2024 Best Public 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  499 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 499 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  503 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 503 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,108

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  15 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 15 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  570 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 570 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,937

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Los Altos, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: Teachers work as a team to deliver an integrated curriculum that covers the subjects through selected themes/topics that integrates all the learning. The arts and music teachers standout in terms of what they are able to do to engage all students in amazing productions. They are also innovative, creative, flexible, free to IMPROVE on a continuous basis.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Jose Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  338 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 338 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,676

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• Morgan Hill, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Our kids have been at CSMH since Kindergarten and are now in Middle School. Our experience has been exceptional, and we are incredibly grateful to have made it in with the lottery all those years ago. One of our kids requires special services while another is a high achieving student. BOTH have their needs met, both are challenged, both feel respected and valued, and both are generally happy with school. We will be sad to "graduate" from CSMH into high school when the time comes.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I can truly say the teachers at school so far (K and 1st grade) have been wonderful. They are truly invested in all around development of students. My kid loves going to school.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• 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•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 311

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Los Gatos Union School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 515

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  582 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 582 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,888

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  15 reviews

Middle school student: The teachers and staff pay a lot of attention to the students to ensure they have an optimal learning experience. The curriculum (especially for AP students) is quite ahead compared to schools in the area. One unique thing with Discovery students I have categorically seen is their confidence in speaking to others, most students gain that trait from presenting to their classes about topics they've researched and have a vested interest in. Great school!... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 537

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I graduated from Millikin about 23 years ago, attended K-5. Then went on to drop out of 6th grade, never went to another day of school till college. With the education I got at millikin: I passed my GED on the first try, in the top 95 percentile, maintained a 3.5 GPA in Community College, and graduated from a nursing program with a 4.0 GPA. That should say enough. And my drop out had absolutely nothing to do with the friends I made at millikin. Actually, if I would of stuck with those friends, instead of making new friends in middle school, I would have stayed out of trouble too. I wish it went to high school. Great philosophy, great teachers, great overall education. Remarkable. Now I'm fortunate enough my daughter is attending millikin. Thank you teachers!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Moreland, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 467

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: I think Peterson Middle School is a pretty awesome school. The teachers and staff are really supportive and easy to talk to. A lot of the students are really nice, and this school is really fun! The only problem I have is the school schedule, which starts at 8 A.M.; which, in my opinion, is too early. Some of my classmates aren't fully awake yet and half of 1st period is just wasted, since students are too tired to listen.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 789

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Campbell Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 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  334 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 334 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,767

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Santa Clara Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 518

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1