2023 Best Public Schools in Normal Heights

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  303 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Preuss has been fantastic. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in many activities after school too and prepare them for university! I also feel like this is a safe space for me and ask teachers for help; teachers here at Preuss really want students to succeed. As a first-gen student, Preuss has done their best to guide me for what to do when applying for universities as a senior and makes sure that all students are on track! Through it's rigorous curriculum, all of these are established this way to make it easier for students by their senior year without having to worry much if they're meeting all the requisites when applying to universities. Student's can view that handwork is paying off in the end.... Read 303 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 848

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is an amazing school both of my children have flourished here...it’s one of the best schools in San Diego.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Spring Valley, CA•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• grade A

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: We've been a part of LFCS for 11 years. Now all 4 of my kids are in school there and we are so thankful for a safe, consistent learning environment for them. I so appreciate that the school takes a neutral position on any and all political or controversial issues, and instead encourages kids to ask their parents what their family values are. Also, there are regular meetings where parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the inner workings of the school. And I'm always impressed with the school's financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. They operate within the budget and welcome questions from parents regarding spending. If you're unsure about whether this is the school for you, attend a tour and get informed. They are happy to answer any questions you have!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  628 reviews

Senior: From academic programs to extracurricular activities, there is something for everyone at PHHS. One of the standout features of Patrick Henry High School is its rigorous academic programs. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. The teachers are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and they push their students to excel. Additionally, the school has a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with programs such as robotics and computer science. In terms of extracurricular activities, Patrick Henry High School has a lot to offer as well. The school also has a strong performing arts program, with opportunities for students to participate in choir, band, theater, and dance. For those interested in community service, there are several clubs and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.... Read 628 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,567

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  33 reviews

Junior: SET High is a school unlike any I have previously seen. The school is very small with a student population under 250 and a single building as the campus. The classes reflect the small size, typically ranging from 10-20 students. These classes are very supportive of students, with learning occurring in the classroom and very little homework being assigned. Grades also tend to reflect effort. These aspects allow for "learning without tears." For students who seek rigorous classes, SET also offers students the opportunity to take free community college courses. SET allows students of all academic abilities to thrive. Students are also supported in their passions through time, funding, and general support. The social environment is also very unique at SET. Students of all backgrounds attend SET, so students are almost never alienated. The staff are also able to closely control the social behaviors of the population, so bullying and fights are rare. Overall, SET is a wonderful school.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  461 reviews

Senior: What really stands out about San Diego High School is the school spirit, the clubs and activities provided by the school or created by the students are always new and innovating, and create new opportunities for students to involve themselves in the school community. However, I think the school lacks in other aspects, such as security as well as the food provided, but what it lacks for in these areas it makes up for in terms of sports and other on campus activities and clubs.... Read 461 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,181

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My son wakes up early everyday and excited to go to Magnolia. He is in robotics and archery teams and loves them. School offers free tutoring and clubs after school. They also have a onsite library available for students after school. The teachers at Magnolia are very supportive and caring. I am glad we enrolled our son to Magnolia. We love Magnolia.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is our first year at Barnard and it's been great! Imagine, Mandarin language immersion at a public school! The stuff I don't love (large class size, homework in kindergarten, no parking for a magnet school) are really district problems and not specific to Barnard Elementary. The staff are very energetic and involved. Love our school!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: It was a school where I was accepted. I could be my TRUE, REAL, RAW self. Everyone didn't stick to the "norm" or "basics". Everyone had their own vibe, own style, own stigma and it wasn't judged. I could wear my bright, blue fur jacket and stroll the halls without being embarrassed and instead, very bubbly and confident. To make it better, not only did I not have to worry about being my true self, but I also had no worries when it came to school work. Everything at High Tech High International is very organized, helpful and simple. It teaches exactly what benefits us as students ad gets us prepared for our future. We get the privilege of doing college field trips, internships for a whole month and a week off to explore different activities. It's a school full of adventure, self assurance and strength!... Read 181 reviews

• grade A

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  111 reviews

Senior: I like the O'farrell Charcte School because of the resources it provided such as AVID and career development where they have brought genuine graduates and people who have experience within their careers to give us advice. The high school brings lots of resources to the attention of students so that we get to have more opportunities. Not only that but we also have been provided with a program known as Outdoor Outreach where we get funded to be able to attend this program where they take make it an option whether or not to attend one of their outings for free. For example, they provide the school with kayaking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more. Furthermore, even though the high school is small it still brings more people closer together through its classes, clubs, and sports. Personally, a club I have been a part of has been Chess, Tea Club, Gardening Club, Crotchet Club, Mecha, and Mesa. Even if you're a newcomer you'd still be very much accepted.... Read 111 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: The BEST OF THE BEST educational enrichment program in San Diego! For three years, Kavod has been a second family to our son. With their hands on approach, the seasoned administration and staff have armored our son with knowledge, character, social skills, and self-esteem that has spring boarded him towards his current and future success.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  155 reviews

Senior: High Tech High Media Arts is unique in its ability to teach its students in a project-based, community-oriented way, and prepare students for real life outside of the education system. Through hands-on projects it has taught me about diversity, compassion, learning from failure, and collaboration. The school values respect between both students and teachers, and fosters a community where people across the spectrum of diversity can come together and find similarities while also celebrating differences. It is apparent that every teacher genuinely cares about each student, and prioritizes their overall growth and learning instead of simple statistics. I am thankful that I have been fortunate enough to attend High Tech High Media Arts for the past four years because it has made me a better student and a better person.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  41 reviews

Senior: I have attended EVMCHS for all of my high school years and it’s been great. One of my favorite things about this school is that they allow you to take college classes since freshman year. Taking college classes makes students stand out on college applications and prepares students to attend a college full time. There has even been a student that has graduated with three associates degrees! Another thing I love about this school is how caring the teachers are. Almost all of the teacher show a genuine interest in the students and what’s going on in their life. Since it’s such a small school , the teachers are able to give students the attention they need. One of the downside is the schools safety. Since the school is located on the city college campus, the school has an open campus. This means that there is no gates around the school separating the college from the high school. However, there almost always a police car stationed in front of the school.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  375 reviews

Alum: I loved attending a school that provided me free access to high caliber art training! SCPA just has this was of bringing together such passionate and hungry artist, and pushes them to excel beyond belief. The environment of the campus is like no other, everyone is so kind and loving. Some of my greatest artistic achievements were made possible for me by attending this school. The admin of the school need to remember that we appreciate having some of the traditional aspects of a non performing arts school, like having a prom and hosting pep rallies. I also feel like the audition process to get into the school needs to be revamped.... Read 375 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,313

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Ever since my daughters joined Museum I noticed so much more enthusiasm towards learning, towards attending in general. They're project-oriented learning style really clicks with the kids, and they seem to know so much about every subject. The staff holds events constantly, which keep the parents participating and aware of the things that happen day to day at school. Their building is not huge, it is not fancy, but what it lacks on modernism, it has it on commitment. We as a family are absolutely in love with this school and would not change it for any other in the SD Unified School District.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  176 reviews

Junior: I've been in the high tech system since 6th grade. Every year has given me great skills through various projects. High Tech High is a small sized school which allows for amazing personal connections with the teachers. The hands on learning provided my classmates and I with a unique learning experience, the student body is amazing, everyone is friends with each other and they integrate the newer kids in well. The biggest downside is that the teacher turnover rate is high for new teachers. Meaningful connections between teacher and student can be broken when this happens.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 527

• Student-teacher ratio 33:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Junior: The school has a lot of good teachers and the band and orchestra classes were a fun experience for me personally.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,042

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 253

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The Learning Choice Academy is a charter school which offers K-12 education. I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been with the school since the second semester of kindergarten. The small class sizes offer a very tight-knit, personal community of students, and many of my friends have been in my grade since middle or even elementary school, although new students are usually able to integrate quite well. As for the educational prospects, the school offers a reasonably good curriculum for elementary and middle schoolers, but the lack of elective classes and clubs in high school is somewhat of a detriment. Aside from that, however, the Learning Choice Academy is a very solid school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 239

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: I've been a student at High Tech Mesa (HTHM) for 4 years, and I've had a very good experience. The teachers' commitment is one of the school's most defining qualities. They go above and above to build a personal connection with each of their students because they genuinely care about their academic success. This degree of dedication and consideration has been crucial to my own academic development. Teachers & staff do a great job teaching students how to figure things out for themselves and realistic problem solving. However the school HTHM still has some room for improvement. Particularly, some subjects—like math—are not very rigorous and don't sufficiently push students. Additionally, students cannot enroll in a variety of subjects tailored to their interests because class schedules are set by administrators. The only chosen classes (Xblock) are super short (45 mins/twice a week). The biggest thing, however, is the staff turnover ; 1 year, the school lost nearly 2/3 of their staff.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 318

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.21 out of 5  86 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy the environment and teachers and my overall learning experience. The teachers at the San Diego MET are extremely caring and do their best to support you throughout your highschool journey. I was able to gain many ooprutnites such as internships and free college classes while attending the San Diego MET. I would definitely recommended this school for anyone who is looking for a small school environment!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 137

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 671

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: This school is amazing, with project based learning, community focused energy and friendly staff and kids, we LOVE our school and are so blessed to be a part of it!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 341

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1