2023 Best Schools in Irvine

• Newport Coast, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: As a parent of a current Sophomore and incoming Freshman, our family experience with Sage has been nothing but great. My current Sage student takes advantage of athletics, the music department, languages, affinity groups and clubs and is taking the most rigorous course load I could imagine. While the school can be very competitive, for our children that works. The key is for your child to take advantage of the resources and find their own path. I think the school honestly tries to balance each student's load and guide them well, but smart, competitive kids are going to push themselves. The teachers, advisors, staff and coaches that I have met have been incredible and wonderfully supportive. They genuinely care and have gone above and beyond to mentor and support our child. I have also really loved meeting other parents from Sage. Highly recommend Sage for any student ready to take advantage of all the school has to offer.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  185 reviews

Parent: TVT was tremendously supportive and welcoming as my son transitioned from another school. On the first day, I received an email with a picture of my smiling son and a brief note telling me he's doing great. From that day forward, I can't say enough wonderful things about the administrators, faculty, and all the great school events that brought families onto campus to witness firsthand how our children are learning and growing. My son would tell me he loved his teachers because they were kind and they challenged him every day in all his subjects. Besides math, his other favorite subject is learning Hebrew! They make learning fun! He made new friends quickly and they support each other wholeheartedly. As I attended parent workshops and volunteering opportunities, I was impressed with the advanced curriculum but more importantly, their focus on building great character, addressing the student's emotional needs, and providing a well rounded support system. TVT far exceeded my expectations!... Read 185 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 802

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  109 reviews

Middle school student: I am constantly amazed by my children's abilities and accomplishments. Fairmont Preparatory Academy was a fantastic experience for both of us. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this institution for your children. Make the right choice and choose Fairmont Preparatory Academy.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  58 reviews

Parent: From the moment I walked through the campus , I was impressed with the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff and teachers were friendly and approachable, and the students seemed happy and engaged in their learning. The facilities are top-notch. The classrooms are spacious, clean, and equipped with the latest technology to enhance the learning experience. The school also has a well-stocked library, science and computer labs, a gymnasium, and outdoor sports fields. One of the things I appreciate most about SMES is their commitment to student well-being. The school offers a range of programs and services to support the mental health and emotional well-being of its students, including counseling services, and extracurricular activities that promote physical activity and social connection.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  593 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is an excellent school. I am in my 3rd year at this school, as a freshman, and there are so many art opportunities for students wanting to pursue any type of art, as well as many academic opportunities such as a vast selection of clubs, honors societies, and volunteering activities. Students make so many great connections in their art field and can make friends with people they are much closer with, due to overlapping passions. Many of the arts teachers are actively working in their fields making them great resources! Overall, OCSA is a great option for any student passionate about art and curious about learning more about art! Although there are some problems with OCSA including safety because of the location, academic teachers because some are not sufficient in teaching, as well as the food since some options can be unhealthy and the menu does not get switched out daily, OCSA has a great positive community that accepts all!... Read 593 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  512 reviews

Sophomore: I've had a pretty amazing experience at University High School in Irvine, California. They have provided me with so many opportunities for rigorous learning and opportunities to be involved in so many unique clubs, activities, and classes. Students at University High are really passionate and love to collaborate with each other. Teachers also really care about their students and I've had so many meaningful interactions in their classes. Classes are interesting and engaging and we often have interesting discussions. Also, no matter what question I have or if I want to learn more about something, there is always someone willing to help me -- teachers, counselors, students, anyone! I've had a chance to really foster my love for learning by taking honors classes. The only downside I would reflect on is how competitive the environment can be, which makes you feel a bit pressured at times to be high achieving. But competitiveness has also encouraged me as well!... Read 512 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,708

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  556 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Northwood Highschool from another school in California. When I was a new student, I was embraced by staff such as my councilor in a way that made me feel safe. They helped me get sorted into the new school, giving me all the information I needed for a easy transition to happen. And it was! The staff deeply care about the students health and wellbeing, while still ensuring that we get a proper education. All the teachers that I've had, have been amazing in their fields, helping me become the best at the certain subject. The schools atmosphere is amazing as well. The open space, with nature filled radiance touches the school. I absolutely adore how there is open space at in the school's field's rather than it being filled with a cement stadium like other schools. It gives a relaxing vibe to the school and the athletics department as well.... Read 556 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,756

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: I am a Pacific Academy alum who graduated with the class of 2021. Thanks to Pacific Academy, I had a wonderful middle and high school experience in which I blossomed into a more confident, responsible, and outgoing version of my younger self. This school is about more than just academics; the teachers build warm relationships with their students because they truly care about them, and the students are encouraged to participate in the many clubs and extracurricular activities that are available. No matter the student's interest, there is almost always a space for them to grow and do what they love. And if not, they can create their own opportunities that pave the way for other students who might also share those interests. The school also fosters collaboration in all areas, from the classroom to sports to club activities. I'm also thankful that I got to make so many close friendships during my time here with a lot of amazing people.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  413 reviews

Senior: If you're looking for a school that has a lot of school spirit and a place to experience football season then you're looking at IHS. We have pep rallies that gets everyone excited for the football games on Friday. Cheer, ASB, and student forum help out with creating and setting up the decorations (posters, balloons, IHS sign, lights) around the stadium. We always do chants to encourage the football team, sometimes we throw colored powder in the air (these stain your white shoes so beware), have balloons to just wave around or you can transform it into a hat/animal!... Read 413 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,380

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  494 reviews

Senior: Woodbridge High School offers students with an abundance of resources and support from staff members to give their students a pathway to success. The campus contains many clubs encouraging unity on campus among students and in the local community, through organizations including arts, sports, and religion. Woodbridge's rigorous curriculum prepares students for the academic work and responsibilities in places of higher academia and future careers. Woodbridge High also prioritizes their students well-being/mental health, offering resources for help and guidance both on and outside campus through avenues like the "Hope Squad" and mental health professionals in the counseling center. Woodbridge ensures a positive environment for students of all backgrounds and doesn't tolerate exclusionary behavior, expressing this message through posters in classrooms across campus. The school also ensures safety of their students and staff members through a security team and police officer on campus.... Read 494 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,931

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  331 reviews

Parent: Best teachers. Incredible coaches. Administrators who care about your student’s (and family’s) overall experience. World class arts program. Our son does Steel Drums as an elective and has also participated in several sports — Cross Country, Volleyball, Track. The concerts are next level — so much talent, so fun to watch! The coaches have all been tremendous and have taken their teams to CIF and State champs. They really care about the kids and are great leaders. There’s just so much love here. They say “Find it Here” and that’s so true…there’s really something for every interest.... Read 331 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Tustin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  769 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Beckman was undoubtedly challenging because I came from a middle school that most people didn't attend. Although it was very hard making friends, clubs and sports made the transition easier by allowing me to connect with my fellow classmates. The students at Beckman are incredibly studious and academically focused. Although it was hard to keep up, I realized that I thrive in an academically challenging environment because it pushes me to do my best. Lastly, clubs at Beckman were very diverse and gave various opportunities. I led and attended many events that gave me more interests and passions! The teachers were incredibly supportive and did their best to empathize with students and prepare them for their future.... Read 769 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,938

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  182 reviews

Senior: There were so many unique courses that the school offers that I had considerable difficulty in fitting everything that I wanted to take. There are countless honors courses and AP classes that students can partake that can academically challenge and thus foster growth. There are also cohort programs ranging from those relating to engineering, business, law, and medicine. Being involved in these cohort groups may further allow students to explore their academic interest and potential career paths for the future. Crean is also a Lutheran based Christian school that strives for excellence in academics through Jesus Christ. If you want your child to be a well rounded individual who has a positive influence on his community through his/her well developed understanding of love in Christ, enroll him/her at Crean!... Read 182 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 959

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  581 reviews

Alum: I was the first of my family to attend Mater Dei and I fell in love with the school. I made so many great memories from the football games to the amazing friends I made. I thought the classes prepared me for college tremendously and made it very easy to transition into college. Although, the tuition is expensive I think every penny was worth it. The teachers were amazing and always made the subjects fun and exciting to learn about. I think the opportunities I received by being a Mater Dei Alumni also made the high school worth it. When you become a Monarch you will always be a Monarch and everyone in that community is aware of that. You are not only joining a school, you are joining a great big family! Go Monarchs!... Read 581 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,159

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newport-Mesa Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  291 reviews

Parent: Has many opportunities for AP classes. Great PTA, Foundation, and Boosters Club. Has funding and events like a private school, even though it is a public school. Terrible counseling department- actually, not only worthless , but detrimental. Will not help students in signing up for best classes to take. Students/parents have to figure out from outside sources for the ideal classes to take for college resume. Need outside college advice!... Read 291 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,169

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: As a parent and staff member at Servite, I have been impressed with the quality of teachers, counselors, staff and coaches. I have 2 sons at Servite, and I can honestly say that Servite is the only place I'd want them to be. The faith formation program is great, and there are plenty of opportunities to find something that fits with your sons interests and personality- whether it is sports, leadership roles, clubs, or service projects. There really is something for everybody. The sense of community and brotherhood is very strong at Servite. Many Servite families are quick to volunteer and bond with each other over various events and activities, and I cherish the friendships I have made there. There are so many ways to get involved, which only enhances your family's Servite experience. Come and check out what Servite has to offer! You won't be disappointed! CREDO!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 803

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  74 reviews

Sophomore: Personally my experience at Portola had been wonderful, they provide multiple resources to help learn my career options and help me pursue them. Additionally I have seen the input teacher put towards helping the students excel in their classes. Although the school had multiple good qualities, some of them are hard to find. One example would be ROP classes, I wasn’t able to take any ROP classes during freshman year. I am taking them now and think it is very beneficial for my career path. I was able to obtain multiple connections with talented and hard-working people! I specifically was able to be taught by a lawyer and a police officer for a while which helped me learn so much about the law helping to pursue my career. Additionally there are multiple opportunities the school gives to help students get jobs to earn income and the support given to those families of lower income. Including the environment around us was so friendly and welcoming truly creating a great learning experience!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,539

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Juan Capistrano, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  213 reviews

Parent: JSerra is a college-prep school with very challenging curriculum. There are many AP and Honors classes available, as well as such courses as pre-law, pre-med, pre-engineering, and others. Teachers and staff were terrific and always available to help you when you need it. School facilities and grounds were always kept clean and tidy. The only change I would make is to increase on campus parking. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this great school!... Read 213 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Laguna Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  153 reviews

Alum: Excellent school, beautiful campus, amazing teachers. Amazing classes and activities, the school is very well funded and taken care of, & I can tell I got a better education compared to others and it showed when I was in college. I always felt very safe and lucky to go there. However, very privileged kids and parents, and it shows, Laguna is old money and can be quite pretentious! Had a difficult time fitting in (as did my mom) and finding friends as a middle class student. I'd say at least 75% of parents are married, and parents and kids are used to getting whatever they want . School is at least 80% white. Small school, feels private (about 1,000 students), amazing for your kids education and ability to be a part of something they'd love (ceramics, silk screening, theatre, beach volleyball, basketball, water polo, photography, dance, cheer, debate, football, etc.) As hard as it was for me to find friends at this school, the education, campus, and teachers are top notch. So 4 stars... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,052

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Laguna Beach Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Amazing elementary school. Great teachers and the equivalent to a private school. Right near PCH with a large ocean view!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 423

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 236

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: The school has lots of unique electives and great academic activities. The school offers really good physical education .... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: If you are an academically focused family, but also want your children to have a well balanced school life, this is the school to attend. I have researched a lot of great elementary schools in many excellent districts throughout the US, for our family, settling in a neighborhood within a quick walk to this school has been the best decision. Yes, the classrooms are cramped and the campus isn’t at all shiny and new. The education, teacher quality and student-body quality the school offers is simply unparalleled. It’s definitely not for everyone... I am glad we are here for sure.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 459

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Alum: Jeffrey Trail Middle School offered many opportunities for those pursuing a higher level, rigorous school in areas like science and technology. They had many events and teams such as Science Olympiad, robotics team, and those corresponding competitions, as well as events in other fields such as speech and debate. It was an overall amazing experience to transition into a high school environment n the years to follow.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 608

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1