2024 Best Public Schools in San Marcos

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  639 reviews

Sophomore: I am now becoming a sophomore at this school. I believe that this school is perfect for more academically oriented people who are willing to challenge themselves. Because the scheduling is double the speed as other schools, it can be difficult for some to adjust to the fast-paced learning and homework load. However, the teachers are very professional/great at teaching, and the community is very supportive of each other. I would argue that the school does not have as much school spirit as other nearby schools, but I have yet to experience anything bad yet! There are also conservatories at our school, something unique to only CCA. The arts/film/dance conservatories are amazing and quite well-funded.... Read 639 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,346

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  509 reviews

Senior: SDA is well-known for its emphasis on the arts. Everyone should know that it is also a safe place for expression and the best college preparation. I feel that each teacher has a passion for their job and succeeds encouraging their students. There are also several accessible resources for the students whether it be academic assistance or mental health services. Additionally, I have taken the time to join my peers in community service, school events, and recreational activities; all students are generally accepting and friendly toward each other and our campus culture is diverse and exciting. I’m grateful to have quickly made friends despite online school freshman year and am proud to be graduating from such a fine institution. I just wish I wouldn’t have to leave so early in the morning to get parking.... Read 509 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,145

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  203 reviews

Sophomore: ECHS has one of the most rigorous curriculum that emphasizes strong language skills, develops critical thinking capabilities, and enhances problem-solving faculties. This public school has different learning options that students can take. The athletics department have improved since 2019. For example, last school year, the softball team won the CIF San Diego Section Playoffs for Division 5, making history as the first ever CIF playoff win title in school history. The football team has had three consecutive Pacific League wins. There is so much history that is made in our athletic department and academics department. I honestly think that the dress code shouldn't be allowed. The school has a strict dress code. I wish our school didn't have Senior exhibition. Seniors have to do a presentation on a topic they chose and present in front of a panel of judges. If students don't pass, they won't walk during the graduation ceremony.... Read 203 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Vista Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  574 reviews

Alum: I can't believe I'm writing this review many years later, but late is better than never. Mission Vista High School was an amazing school, as part of the class of 2015 Alumni, this school pushed you to your limits with the 4x4 layout class schedule. To compress more content into half the time, I had my highs, and lows. The faculty, teachers and aides, the administration were all wonderful. I had some amazing, caring, and down to earth teachers. Some of them, are still there today teaching. This makes me happy to see. The layout of the campus, the classes, content, and pep rallys, events, especially senior year events were amazing, and awesome. Selections of classes I took from Digital Arts, TV/Film and production, and the other possible choices, were all fantastic, the sky is the limit! I cant imagine the choices now. I chose to go to MVHS because I wanted a different and unique high school experience of the 4x4. I'm glad I did, most teachers, counselors, and select few admins care.... Read 574 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,658

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Diegueno Middle School was some of the best of times and some of the worst of times. Of course, middle school isn't the most fun time in ones life but the admin and awesome teachers made it all worth while.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 780

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Marcos, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  126 reviews

Senior: High Tech High North County is an amazing school with so many opportunities. Working with the community and being able to figure out what you want your future to be like through internship opportunities. Another great opportunity is having a class that is focused for college readiness, this allows you to further look into your future and decide what you want to do, as well as learning about financial aid and more.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  586 reviews

Senior: San marcos high school has such a welcoming environment thanks to the teachers, counselors, pep rallies and school spirit. There are so many events that happen throughout the school year that allow for everyone to get involved and connect with each other. While the classes can be difficult and very stressful there is so much support you can get through office hours and simply communicating with your teachers. In the years i’ve gone to school there, the connectivity and college readiness has only gotten better and better. They provide so many resources that not only help your future with education but also for whatever career path you choose to follow outside of college.... Read 586 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,529

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 1,196

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Really nice elementary school, helped build a strong foundation, some good teachers, some not so good... All in all, a pretty good school!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 717

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  500 reviews

Sophomore: La Costa Canyon High School has been a great school to me for the past two years. Other schools in the district may see LCC as an athletics-centered school, but the school also has a very developed art programs which can be seen in their theater and visual arts programs. However I do wish that there was either a wood shop class, or something that centers in building practical items. The school also has great inclusivity, whilst also giving a fun high school experience through football games. LCC also has many opportunities that can help your future such as the IB program, many clubs, and many options for community service. However there are some moments of bullying on campus, and it rarely results in consequences due to passive aggressiveness, and just overall naivety.... Read 500 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,647

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 759

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: My children have been here for 5 yrs & 1 is graduating this yr. I have seen both good & bad, but overall, I will say relatively gd in compared to other middle schools. Few bullying that I heard of were investigated and actions were taken. Now, with recruiting of parent volunteers for lunch/recess time, it should only get even better! Yes, due to balancing budget, a massive layoff was done once before COVID. Elem art program quality has dropped, but it was still taught by a teacher instead of parent volunteer. We no longer has a dedicated elem science teacher, instead it’s taught by grade level teacher. But overall, many great teachers remind, still less than 20:1 ratio. I will say 80+% teachers are A+++, super supportive & care students learning. I wish though dedicated science teacher (exciting curriculum), teacher-led robotics competition, speech can be brought back. But school tries to incorporate public speaking & engineering into grade-level curriculum. Theater is well run also... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 361

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 874

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: Guajome Park Academy Charter is a great school for academics. They are able to provide you with college level courses like the International Baccalaureate diploma which is what I am currently taking, or they allow you to take the college prep pathway. It is a great school that helps prepare students for college and they are very dedicated to what they do. They maintain a healthy and very friendly environment where you enjoy being in classes and being engaged in what is going on around you. They make sure everyone is happy and they try to maintain an encouraging and inviting environment for anyone and everyone. They make sure all people feel included no matter the situation and they are overall a great school with amazing teachers, and amazing staff as well.... Read 170 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,347

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  666 reviews

Senior: Honestly, Mission Hills is probably the best high school I could've imagined going to. It's such a diverse campus, that I never feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I also appreciate how supportive each and every staff I've interacted with is. I always feel like my peers and the staff I connect with truly want to better the campus. One thing I would like to see change is more communication among teachers. Other than that, there's really nothing I think needs improvement. The administration is very responsive to problems that students bring up. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Mission Hills High School.... Read 666 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,877

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle School Student: man do I love san Elijo middle school! its super fun to go to and its a super nice school with super nice teachers and super nice buildings and super nice bathrooms and super nice kids and super nice equipment and super nice books and super nice stuff and super nice things in general.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,496

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Encinitas Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 562

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 751

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Escondido Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  70 reviews

Alum: At Del Lago I had the privilege of gaining professional experience through annual interdisciplinary projects. I learned to create informational posters and fliers and strengthened my ability to verbally present information. Throughout my four years, the teachers I had demonstrated a genuine concern for the education experience of each student. A critique I have would be to further develop the humanities and language arts curriculum. The school could benefit from restructuring how they expose scholars to writing professionally and efficiently as a continuous process throughout all four years.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• Students 774

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 719

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: My children have been here for 5 yrs & 1 is graduating this yr. I have seen both good & bad, but overall, I will say relatively good in compared to other middle schools. Admin & school board communication have been A+++. There are monthly coffee talk and you can see the schedule on the school event calendar. I noticed many parents’ suggestions were implemented by admin right after the coffee, very impressive! The few bullying that I heard of were investigated and actions were taken. Now, with recruiting of parent volunteers for lunch/recess time, it should only get even better! Never heard of LBGQT+ discrimination. I will say 80+% teachers are A+++, super supportive & care students learning. There are 1-2 that just asked students do worksheets but a minority & I don’t think there’s much can be done with the teacher union policy. I wish though physics class, UN/academic competition lunch club, teacher-led robotics, speech & debate can be brought back. But we do have 2 elective classes... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 228

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 756

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  221 reviews

Senior: My experience at Classical Academy High School has been very rewarding. Throughout my years of attending this school have been awarded with wonderful teachers, classes, and the environment. The teachers at my school have been very accommodating when I needed extra help to understand the material presented. They enjoy doing this because, in my experience, I can see that they care about me and want me to succeed especially in the subject they teach. There are many varieties of classes at Classical Academy High School. They have an amazing math and science program. The programs are sometimes difficult but always rewarding when I get the job done well with accuracy. In the classes I have taken, there has always been very supportive people with so many different interests. Many of my fellow classmates respect the people around them. They have rejoiced when I passed a test and have comforted me when I was going through a difficult time.... Read 221 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,300

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,119

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1