, so many students want take honors and AP courses, but there isn't enough space in classes to give everyone thos kinds of oppurtunities!... Read 412 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,237

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Pleasanton Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  544 reviews

Senior: Overall, throughout my high school career at Amador Valley High School, I have had nothing but good experiences. The majority of my teachers I have absolutely adored, and always have my best interest at heart. They push me to do better, while still supporting me and providing adequate resources if I'm having a tough time. Some of the teachers that I have, especially this year, I will undoubtedly remember for the rest of my life. Additionally, at Amador, there are also amazing and diverse clubs, along with great sport programs. Going to all the super spirited football games was one of the highlights of the four years I've spent here. Although the food may not be great, it's still a great school with a super positive atmosphere! Even though my time here is almost up, I'm super grateful that I was able to attend such an amazing school with great academic opportunities!... Read 544 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,744

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  473 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 473 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,379

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Tamalpais Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  234 reviews

Senior: My experience in Redwood High School has been great! I have had a blast with friends in sports, class, and everything in between. It is crazy how fast the years have gone by and now I just remember the amazing things that has happen during my 3 years in Redwood. Teachers are very interested that you succeed in their class and will make time outside of school to help.... Read 234 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,986

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Acalanes Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  227 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 227 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,174

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  492 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 492 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,198

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  186 reviews

Senior: UPA has been an excellent learning environment throughout my 5 years as a student. The small class sizes allows for teachers, counsellors and staff to truly connect with students and accommodate their needs. Readily available office hours and quick turn around time for emails has helped me reach out to teachers whenever I needed help in their class. In terms of student life, UPA has a strong sense of community on campus. Most events are inclusive to all grades and many electives have a diverse range of grade levels in them. Programs such as Web and Link, as well as clubs, make UPA an environment that balances both school and personal interests. As someone involved in multiple clubs (President of Girl Up!, PR manager of both Film Club and Acts of Random Kindness club), I can vouch that UPA truly allows students to run their organizations. UPA's Theater Department, although low in funding, harbors immense talent and dedication, in which I've seen in my experience as a stage manager... Read 186 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 702

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Piedmont City Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: I loved Piedmont High School! I loved all of my teachers, learned so many things, participated in many sports and activities, and I feel ready going to college next year.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 839

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: My experience at Aragon High School was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to make lifelong friends, learn valuable lessons, and develop a strong sense of self. The teachers at Aragon High School were some of the best I have ever had. They were always willing to help and answer any questions I had. They also provided a safe and supportive environment for me to learn and grow. I was able to take challenging classes and push myself to do my best. The extracurricular activities at Aragon High School were also great. I was able to join a variety of clubs and sports teams. The social atmosphere at Aragon High School was also great. I was able to make friends with people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Overall, my experience at Aragon High School was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the time I spent at Aragon High School and the memories I made there.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,734

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  714 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 714 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,384

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  243 reviews

Senior: I am half American and half Brazilian; I came to Burlingame High School knowing basic English and I left speaking fluently. BHS does not have a dELD program like the one in San Mateo High School, but they have an amazing group of positive and empathetic teachers and staff that pushes you to become your best self and overcome your barriers. The school offers a lot of resources for you to succeed, from wellness counselors to tutors, and also access to a library and online database. They offer everything you need, now it is your choice to take it!... Read 243 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,537

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Sequoia Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  321 reviews

Junior: Carlmont High School is a pretty good school. Academically, I think it is a great place with high standards and plenty of opportunities to learn. The campus itself is also pretty cool, although the walk from one end of the campus to the other is pretty long. It's a fairly diverse place too! The teachers are reasonable for the most part, I've gotten fairly lucky with teachers. I think that CHS has definitely prepared me and my peers for college. The college and career center has lots of resources for college. The clubs and activities are all really inclusive!... Read 321 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,309

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  276 reviews

Senior: Mills High School in Millbrae, California is an exceptional institution that offers a top-notch education for high school students. One of the standout features is the diversity of the student body. Students have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate different perspectives and experiences. This environment also fosters a sense of inclusion and acceptance among students, which is essential for creating a positive school community. Academically, Mills High School is known for its rigorous curriculum and dedicated teaching staff. The school offers a range of AP courses, which allow students to challenge themselves and earn college credit while still in high school. In addition, Mills High School has an impressive record of sending graduates to top colleges and universities across the country. Overall, Mills High School is an outstanding institution that provides students with a quality education, a supportive community, and opportunities to explore their interests and talents.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  407 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 407 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,032

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Mateo Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  258 reviews

Junior: San Mateo High School is the most welcoming, inclusive, and safe zoned high schools there is to offer in my opinion. The community is very diverse there, and everyone is very supportive of each other, from the peers to the staff and teachers!... Read 258 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  297 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love my school, Monte Vista High School. Though I did not originally attend school in the same school district, my transition into high school was very smooth and I immediately felt like I fit in. Since I knew literally NO ONE when I first stepped onto the campus (except my brother), I made a big effort to make friends even though I was rather introverted. Students and teachers would reciprocate friendly actions and I was met with kindness. Teachers at Monte Vista are incredibly good at their jobs - especially the science teachers. AP Chemistry and Physics have been my absolute favorite classes. The teachers for those classes were able to push my brain to the absolute limit and I feel like I grew as a person in their classrooms. I began to spend more time on my learning because I realized that I was truly interested in the subjects I was being taught. I sincerely love Monte Vista for its robust academics, welcoming community, and unshakable pride. Go Mustangs!... Read 297 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,441

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Dublin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  457 reviews

Senior: The school spirit, campus, sports teams, teachers, resources, activities, events, various clubs, productions, and concerts are all amazing! On the other hand, the school is incredibly competitive, academics are challenging, and some studies are underrepresented. For example, there are academies for Biomed and Engineering, but not Business.... Read 457 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,286

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1