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2019 Best Schools for STEM in the Los Angeles AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools for STEM in your area. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 281
Best for STEM
281 results

  1. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Studio City, CA
    • 7-12
    • 118
    1 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Though Harvard-Westlake has a reputation for being very difficult, there's way more to the school than that. They prepare students extremely well for college. They have amazing resources, including mental health counselors and deans, who help students through high school as well as the college process, and incredibly supportive teachers. Although the workload is sometimes a lot, it helps students learn to time manage and communicate with their teachers.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 91
    2 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: My experience at Poly has been unforgettable. I entered as a freshman and immediately became involved in the sports and clubs they offered. The school offers several ways for students to follow their passions including student-run clubs, classroom projects, and service opportunities. The school also ensures students grow outside the classroom through international trips and outdoor education trips. I traveled to Nicaragua for a week with peers and teachers to teach the students there English, and it was an eye opening experience. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip, and I'm thankful Poly made it financially possible for me to go too! The teachers are also incredibly supportive and make it their priority to help students reach their full potential. My chemistry teacher met with me before school at 7:30 in the morning just to go over topics that I was struggling with. Overall, Poly is a great place, and I could not imagine high school anywhere else!
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 859 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 90
    3 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Foxcroft Academy

    • Private School
    • Dover Foxcroft, ME
    • 9-12
    • 101

    Alum: Definitely the best school in the area for academics, resources and diversity, all of which are thanks to the boarding students. Kids from the area are blessed to able to attend a school that gets benefits from having paying students. There are many excellent teachers, but also quite a few who are inexperienced, you just have to know which teachers to shoot for. My least favorite thing was that there is annoying push for teachers to use technology whether or not it is needed. Also small town issues can be unpleasant at times, but are unavoidable.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 416 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Marlborough School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 118
    4 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Marlborough is the perfect school for ambitious, outspoken, and passionate girls. It is quite challenging academically, but there is freedom to tailor your schedule if you are more interested in certain subjects over others. Marlborough also offers many interesting course electives so that each student is able to find at least one class that they are passionate about. The teachers are amazing: engaging, humorous, flexible, and kind. Lastly, although occasionally frustrating, Marlborough's all-girls environment is truly conducive to learning and allows for a greater sense of community and camaraderie among students.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 533 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. San Marino High School

    • San Marino Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 244
    5 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I've been at SMHS for the past four years, and overall, I've had a good experience here. Most of the teachers are great - helpful, very knowledgeable, and readily available. However, there are definitely a few that are on the opposite end of the spectrum, but, luckily, I haven't encountered many of those! The environment is rather competitive and somewhat stressful, especially if you're in all or mostly AP and honors courses, but if you ever find it too overwhelming, counselors are easily met, and I've heard there are other resources you can turn to as well!
    Read 244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,200 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Troy High School

    • Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 784
    6 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Freshman: All of the teachers really care about your future and they want to see you succeed! I've really loved being apart of a school that is very welcoming and that cares about your well-being. Also, Troy High School is challenging, but it really prepares you for college. I've also made so many great relationships with my teachers and students.
    Read 784 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,755 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Whitney High School

    • ABC Unified School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 332
    7 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Whitney High School is a place that challenges their students to excel in their academic careers. Although the workload can be really overwhelming, most teachers always strive for the success of their students. Some things that have cone to my concern are the classes that are offered to students. Many of the fine arts or cultural classes have been cancelled and in turn have introduced many science/ technology-based classes or classes that further limit the diverse academic endeavors of our students. Otherwise, I believe that the community of Whitney follows their title of a college-prep school and offers a lot of opportunities for their many students to succeed.
    Read 332 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,011 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Westridge School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 4-12
    • 87
    8 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: As parents at Westridge, we are incredibly impressed with how much our daughter has grown as a student and especially as a person. I recently asked a friend about her 15-year-old daughter and she rolled her eyes, saying "typical teenager! spends 2 hours on makeup and clothes every morning." I secretly said to myself, "thank goodness for Westridge!" where the girls sleep in those 2 extra hours and focus on becoming their best, boldest selves. Girls on campus have none of those external pressures. Teachers and administrators know each girl so well and are so dedicated to the social and emotional and academic development of each one. Only downside is sports are not emphasized, but this not really a school for jocks.
    Read 87 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Chadwick School

    • Private School
    • Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
    • K-12
    • 73
    9 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: Recent Alum here. At Chadwick, I chose to challenge myself as much as possible when it came to academics or extracurriculars, and I experienced an amazing amount of growth. Teachers and college counselors genuinely want students to succeed, and students who capitalize on their opportunities at the school will surely experience significant personal growth. I grew as both a student and person during my time at the school. I have yet to find a community as close knit as the one at Chadwick. I was able to do incredibly well my first semester of college, and I honestly attribute my success to my challenging academic experience at Chadwick.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 830 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Windward School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 63
    10 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Windward truly offers a rigorous academic environment that is balanced and nurturing. The student body is the most diverse of the Los Angeles area private schools, and there seems to be far less of the social pressures you see at other private schools. The administration is accessible and fully supports parental involvement. There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer and be involved in student life. Windward's teaching approach is cutting edge and progressive. An excellent school all around.
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Northwood High School

    • Irvine Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 453
    11 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: If you're a high achieving student (your schedule is loaded with either honors classes freshman year, or APs your junior and senior year), Northwood can be a very competitive environment. I was a relatively "average" high achieving student and it was pretty stressful for me.

    I will say though, as a school in a relatively affluent community, Northwood has TONS of resources. VAPA is super strong and ROP classes are extremely well-stocked (video production and culinary classes are AMAZING.)
    On the flip side, our sports teams (particularly football, has a pretty bad rep). School spirit is sometimes okay. But in the group I hang out with, it's pretty lacking. Will definitely differ from your friend group to friend group.

    Overall, a pretty high-intensity school where people can be a bit more focused on academics than they should be, but not a bad school at all. Most English/Humanities teachers are pretty great too!
    Read 453 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,240 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. University High School

    • Irvine Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 435
    12 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I loved going to University! I'm a senior, and today is my last day. I am eternally grateful for my 4 amazing, exciting high school years. Teachers and administration at UHS are truly amazing, supportive, and patient. I've never had a bad teacher here. Students are very nice...there is a wonderful sense of community. UHS's advanced courses and wide range of electives, as well as special education program prove that students learn at their own pace. In my classes, we did lots of hands-on, engaging learning. UHS has an AMAZING athletics program as well as fine arts. We also have an outstanding club called Best Buddies, where students who join are paired up with special needs students and hang out with them, and even go on field trips! I am very excited for the next 4 years I will be spending at Harvard in Massachusetts. There are so many fun events here, and most importantly, Trojan pride.
    Read 435 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,617 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Oxford Academy

    • Anaheim Union High School District, CA
    • 7-12
    • 568
    13 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Junior: Students at Oxford Academy are surrounded by a protective bubble that separates them and protects them from many of the typical dangers that are associated with high school such as drugs and bullying. Students at Oxford are truly part of a family as each grade is composed of 200 carefully selected students that are together for six years. The true reflection of a community and familial aspect of Oxford Academy is reflected by my grade especially: when a student passed away in our grade, our class united and supported one another through hard times. Despite such a great community, Oxford is a competitive environment that sometimes causes students to question their worth and harbor insecurities as our student body is composed of exceptional students. We literally have students who have met the president or been to Antarctica! However, despite such drawbacks, this competitive environment pushes every student to push their boundaries and truly reach their full potential.
    Read 568 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,208 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Arcadia High School

    • Arcadia Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 981
    14 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I have enjoyed the variety of facilities and resources the school has had to offer, such as the new library, new swimming pool, and peer tutoring services the school provides. The teachers at this school are great, preparing lesson plans that help students reach their goals. Many of these teachers are a big reason for the excellent college readiness the school provides. There is a very large course list to choose from, including many AP classes. This school is extremely competitive academically, which has driven the academics to be outstanding. This academic excellence has resulted in a very high pass rate for AP exams, showing college readiness in courses. The administration is also helpful, ranging from all the counselors to the nurses. But, diversity is deficient. At least 70-80% of the school is Asian, mostly Chinese and that disrupts the diversity of the school. The food needs to improve as well, as the sometimes serve greasy food that is unappetizing to students.
    Read 981 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,424 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Fairmont Preparatory Academy

    • Private School
    • Anaheim, CA
    • 9-12
    • 47
    15 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Fairmont Preparatory Academy is a wonderful school with great teachers, faculty and staff! The students and families are wonderful as well! I am grateful and truly appreciate the school's diversity, college readiness, safety, resources, and sincere love and support of all the teachers and faculty.

    This is truly a wonderful school and my family is blessed to be apart it. Thank you Fairmont Preparatory Academy, for providing many positive and memorable opportunities and experiences, but most importantly for making a difference in our children's lives!
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 577 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. The Webb Schools

    • Private School
    • Claremont, CA
    • 9-12
    • 73
    16 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Works Here: The Webb Schools are unique in that you get the benefit of two schools in one plus a world-class fully accredited paleontology museum - all wrapped up in geographic proximity to the Claremont Colleges and neighboring Los Angeles. The culture is one of high academic standards, personal attention, and independent living combined with a fun and casual atmosphere that fosters lifelong friendships and strong bonds with adults. And yes, the ultimate measure of a college preparatory schools is college placement and readiness. This school delivers.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 416 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Viewpoint School

    • Private School
    • Calabasas, CA
    • K-12
    • 90
    17 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Viewpoint has an outstanding variety of courses from which to choose in high school. As a student who loves foreign language and film I was able to take a Spanish Cinema course. Creative writing, Humanities and Microscopy are just a few options open to students who are not STEM majors but are academic and enjoy learning. The opportunities for students such as myself, who love theater, there are many options for directing, acting, set design, lighting and costume design. We have a great robotics team, as well as lots of clubs and if you don't see one you like, you can start your own, like I did with the Dungeons & Dragons club. I've been at Viewpoint since 6th grade and although I wish they had a water polo team, I do feel very well prepared for college. My college counselor is outstanding and so are the rest of the college counseling team.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,215 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Sage Hill School

    • Private School
    • Newport Coast, CA
    • 9-12
    • 59
    18 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Sage offers an incredible education to students who really work hard and aim to achieve success. Classes are easy to get into and the teachers are very kind and supportive. Additionally, the wide variety of clubs gives everyone an opportunity to get involved. My absolute favorite thing about Sage is its Spring at Sage program, where, after second semester finals, students are treated to cool seminars or international/domestic trips. Sage does falter in its student culture, as peer pressure is very high, and people tend to focus more on the grade rather than the learning material. All in all, this is an excellent high school you should definitely consider!
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 545 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Diamond Bar High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 696
    19 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: It is a really competitive school. I think the academic in dbhs is definitely strong since you can always feel peer pressure pushing you. However, teachers in dbhs are various. I have met some teachers barely teach at all and expect you know everything by yourself. And one of the characteristics I found from dbhs students is that most of them are able to manage this problem well, either do self-study a lot or get tutored. Sometimes it is stressful being in this learning environment. I get upset when I am not able to understand material easily just like other people. I think that having a good attitude is an important key to adapt the school. Also, I still met a lot of great people here!
    Read 696 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,061 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

    • Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 572
    20 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Freshman: Great school! I currently go here and really enjoy it. The teachers are very enthusiastic and kind, and the students are nice too. One thing I would add is that its a huge school with very academic and determined students, so if you’re not an all A’s student who’s only activities are studying, then you might not love it so much. Homework is, of course, a mandatory part of your grade. After around 8 hours of school, depending on the classes you choose to take, you’ll definitely have at least 3 hours of homework per day. It’s a lot. Also, its hard to stick out to potential colleges in a school this huge and academic. Otherwise, its a great school with an awesome spirit. I would definitely recommend going to PVPHS.
    Read 572 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,519 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. The Buckley School

    • Private School
    • Sherman Oaks, CA
    • K-12
    • 25
    21 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Having attended The Buckley School since kindergarten, I have seen it at its best and at its worst. The Lower School is certainly a friendly, loving, and nurturing environment. Teachers are incredibly considerate, prioritizing learning and kindness above all else.

    Middle and High School, too, was a pretty special experience. While the thought of middle school sends shivers down most kids' spines, middle school at The Buckley School could not be a more accepting space. Teachers grant their students independence through creative research projects and complex team building assignments. Other important aspects of student growth are also explored, such as classes in student diversity and inclusion.
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 830 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Loyola High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 171
    22 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: My son just graduated from Loyola. High marks for the school on turning out high-quality young men who care about their friends and communities. The education is rigorous and while not all of my son's teachers would receive an "A," many are outstanding. I felt that the school was behind the times for students with an interest in engineering/technology as the targeted outcome for students seems to be more focused on law, business, finance tracks. Overall, my son enjoyed the experience and feels very prepared for his freshman year at a top college!
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,247 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School

    • Private School
    • Irvine, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 126
    23 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Amazing all around! My son on the autistic spectrum needed a full time aid in 1st grade, struggled through middle school elsewhere. We brought him back to TVT for high school after 3 years away worried as to whether he could successfully make it through high school. The learning center support was unbelievably great as were the teachers helping my son. He was recently accepted to a top 25 US University and 4 other schools with large merit packages. We are so proud of what he has accomplished with the help of everyone at the school. He was a 2 sport 4 year varsity athlete, a club leader and has become a confident, polite young man with a heart of gold. The school community is really a family and we are blessed to have Dr Davis, Ms Quigley and other very capable admin and staff at the school. The Film, Math and Engineering programs are truly one of a kind in OC if not the nationally.
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 522 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Oakwood School

    • Private School
    • North Hollywood, CA
    • K-12
    • 23
    24 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Can't say enough great things about Oakwood. Our daughter is a junior there and we're thrilled with the support the administration and faculty give all the students. She's blossomed academically but also found her passion in their exceptional STEAM department. This is a school that nurtures not just well rounded students, but exceptional kids. It has a rep as an arty school (which it is) but my kid is math/science/tech focused and it's been amazing for her.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Woodbridge High School

    • Irvine Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 405
    25 Best High Schools for STEM in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: My past four years at Woodbridge High School have been a blast. Our academics are strong and the majority of teachers are engaged and provide insightful lessons during each class. WHS is very diverse which means there is a club for anyone! My time at WHS has been filled with positive memories however, I do feel that some school activities/events/contests are biased towards students involved in ASB or friends of ASB. Overall, WHS is a great school and I am glad to call myself a WHS Warrior.
    Read 405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,447 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Futures Academy - Westlake Village

    • Private School
    • Westlake Village, CA
    • 6-12
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28 Students
    • 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Squaw Valley Academy

    • Private School
    • Olympic Valley, CA
    • 9-12
    • 7

    Parent: SVA has a beautiful campus in close proximity to many outdoor recreational opportunities for the students. The skiing is fabulous The academics are rigorous and prepare the students well for college. As parents, we are very impressed with the administration and the support they offer students and families.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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