2023 Best Schools in Santa Ana

• 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 4.44 out of 5  180 reviews

Parent: We love TVT! We have one TVT graduate, one in TVT middle school and one in TVT elementary school. In regard to our graduate, TVT’s teachers invested in him in all areas of academic studies and additionally, helped him to develop his unique passions to excel in those too. He received a full scholarship to a top tier university because of his experiences at TVT. Our once reserved child is now a strong, confident leader with a commitment to contribute positively to our world. These attributes were formed in him at TVT. We can see our younger two children growing, developing and exploring their passions at TVT too. They are and will continue to be successful because TVT has such knowledgeable, mentoring, kind, generous, thoughtful, resourceful, and creative administration and teachers. TVT honors its students and families, genuinely wanting the very best experience for each and every one of our children academically, socially, emotionally. We cannot be happier! Thank you to TVT!... Read 180 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 802

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  108 reviews

Parent: At Fairmont, student success is taking off! Not only has the school's new San Juan Capistrano campus created a surge of opportunity for those keen to achieve their aspirations, but it also offers an unbeatable atmosphere – from exceptional faculty and administrators dedicated to pushing students beyond expectations, down through each individual learner. Here you will find all the ingredients necessary for making your dreams come true!... Read 108 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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, 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

• 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

• 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

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Loved my experience here because the student-teacher ratio was very small at the time. In turn, I received a lot of specialized, individual help. I never thought I would be a student that could pass let alone get 5's on AP tests but the personalized manner in which I was taught and supervised allowed me to excel. Also with the current state of the world, I don't really have a lot of faith in the public school system, so whenever I have kids I would love to send them to a school like this one.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 20

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Lake Forest, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  20 reviews

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 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 646

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: Acaciawood is an amazing school, with teachers who seek to provide the utmost care for each student. This coming school year will be my 6th year at Acaciawood, and I can testify that the curriculum, although difficult, is extremely beneficial. AWP's curriculum has enabled me to develop a strong work ethic and passion to learn and succeed in all of my studies. Class sizes are small, so each teacher is able to attend to the academic needs for the individual student. You will not regret sending your child to this school.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 119

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 507

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Tustin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  514 reviews

Senior: I have gone to this school for almost 3 years and will be a graduating senior this year. Overall I have had a very well experience as a student here. There are great teachers, great librarians, amazing computer technician, and overall amazing staff throughout the school. The school ASB has amazing spirit and and pride for Foothill High. At student games, pep rallies, or events there is always amazing spirit throughout the school. The school clubs allow the students at foothill high to engage with other students who share the same interest like: volunteering, art clubs, culture, mock trial, music, etc. Foothill high school has amazing programs for athletes with a large variety of sports, such as: Swim, Golf, Lacrosse, water polo, Baseball, Soccer, Wrestling, Cross Country, Track, Dance, Cheer, etc. Foothill Highschool is very diverse with students from different cultural backgrounds. Other than the students, the campus has great resources to connect parents with student activities, etc... Read 514 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,387

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: This school is stellar when it comes to arts, community, leadership, teamwork, uniqueness, and student to teacher ratio. Everyone here gets equal opportunity for everything! I only wish that there were more options in terms of the academics. Every class the student takes from kindergarten through 10th grade is required, and in 11/12th grade the student only gets two electives.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 362

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Irvine, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: My overall experience of all four years at Futures Academy has been amazing. All the teachers treat you more then a student, you all have a special place in their mind. You will meet many different students that will also take you in like family.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Orange, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  199 reviews

Parent: Orange Lutheran provides a wonderfully supportive environment for its students that promotes individual and spiritual growth. The staff and faculty loves our kids and is dedicated to their well being. The athletics and performing arts are incredible and we have loved having our kids involved in both. I would highly recommend OLu!... Read 199 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,394

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: At the beginning of the 2nd semester of 9th grade, our son became very sick. He missed 10 weeks of school falling so far behind that it wasn't possible for him to complete 9th grade. A counselor at his school suggested we reach out to Futures Academy in Mission Viejo to see if they could help. Futures Academy was fantastic. They are responsive. Futures developed an individualized learning plan that accommodated my son’s physical challenges, while at the same time kept him on track to complete 9th grade. Today, my son continues to attend Futures and is in 10th grade. He needs accommodations for his illness, but Futures has become an important part of his overall recovery. They are flexible about his learning schedule while maintaining high academic standards. His teachers challenge him in his learning, and he often reports he’s enjoying his classes. Futures has made it possible for our son to continue in school while facing a tough challenge in life.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Cerritos, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  114 reviews

Sophomore: I came in high school so I didn't get a chance to go to the middle school or elementary school. However, I wish that I did because the teachers and the learning environment are amazing! The teachers like building relationships with their students and it doesn't feel like they are just there to teach you, which makes learning a lot more fun. The school offers lots of sports, too, and from what I've seen, the coaches are amazing! The school also has tons of fun electives that you can do, such as orchestra, band, ceramics, choir, art, etc. One of my favorite parts of Valley Christian High School is all the fun events that they put on: the Harvest Festival, the Sadie's Hawkins Dance, Homecoming, Winter Formal, Junior-Senior Banquet, Prom, and Broadway Showcase (which is a showcase that the entire school puts on, including the elementary and middle school). For a private school, Valley Christian is really amazing!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,167

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  194 reviews

Junior: It is a wonderful experience! Something enjoyable about the school is the friendliness and the love that flows in the community! Another thing is being able to express yourself through different activities from theaters, sports to different clubs! Our school makes sure that students have the best opportunities to choose from. Throughout the COVID19 pandemic, our school has made sure to keep us connected and updated on events and things to come! The school does not tolerate bullying or any acts of hate on others! It is a well-rounded school and makes sure that it's students learn how to show respect!... Read 194 reviews

• grade A

• Students 463

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Garden Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  668 reviews

Senior: La Quinta will definitely prepare you for higher education. Students here have many opportunities to be well-rounded in math/STEM, humanities, literature, music, and art. However, the student body does tend to be very academically-competitive in ways that aren't always healthy. This has improved over the last 4 years I've been here, and it obviously varies from graduating class to class. I am quite convinced that LQHS has some of the best and most caring teachers in the whole world. Most, if not all, of my teachers have been amazing mentors that have given me valuable knowledge and emotional support. Though this school can improve in its extracurricular activities and overall resources, the best thing about this campus is the faculty. I also love how this school offers challenging courses in science, math, history, and English. We are so lucky to have qualified educators teaching these high-level courses. We also have an excellent library and amazing librarian!... Read 668 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,156

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Fullerton, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: My daughter is in 6th grade at Eastside. It is truly nothing less than perfection. I couldn't ask for a more nurturing, safe, educational, adventurous, prepatory and comprehensive educational experience for her. My biggest regret is not enrolling earlier. She is absolutely thrilled to go to school every morning and I am equally thrilled to drop her there, knowing she's getting the best education while having the time of her life. If you're looking for an amazing school for your child, this is it.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 70

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Tustin Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1