2024 Best Public High Schools in San Jose

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  188 reviews

Alum: University Preparatory Academy charter has help to truly develop me into becoming a young adult. I loved the support that I had throughout all my years at UPA, even thought the pandemic teachers were there looking out for our educational well being and even mental well being. I loved the push for community and friendship that i had developed with other students from UPA of all grades. One thing I would like to see change in UPA, is the flexibility of teachers, it seemed as though most teachers had too much to handle with having to teach serval different subject and yet then some even coach sports, and didn't have time to help students and sometimes office hours would be closed.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 716

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  498 reviews

Alum: Overall, my experience at Lynbrook was great. I think a lot of that positivity comes from my involvement in the school's extracurricular activities. I participated in Lynbrook's golf team for two years and their soccer team for all four years. I enjoyed my time in both sports. Through these sports I was able to build connections with students I may not have otherwise, and made memories that added a lot to my overall high school experience. I also joined a couple clubs and attended one of them consistently. That also gave me a larger sense of community within Lynbrook. The rallies were always fun, Homecoming week is something everyone looks forward too, and the food isn't that bad either (in my opinion). One thing a lot of students say about Lynbrook is that it's really competitive. I know many amazing students who felt overwhelmed by school. Lynbrook is aware of this, and the school does make many efforts to help students, be it through counseling, stress-relief animal days, and more.... Read 498 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,781

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Fremont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  499 reviews

Sophomore: I appreciate how we are given brunch and lunch for free, which is very important for all students to be given the opportunity to learn on a full stomach. Additionally, our school provides many resources and provides a competitive culture that keeps students engaged. The community among students is very helpful and friendly. Overall, my experience is positive and I can't imagine being a student anywhere else!... Read 499 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,108

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  14 reviews

Junior: Based off public middle and elementary schools I’ve been to, I feel like Mission Early college high school has my goals in mind and check up on my progress weekly! I also feel more in touch with reality because of how mature many of my college classmates are. The only bad part of this high school is that we have more of a college experience than high school. And by this I mean I get to know what college life is but not know what it’s like to be a part of a sports team, or attend prom and homecoming.I wish it was easier for us to attend other highschool’s dances and clubs without being enrolled there.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 146

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  267 reviews

Senior: Every school has its downs, and I experienced those extreme lows too. But that was a short time with a few people. Without that bump, it was paradise and bliss in the classroom and the students: everyone is connected and pulling through the bad stereotypes, everywhere was an opportunity to grow and learn while the friendly competition pushed each other along, I got support when a period of my life was at rock bottom with family life, and I still formed the identity that I desired. These were all chances that pertained to my life, and I caught them at any moment. I couldn’t believe I was living the life I wanted when at a competitive school and with my peers. It is unbelievable to attend here and unfortunate that I have to leave. I have moved throughout many school districts, and this one struck a chord in my heart to be grateful for the luxuries that some complain about or take for granted. It prepared me for life and prepared my ambition to continue to grow— thank you Los Gatos.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,127

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  567 reviews

Alum: I had a very pleasing experience with Wilcox High School. I never felt threatened as a Muslim Hijabi Girl and felt that people respected me and my beliefs. I think one thing that I would probably ask to be improved is to celebrate Muslim holidays as a community too. For example, Wilcox celebrated Chinese new years. Right after came Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast and celebrate. I think it would have been nice if our holiday was celebrated equally as well. Overall I enjoyed my experience at Wilcox!... Read 567 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,937

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  336 reviews

Junior: I like the different number of courses offered at Leland Highschool, allowing students to explore various fields. However, Leland has a very academically focused environment that can sometimes be intimidating and harmful to ones well being both mentally and emotionally. I would also love to see is counselors actively reaching out to their grade-level students individually on top of a come-and-go type of thing. This could be achieved if there was a blast announcement for different last names to come into the office and get an introductory look into the different offers counselors have. One thing that can be improved upon is allowing students the option to take 2 classes in one subject area (such as science) instead of limiting it only to 1 since this limited the different experiences the student would like to learn more about.... Read 336 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,676

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  668 reviews

Junior: Piedmont Hills is a great place to learn and grow! Education here is prioritized very well, and there are even tutoring sessions and study sessions after school. I love how mental health is also prioritized at school, as there is a wellness center. The people here are friendly and the teachers are quite helpful! The food is normal, nothing extraordinary. The clubs are really fun and engaging, especially key club. Playing sports is also really fun and the coaches are always pushing us to do our best and truly sees potential in all students.... Read 668 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,953

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  580 reviews

Senior: Through out the 4 years of being in Santa Clara high, my experience has been great. The people and community here are amazing, everyone always seems to be a good mood and have a motivated mind set. This school offers a variety of electives and provide help if needed through out the year. The teachers and staff are very good at what they do and are easy to understand. This school has a lot of school of school spirt that always keeps us, the students entertained with events fundraisers, and clubs. I honestly wouldn't like to see a change since this school already has a lot of positive aspects.... Read 580 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,888

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Campbell Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  310 reviews

Alum: Despite flaws among clubs and parent involvement, Branham High School hosts some of the most influential staff I've ever encountered. It's unfortunate that the CUHSD doesn't pay these staff a sufficient amount considering its financially-demanding location in Silicon Valley; however, the school's diversity and emphasis on college readiness is motivating enough to give it 4/5 stars. Diversity is something that adolescents across the nation not only deserve to be exposed to, but is considerably essential in their understanding of others and the ever-changing world that surrounds them. In my experience, Branham provided an emphasis in the understanding of others through various rallies and the teachers who conducted their class's material. In terms of college readiness, the teachers and staff were extremely helpful in providing their experiences in their educational path as well as resources that contributed to students' preparation as they headed out into their educational abyss.... Read 310 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,917

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Campbell Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  333 reviews

Senior: As a current senior at Leigh, I love every minute I spend at school. The environment the faculty and students foster makes it not only exciting to learn but it encourages students to reach higher standards. I participate in Leigh's associated student body and was the Inclusion and Diversity commissioner. I also play girls varsity soccer and have joined NHS and CSF. Every student I have met throughout these extracurricular activities are very welcoming, friendly, and supportive. Similarly, the staff members are very knowledgable, encouraging and are willing to bend over backwards help their students succeed. One suggestion I would love to see the school implement is a reward system to highlight students' amazing achievements. There are many hardworking students at Leigh who I believe deserve some recognition for their accomplishments. For example, student athletes or students in the performing arts program who have achieved over a 3.5 or 4.0.... Read 333 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,767

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: KIPP San Jose Collegiate is a school that has given me all the resources I need to succeed and created a safe environment where I've made friends. I was able to connect with my teachers and feel comfortable among my peers. I had deeply hoped and voiced several times since 8th grade about being able to get into the school in sophomore year because that's where all my friends were and I knew that the school would benefit me from all that I've heard, and I was right. I feel successful, accomplished, and appreciated in this school. The only reason I rated my school four stars is because of rules that I felt were excessive and regulations that are unnecessary. Examples are phones being locked up in pouches while most of us are young adults, poor lunch line management, and general treatment that made me feel like some teachers didn't see us for our age. Nonetheless, this school has made me content with my academic life and gotten to me the point in education that I'm satisfied with.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  606 reviews

Junior: EVHS is a great school for anyone who is college-bound, but it doesn't always support students who want to enter the workforce directly. Like most high schools, one's experience will depend on individual courses, teachers, social groups, personal interests, and family life. Despite being full of high achieving students, EVHS fosters a close community with an emphasis on meaningful friendships and kindness. Go Cougars!... Read 606 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,896

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Campbell Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  232 reviews

Senior: Westmont High School is a diverse and inclusive school revolved around educating its students and preparing them for college. Providing a variety of classes and opportunities to its students, Westmont High School has been a great experience that I will remember for a lifetime. 4 years of High School may seem like lot to many but in reality its really only so little. As time has flown by Westmont has provided me with many resources for my future, however, what it didn't prepare me for was the changes in the college selection process. Throughout my 4 years of High School I was always told how I had time to decide what I wanted to do before going into college when in reality this is not the case. As times become more competitive and colleges become more selective I wish my High School would have warned me of the competitiveness of today application process. However, despite that I love my school and it has created so many fond memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.... Read 232 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,690

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: Great charter school! This is high-level education for free. Highly recommend Summit Tahona School. We were looking for a school with strong academics, with teachers who care about students, and also a school with a friendly environment. We transferred from another public school and my son is happy to be in Tahoma. They do a lot for college and University preparation.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  399 reviews

Senior: Pioneer High School is truly a great school. There is plenty of services, events and activities that keep both the school spirit and Mustang community rolling. The school itself is diverse, has great teachers and staff, and is really fun. As a member of Leadership, I have gotten a heightened sense of clarity in regards to the positives and negatives about the school. For example, Pioneer has amazing school spirit and our R.I.F.L.O. (Respect, Inclusiveness, Flexibility, Listening, Open-Mindedness) values hold true. The only real negative is that in a post-Covid environment, some students may feel disconnected from the school and people around them. There's nothing specific I believe needs to be changed about the school, however, there is one topic that any high school could work on; community building. Overall, Pioneer is an amazing high school. If you are thinking of attending or want to send your child there, I would highly recommend. Go Mustangs!... Read 399 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,521

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  606 reviews

Senior: Silver Creek High School represents many cultures and offers many different opportunities to find a new or refresh an old interest. The students can be very uplifting and very supportive in the clubs or groups offered. Many of my closest friends have come from clubs and classes I've taken. The experience is determined on what you put into it. I love what I do and would encourage others to find what they may love to do too!... Read 606 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,422

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Campbell Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  289 reviews

Junior: Prospect High School has been slowly improving their provision of mental health resources, allowing anxious students to speak up and express opinions that before seemed difficult to let out. However, the academic opportunities seem weak as many honors courses were removed in previous years. I believe providing a chance for freshman students to take more advanced classes would give a stronger start and foundation in students academics. Attending Prospect has been a very positive experience for me overall, helping me grow as a person, but leaving academic opportunities average.... Read 289 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,510

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  474 reviews

Senior: It's a welcoming school that provides great academic and extracurricular opportunities. The students, teachers, and staff are helpful!... Read 474 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,164

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Sunnyvale, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  31 reviews

Sophomore: I enjoyed my time at Denali, but unfortunately it had to be closer permanently. I loved the mentor aspect of Denali. The way you have one adult to guide you throughout all four years of high school is really great. I just wish they pushed students more. For example, we don’t have any homework, so they should incorporate more hands on learning during class sessions at the least.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  826 reviews

Sophomore: Overall I've had the best experiences, we have rallies here and they're very fun and all the dances are very lively. This school focuses more on active than academics so it brings everyone's mental health up more and all the teachers are very nice and not strict which makes school a lot better. And the teachers are always ready to help prepare us for colleges too! Clubs and activities meet up's are very funny and everyone gets a good laugh out of the day! Mostly everyone I've met on my path is really sweet and helps each other out and accompany each other, which is a good thing for people who are very vulnerable because we finally feel safe with company if that makes sense at all. The classes aren't too hard if you put in half the effort mostly!... Read 826 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,711

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Morgan Hill Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: Ann Sobrato High School is a very great school. The school has awesome teachers and staff that truly care about their students. They offer a variety of clubs for the student’s interests, as well as events to celebrate students success! My personal experience at this school has been great so far, teachers are very easy to get along with as well as the students. Personally, I prefer a school that makes mental health a priority. I think maybe there should be a monthly mental health check up on the students instead of once or twice during the school year, not only should Ann Sobrato High School do this but every school.... Read 345 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,544

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  306 reviews

Senior: Overall, Willow Glen is a pretty great school. I have been afforded so many great teachers that genuinely care about my success and well-being. Also, I feel that Willow GLen is very diverse and exposes us to many things.... Read 306 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,640

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• East Side Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  380 reviews

Junior: Oak Grove is a place for many students and young people to grow and learn to open up. Though its campus is big, the community is very close and tight knit. I saw many groups of friends at every corner of the school. The environment is very friendly and the teachers and staff members are extremely welcoming. There are many extra-curricular club events that allow students to have fun together and come together as a school (clubs like TEA, VSU, BSU, FSU, and Key Club). Being here for three years, I’ve learned to love the culture and environment that Oak Grove has to offer. We welcome all students and are willing to help whenever we can. We’ve set up fundraisers and have an annual blood drive as well. Though there is always a bad batch of students, I have found that there are much more respectful, kindhearted, responsible students. The school teaches us to me safe, respectful, academic achievers. Our athletics and band/color guard are extremely supported. We love to welcome new students!... Read 380 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,624

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  337 reviews

Sophomore: I absolutely love the culture of the school and the kindness of the students I've met! The administration fails to keep its promises regarding the preforming arts funding it has promised to its students, as well as implementing misguided rules to solve issues of "gang affiliation" that haven't been present sense the late 90's (such an banning do rags on campus). On the other hand the teachers themselves are so dedicated to their students success and providing a safe space to maintain the accepting culture of Lincoln prior to the recent change in administration.... Read 337 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,684

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1