Explore the best schools for STEM in your area. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Freshman: Harvard-Westlake truly changed my life. Since coming to H-W as a new seventh grader and still, I have had experiences impossible anywhere else. The competitive nature of the community pushes me to go further than I thought I could, and I have become interested in so many topics that I never thought I would be interested in. Due to the large class sizes, I have met and made so many friends with similar interests as I have, and many with different interests that opened me to even more experiences. If you are considering applying, there is definitely something for you here, and you will not regret your decision!Read 113 Reviews
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 113 Reviews
Junior: There are so many opportunities at the school, that you can honestly do anything you want to pursue your passion. The teachers are always there for you, and are there to help you improve all the time. The academics are strong, and it's honestly so manageable. Poly does truly have a really competitive environment. Because the school is so small, you get to know everyone, and you realize the amount of competition that exists within every grade. Sometimes, you really just feel stupid in a class (I know I have). But I love this school so so much, and I have honestly met some of the best people in the whole world. Though it is competitive, everyone is welcoming, and once you feel a part of the Poly community, you feel like you can conquer the world. I am so happy I chose this school and don't regret my decision to come. GO POLY!Read 90 Reviews
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 87 Reviews
Parent: What an amazing place Chadwick is! Academically, the small class sizes allow the teachers time to adapt to the needs of the kids. In my own experience at the school I was amazed when I went to college and found classes almost universally to be a breeze thanks to Chadwick. The school entirely subscribes to a whole child philosophy, where you can load up your schedule with as many challenging classes as you like with a talented group of students, but they strongly encourage going beyond traditional academics: Outdoor ed – Each year your child will embark upon an outdoor education trip as a class where they form friendships and lifelong bonds and challenging themselves mentally and physically in ways you just can’t in the classroom. Performing and visual arts – Your child will be strongly encouraged to get outside of their comfort zone and participate in a rigorous, well-developed arts curriculum. I can confidently say Chadwick is a very special place.Read 71 Reviews
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 241 Reviews
Parent: I have one alumnus and one current student and Midland has allowed both of my kids to thrive in their own unique way. The jobs program made my kids competent and confident and the amazing teachers have empowered them to take charge of their learning and academic success. The magic of getting students to be intrinsically motivated is a magical thing and Midland has it incorporated into its entire ethos Backpacking trips, hand on science, natural horsemanship, real environmental responsibility, cultural diversity, over 50% of the food raised/grown on property and, responsibility to the community are just a few things that drew us to Midland. We didn't choose a boarding school, we chose Midland.Read 32 Reviews
Alum: Troy High School is not your average American public high school. As you probably may have heard, we excel both in academics and athletics, with multiple accolades and recognitions on national levels. The school population has always fostered a safe learning environment -- we are very inclusive, with a special education program and multiple cultural organizations, and bullying seldom takes place. Although the academic courses I took were very rigorous, I have never regretted taking them because they gave me a strong work ethic and allowed me to develop a passion for learning. Go Warriors!Read 749 Reviews
Freshman: Great school with amazing teachers eager to make each student successful. The classes are relatively small with a size of 15-20 and the teachers try their utmost best to encourage participation from their students. The school is very accepting of all identities whether it be religious, sexual, etc. and teaches women to reach their potential. Not only does this school work to boost women’s confidence, but it also is a very comfortable environment to learn. Our school is mostly known for our outstanding English department. My freshman teacher, Mr. Raines teaches us beyond the standard curriculum by coalescing everything learned in class with real life situations. The only complaint I have is that some students lack motivation and interfere with the ideal learning environment. Many don’t pay attention in class and the teachers seem not to care. Regardless, Westridge has taught me so much ma di am very thankful for being provided with such resources to enhance my learning.Read 77 Reviews
Junior: Whitney High School is rated as the #1 High School for college preparation, according to the U.S. World News Report. I was proud to say that I attend Whitney because of this, yet it was through empty words. Now that I am currently a junior at Whitney High School, I discovered why I love Whitney so much. The student body is full of open-minded, innovative, and competitive students, who care about making a difference in the world. The welcoming environment of Whitney’s small student body (only a 1,001 students!) creates a community where I can be comfortable sharing my ideas and work with others. The competitive energy and determination in everyone positively influences me to do the same and the knowledgeable staff makes it even better. Through their guidance and support, I was able to figure out my passions and work out a plan for my future. While many perceive Whitney’s selective admissions process negatively, I finally see the opposite.Read 318 Reviews
Parent: We love Viewpoint School, it is beyond our expectations. The school is beautifully cited on an enormous campus with state of the art facilities. The athletics and art facilities are impressive. Academics are rigorous and the school is dedicated to developing well rounded students. We are impressed that studio art, violin, French and team sports are all included before 3 pm and part of a standard schedule. Better yet, the school carefully crafts schedules to make managing all of these activities possible and not overwhelming. Teachers and the administration are intelligent and responsive. The school has a sophisticated system (MyViewpoint) for communicating with teachers and for managing schedules, assignments and time. The student body is welcoming, inclusive and motivated. Parent involvement is impressive - parents make an effort to be involved.Read 82 Reviews
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 58 Reviews
Senior: Amazing community with large amounts of opportunities. However, it's not very diverse so there is some cultural ignorance. Highly competitive both in academics and sports. The teachers are absolutely amazing!Read 950 Reviews
Parent: IAA invited my son into an academic and artistic community, comprised of faculty, staff and students communicating in a wide variety of languages, reflecting real diversity from around the world and within academic and artistic disciplines. While giving my son clear and rigorous guidance on the fundamentals and the incremental steps required to master any particular academic or artistic competence, he was encouraged to explore and take risks within his studies and projects. He learned and developed confidence in and out of the studio and classroom, through which experiences he developed resilience, when he fell short or erred on his path towards his goals. The administration provided structure and rules, with clear communication and warmth and nuance, as needed. His teachers held him accountable when he needed a check and built an independent path for enriched study in areas when he wanted to reach further.Read 37 Reviews
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 421 Reviews
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 61 Reviews
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 69 Reviews
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 440 Reviews
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 558 Reviews
Sophomore: There are a lot of high schools out there that don't have that many resources for kids to interact with besides textbooks and a few tools. Other high schools are very competitive in academics and sports which leads to not having a very outstanding teamwork-base when it comes to group projects and teamwork in general.CAMS, however, is a very different environment. Everyone, not only teachers but EVERYONE helps. You'll always get the help you need, and they'll go out of their way just to lend a hand and encourage. You also build up your self-confidence as all your classmates and teachers cheer on for you in student presentations. We even advance to robotic-building competitions around the nation and invent ways to improve technology and biomedical tools! The only downside is no football for football players and other sports are minimized as well. But overall, it's an amazing, one-of-a-kind school and I recommend to try to apply. You never know where it takes you.Read 382 Reviews
Senior: Pen High has a school culture that allows students to not be afraid to showcase their true selves. It is a place that gives students a safe environment to step out of their comfort zones and continually grow to become a better version of themselves. The students that go here are incredibly kind, thoughtful, and welcoming, and they will accept anyone with open arms. Incoming freshman- when you come to Pen, make sure you take advantage of every single opportunity you’re given here. They are what make this school incomparable to others. Join a club, CREATE your own club, join PLUS, Link Crew, ASB or Service Learning, join the debate team, MUN, Teen Court, a sports team-whatever it is you decide to do-this is the time to try something new and challenge yourself. By the time you are a senior and you are reflecting back on your four years, you’ll realize how much of a positive impact this school has made on your life. Best of luck!Read 562 Reviews
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
Junior: Buckley’s teachers changed my life. Many are Ivy League educated PhDs, and most are passionate about teaching. Several teachers took extra time to both challenge me intellectually, but also to help me through difficult transitions.Read 21 Reviews
Senior: This school has amazing academics and wonderful teachers and administrators! All who graduate from here say that this school goes above and beyond in preparing you for college, and students get really high test scores. It does have a strong atmosphere of academic competition and stress, and for many people the pressure that this school puts on them proves to be too much. But for others the pressure pushes them to do their best and they excel!Read 301 Reviews
Freshman: Westlake Highschool is a safe, warm-welcoming school that I look forward to attend five days a week to have an excellent education. The teachers, facilities, students, principal, counselors are prominent! If you have any questions, they offer academic centers where you can come during lunch or after school to get help.Read 407 Reviews
Senior: It is truly a one of a kind experience to be apart of the class of 2018! The people here are supportive, ambitious, and joyful! I am a fan of all girls education. Ever since I got here, I have been more focused on my education and I became much more confident about myself. We have a leading STEM program and the Arts at archer are very supported. At Archer, I found what I am truly passionate about and what I want to do in life.Read 97 Reviews
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 44 Reviews