Explore the best public schools serving your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Showing results 1 through 25 of 32
1 through 25 of 32 results
32 results
Junior: I enjoyed it a lot because it taught me a lot about myself and how to handle certain situations. This school also made me feel at home because of the comfortable environment. All the classrooms and outside areas are kept clean, and the staff are very supportive. The school spirit is beyond compare, since every football game on Friday nights are filled with students of all classes. The teachers are always here to help, and I know I can count on them to help me when I need it. During these awkward times of practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and online learning, the staff at the school have taken it very seriously. They ensure that all students who choose to do the hybrid program, which is two days at school and three days at home, are safely utilizing the facilities. I will also add that the teachers have done a great job when it came to adapting to the computer teaching style. Overall I would say my experience has been one of a kind at San Juan Hills High school!...Read 422 Reviews
#89 Best Public High Schools in California.
Blue checkmark.
Capistrano Unified School District, CA,
9-12,
422 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says I enjoyed it a lot because it taught me a lot about myself and how to handle certain situations. This school also made me feel at home because of the comfortable environment. All the classrooms and....
I enjoyed it a lot because it taught me a lot about myself and how to handle certain situations. This school also made me feel at home because of the comfortable environment. All the classrooms and....
Read 422 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 2,811,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 27 to 1,
Alum: Capistrano Valley High School was an overall good experience for high school. Being involved in clubs and sports definitely enhanced my personal experience and helped me meet a lot of friends. I didn't have the best experience with teachers because I felt that some cared more than others and didn't prepare me well enough for college. However, I did have some teachers that taught me a lot, it was very situational. The parking situation was annoying and I wish they had a better set up because you have to walk up a giant hill if you don't get a senior lot spot. Regardless, I cherish the memories I made at Capistrano Valley...Read 477 Reviews
#109 Best Public High Schools in California.
477 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Capistrano Valley High School was an overall good experience for high school. Being involved in clubs and sports definitely enhanced my personal experience and helped me meet a lot of friends. I....
Capistrano Valley High School was an overall good experience for high school. Being involved in clubs and sports definitely enhanced my personal experience and helped me meet a lot of friends. I....
Read 477 reviews.
Students: 2,069,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 25 to 1,
Parent: I had two boys attend school at OPA-SOC and I wholeheartedly recommend this school! The educational philosophy they adhere to, Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, is top notch. My boys were exposed to and developed strengths in multiple learning and teaching methods, which has sent them off to their next schools extremely well prepared. They were challenged academically and supported emotionally by their teachers, the support staff, and their peers. I am grateful for the time my boys got to spend at OPA-SOC and I feel that they are better from having been there...Read 18 Reviews
#110 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
Public School,
MISSION VIEJO, CA,
PK, K-8,
18 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says I had two boys attend school at OPA-SOC and I wholeheartedly recommend this school! The educational philosophy they adhere to, Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, is top notch. My boys were....
I had two boys attend school at OPA-SOC and I wholeheartedly recommend this school! The educational philosophy they adhere to, Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, is top notch. My boys were....
Read 18 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 792,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
Parent: Since we began school in the middle of a pandemic, the staff and administration have been super communicative helpful and supportive! They are organized, and when something is not working, they make adjustments. It is a learning curve for everyone, and they have been great...Read 19 Reviews
LAKE FOREST, CA,
19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Since we began school in the middle of a pandemic, the staff and administration have been super communicative helpful and supportive! They are organized, and when something is not working, they make....
Since we began school in the middle of a pandemic, the staff and administration have been super communicative helpful and supportive! They are organized, and when something is not working, they make....
Read 19 reviews.
Students: 646,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
Senior: As a senior in San Clemente High School, I've had memorable experiences throughout these past four years. I began school with a welcoming experience that comfort my social and emotional way of belonging there. Due to my comfort, I gained commitment and determination towards raising my grades. ...San Clemente Highschool has excellence in programs, such as college preparatory like the Avid program leading to the college experience. I've been enrolled in the Avid course for four years where we complete college requirements in order to reach the highest potential this made my experience extremely meaningful. San Clemente high school also has an international bachelor diploma chance if enrolled in a world language all four years, I am involved in the Spanish advancement courses which have enhanced my skills to further my knowledge in future careers...Overall, the campus has great students where we can develop awesome relationships within our community, there is nothing I would ever change.Read 432 Reviews
#211 Best Public High Schools in California.
432 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says As a senior in San Clemente High School, I've had memorable experiences throughout these past four years. I began school with a welcoming experience that comfort my social and emotional way of...San Clemente Highschool has excellence in programs, such as college preparatory like the Avid program leading to the college experience. I've been enrolled in the Avid course for four years where we...Overall, the campus has great students where we can develop awesome relationships within our community, there is nothing I would ever change..
As a senior in San Clemente High School, I've had memorable experiences throughout these past four years. I began school with a welcoming experience that comfort my social and emotional way of...San Clemente Highschool has excellence in programs, such as college preparatory like the Avid program leading to the college experience. I've been enrolled in the Avid course for four years where we...Overall, the campus has great students where we can develop awesome relationships within our community, there is nothing I would ever change..
Read 432 reviews.
Students: 2,992,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 26 to 1,
Senior: Dana Hills has a very supportive atmosphere. I'll admit it, the best teachers and student activities are reserved for higher-achieving students. In other words, taking Honors and AP classes will definitely improve your time at Dana Hills. Yes you will have more work, but you will also have more opportunities to utilize all of the resources available. Like any public school, you have to advocate for yourself to make it the best experience possible!...Read 476 Reviews
#233 Best Public High Schools in California.
476 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Dana Hills has a very supportive atmosphere. I'll admit it, the best teachers and student activities are reserved for higher-achieving students. In other words, taking Honors and AP classes will....
Dana Hills has a very supportive atmosphere. I'll admit it, the best teachers and student activities are reserved for higher-achieving students. In other words, taking Honors and AP classes will....
Read 476 reviews.
Students: 2,357,
Alum: Throughout my attendance of this school, I have had very good teachers and many good experiences. There are entertaining events throughout the year for students. For the most part, students are treated well and have a fun time at this school...Read 8 Reviews
#129 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
6-8,
8 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Throughout my attendance of this school, I have had very good teachers and many good experiences. There are entertaining events throughout the year for students. For the most part, students are....
Throughout my attendance of this school, I have had very good teachers and many good experiences. There are entertaining events throughout the year for students. For the most part, students are....
Read 8 reviews.
Students: 1,226,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,
#214 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Read 1 reviews.
Students: 861,
Parent: There is no other opportunity like this. This school was designed to provide a unique learning experience and continues to evolve to improve. The projects improve year after year. The administration cares about the entire community, providing support to parents, growing teachers, and always pursuing projects and opportunities for our students. The teachers are smart and energetic. We can see the focus on 21st century skills in our kids' speaking skills and their focus to investigate, ask questions, and try to understand the opposite perspective before making judgments or becoming entrenched in their position...Read 3 Reviews
#544 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA,
K-8,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says There is no other opportunity like this. This school was designed to provide a unique learning experience and continues to evolve to improve. The projects improve year after year. The....
There is no other opportunity like this. This school was designed to provide a unique learning experience and continues to evolve to improve. The projects improve year after year. The....
Read 3 reviews.
Students: 746,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 23 to 1,
Freshman: Overall, Shorecliffs is a great school! There are great teachers and students, making a great school community. There are lots of ways to get involved and the school offers accelerated classes.Read 3 Reviews
#263 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
Featured Review: Freshman says Overall, Shorecliffs is a great school! There are great teachers and students, making a great school community. There are lots of ways to get involved and the school offers accelerated classes..
Overall, Shorecliffs is a great school! There are great teachers and students, making a great school community. There are lots of ways to get involved and the school offers accelerated classes..
Students: 883,
#296 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
13 Niche users give it an average review of 1.5 stars.
Read 13 reviews.
Students: 891,
#702 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
K-5,
Students: 523,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 31 to 1,
#729 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
Students: 688,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
Niche User: This school is the best the teachers are so nice and helped me learn so many new things and i made so may great friends there and overall you should go to this school if you live within the 2 mile range...Read 2 Reviews
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says This school is the best the teachers are so nice and helped me learn so many new things and i made so may great friends there and overall you should go to this school if you live within the 2 mile....
This school is the best the teachers are so nice and helped me learn so many new things and i made so may great friends there and overall you should go to this school if you live within the 2 mile....
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 362,
Middle School Student: Marco Forster has good academics and students/teachers. It is a fun environment to be around although there are some issues. The disaplinary system is unfair and inconsiderate. The clubs&activites are not organized well enough. The food gets old very quick...Read 3 Reviews
#473 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says Marco Forster has good academics and students/teachers. It is a fun environment to be around although there are some issues. The disaplinary system is unfair and inconsiderate. The clubs&activites....
Marco Forster has good academics and students/teachers. It is a fun environment to be around although there are some issues. The disaplinary system is unfair and inconsiderate. The clubs&activites....
Students: 1,349,
Students: 411,
Parent: My daughter has a hard time focusing in school. We were at a private Catholic school, but have loved how much Ambuehl has allowed for time outside. They even use the large grass field to learn so kids aren't forced to sit in a desk for long hours. My daughter loves going to school and has never complained. The overall reviews do not do this school justice. Just because the diversity is higher and, for some, English is a second language, does not mean this school deserves anything but the highest ratings. Many kids have gone to this elementary school and on to Ivy League colleges, my stepson included...Read 2 Reviews
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My daughter has a hard time focusing in school. We were at a private Catholic school, but have loved how much Ambuehl has allowed for time outside. They even use the large grass field to learn so....
My daughter has a hard time focusing in school. We were at a private Catholic school, but have loved how much Ambuehl has allowed for time outside. They even use the large grass field to learn so....
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Students: 351,
Students: 371,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Students: 467,
#870 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
ALISO VIEJO, CA,
Students: 587,
Alum: It was a very safe and amazing experience. I made many friends that I still talk to today and the teachers were very patient with me. I always looked forward to attending school every day as a kid.Read 1 Review
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says It was a very safe and amazing experience. I made many friends that I still talk to today and the teachers were very patient with me. I always looked forward to attending school every day as a kid..
It was a very safe and amazing experience. I made many friends that I still talk to today and the teachers were very patient with me. I always looked forward to attending school every day as a kid..
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Students: 774,
High School Senior: This school has been the most amazing school I have ever been too. They have the most welcoming teachers, and students. Everyone is so friendly and there is such a variety of people. All of us are different yet we all get along so well, and that is what makes this school so unique and amazing...Read 4 Reviews
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: High School Senior says This school has been the most amazing school I have ever been too. They have the most welcoming teachers, and students. Everyone is so friendly and there is such a variety of people. All of us are....
This school has been the most amazing school I have ever been too. They have the most welcoming teachers, and students. Everyone is so friendly and there is such a variety of people. All of us are....
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Students: 136,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
Senior: I enjoy being able to plan out my own daily schedule and learn at my own pace. The teachers are very supportive and helpful, and I have enjoyed most of the curriculum. They have plenty of support to help you apply for college, as well...Read 11 Reviews
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA,
K-12,
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I enjoy being able to plan out my own daily schedule and learn at my own pace. The teachers are very supportive and helpful, and I have enjoyed most of the curriculum. They have plenty of support to....
I enjoy being able to plan out my own daily schedule and learn at my own pace. The teachers are very supportive and helpful, and I have enjoyed most of the curriculum. They have plenty of support to....
Read 11 reviews.
Students: 129,
K-6,
Students: 47,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
Students: 516,
Private School,
COSTA MESA, CA,
Students: 80,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,
Parent: My family has had an overwhelmingly positive experience at The Oaks. My daughter has attended The Oaks for the past 3 years and I have been very pleased with the level of individualized support and attention she has received from her teachers and staff. When my daughter needed extra help in reading and math, her teachers stepped up and provided this support without us having to ask. The results were incredible. Additionally, my daughter loves the extracurricular courses offered at The Oaks, especially Makers (Robotics/Engineering), Music and Library. Lastly, I love that The Oaks utilizes an anti-bias curriculum that teaches children to be curious, knowledgable and respectful of other races and cultures so they will grow up to be compassionate world citizens. I highly recommend The Oaks to other families!...Read 13 Reviews
LOS ANGELES, CA,
13 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My family has had an overwhelmingly positive experience at The Oaks. My daughter has attended The Oaks for the past 3 years and I have been very pleased with the level of individualized support and....
My family has had an overwhelmingly positive experience at The Oaks. My daughter has attended The Oaks for the past 3 years and I have been very pleased with the level of individualized support and....
Students: 109,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
Works Here: I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have been blessed to have experienced MBA as both a parent of a student and then as a staff member. As a parent I felt that my son was cared for by his teachers, and he made some wonderful friends. There were fun activities for him to participate in, and of course, there was the beach to go to every weekend. As a staff member, I have been privileged to work with some of the most caring and helpful people! ...They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!Read 78 Reviews
LA SELVA BEACH, CA,
78 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Works Here says I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have...They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!.
I have found Monterey Bay Academy to be a very beautiful place with welcoming people. The staff are as always willing to do what they can to help, and the students are friendly and kind. I have...They truly love the students and try to encourage and guide students toward success in both their academics and their character development. Monterey Bay Academy has been a great blessing!.
Read 78 reviews.
Students: 215,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,