Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Showing results 1 through 25 of 96
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96 results
Parent: LJCDS is an amazing school! I highly recommend it for any families who are looking for a wonderful community, nurturing environment for your child, and top notch faculty and staff. My daughter loves her days at school thanks to her caring teachers providing stimulating and creative lessons to help her grow. ...During COVID, LJCDS handled the pandemic with such care- leading with science- and doing the best they could to provide safe in person learning for all students. I feel grateful to have found a school community rooted in building life long friendships and connections; not only for my children, but also for our whole family...Read 150 Reviews
#27 Best Private High Schools in California.
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
LA JOLLA, CA,
PK, K-12,
150 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says LJCDS is an amazing school! I highly recommend it for any families who are looking for a wonderful community, nurturing environment for your child, and top notch faculty and staff. My daughter loves...During COVID, LJCDS handled the pandemic with such care- leading with science- and doing the best they could to provide safe in person learning for all students. I feel grateful to have found a....
LJCDS is an amazing school! I highly recommend it for any families who are looking for a wonderful community, nurturing environment for your child, and top notch faculty and staff. My daughter loves...During COVID, LJCDS handled the pandemic with such care- leading with science- and doing the best they could to provide safe in person learning for all students. I feel grateful to have found a....
Read 150 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,125,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,
Senior: CCA has--on the whole--been a positive learning environment over the past four years. Most of my teachers have genuinely cared about my success, and despite the administration's active effort to discourage competition, the academic pressure from students encourages academic excellence. The arts programs provide an environment that treats students as young professionals. While there are typical riff-raff individuals, there is a much larger quantity of high-value friends to be made...With that said, the administration throughout the pandemic has been lackluster. In fairness, most of this falls on the bureaucracy of the district, but the constant misinformation and restrictions on students have been incredibly detrimental. Additionally, coming from a centrist, if your politics don't align with the far-left, you risk social ostracization if you speak up in class discussions. The mishandling of the pandemic has soured what was once a glowing opinion of an--admittedly still--great school...Read 599 Reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in California.
San Dieguito Union High School District, CA,
9-12,
599 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says CCA has--on the whole--been a positive learning environment over the past four years. Most of my teachers have genuinely cared about my success, and despite the administration's active effort to...With that said, the administration throughout the pandemic has been lackluster. In fairness, most of this falls on the bureaucracy of the district, but the constant misinformation and restrictions on....
CCA has--on the whole--been a positive learning environment over the past four years. Most of my teachers have genuinely cared about my success, and despite the administration's active effort to...With that said, the administration throughout the pandemic has been lackluster. In fairness, most of this falls on the bureaucracy of the district, but the constant misinformation and restrictions on....
Read 599 reviews.
Students: 2,533,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
Senior: Torrey Pine High School is all about participating in school spirit! Everyone gathers together at all of the games and fills the chaos section with so much energy. It is a very sports-minded school, but luckily they do offer many clubs to those who aren't sporty. The teachers are all amazing and want the best for each of their students. The campus is beautiful! Almost everyone there is college driven, and will only encourage others to want the best future for themselves...Read 467 Reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in California.
467 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Torrey Pine High School is all about participating in school spirit! Everyone gathers together at all of the games and fills the chaos section with so much energy. It is a very sports-minded school,....
Torrey Pine High School is all about participating in school spirit! Everyone gathers together at all of the games and fills the chaos section with so much energy. It is a very sports-minded school,....
Read 467 reviews.
Students: 2,479,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 26 to 1,
Parent: I love everything about Templeton Academy! They are very supportive of my son's challenges and provide it when needed. The teachers are team players with the parents as well. The project based curriculum is awesome! It gives the students the chance to learn to work as a team and also use critical thinking skills. The class schedule is unique as well where the student will take 2 courses per semester for 10 weeks and still get all their required credits. Even though school is virtual right now, my son has met some friends. Oh and the class sizes are nice and small. Another thing I love about Templeton is how they praise the accomplishments of their students. My son is featured on their social media pages for winning 2 scholarships for being a philanthropist. I highly recommended Templeton Academy for a middle and high school choice. You won't be disappointed!...Read 25 Reviews
WASHINGTON, DC,
6-12,
25 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says I love everything about Templeton Academy! They are very supportive of my son's challenges and provide it when needed. The teachers are team players with the parents as well. The project based....
I love everything about Templeton Academy! They are very supportive of my son's challenges and provide it when needed. The teachers are team players with the parents as well. The project based....
Read 25 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 68,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
Junior: The Cambridge School is a great school. There are not many kids, which leads to deep relationships between teachers and students. All of the teachers are amazing and extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields. They want you to do well in their subjects, and are constantly available at lunch and after school, but whats better is they truly care about the type of people their students are becoming, which leads to an incredible community and culture. The school is looking to purchase another property, which is good because as it grows, space for classrooms becomes smaller and smaller...Read 39 Reviews
#73 Best Private High Schools in California.
SAN DIEGO, CA,
39 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says The Cambridge School is a great school. There are not many kids, which leads to deep relationships between teachers and students. All of the teachers are amazing and extremely knowledgeable in their....
The Cambridge School is a great school. There are not many kids, which leads to deep relationships between teachers and students. All of the teachers are amazing and extremely knowledgeable in their....
Read 39 reviews.
Students: 381,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
Parent: We moved here from New York about 4 years ago. My children started in the preschool of SDJA and have been there ever since! Currently, our children are in the lower school and are excelling in all areas. For example, my son and daughter are reading above grade level. The small class sizes and constant attention they receive keeps them engaged and on task. The teachers are constantly creating special experiences for the students, and therefore the lessons never get old. For example, with all the rain that San Diego received my daughter’s teacher created a multi-sensory lesson. The students were asked to create small sailboats from materials found in the classroom. The boats were then tested on the makeshift pond that was formed on the playground from all the rain. The students made predictions and took notice on what worked best and what needed to be changed for future sails!...Read 29 Reviews
#80 Best Private High Schools in California.
29 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says We moved here from New York about 4 years ago. My children started in the preschool of SDJA and have been there ever since! Currently, our children are in the lower school and are excelling in all....
We moved here from New York about 4 years ago. My children started in the preschool of SDJA and have been there ever since! Currently, our children are in the lower school and are excelling in all....
Read 29 reviews.
Students: 494,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
Parent: My daughter graduated from The Grauer School and my son is currently a senior. This school has been amazing, and I feel so fortunate that both have been able to attend. The small class sizes help shy children feel more comfortable participating and they allow the inquisitive child to ask questions and explore creativity and out of the box thinking. The relationships students have with their teachers is unlike anything I've ever seen. Students feel valued and appreciated, yet they are also held to a high standard. Students feel they have a voice in their education and can participate in any sport or activity. Although there is a cost to attend, the school is willing to work with families and provide financial aid, when needed. I couldn't have asked for a better middle school and high school experience for my kids. They have grown into kind, confident, capable, and intellectually curious young adults. This is the BEST school!...Read 51 Reviews
#91 Best Private High Schools in California.
ENCINITAS, CA,
7-12,
51 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My daughter graduated from The Grauer School and my son is currently a senior. This school has been amazing, and I feel so fortunate that both have been able to attend. The small class sizes help shy....
My daughter graduated from The Grauer School and my son is currently a senior. This school has been amazing, and I feel so fortunate that both have been able to attend. The small class sizes help shy....
Read 51 reviews.
Students: 160,
Senior: I owe so much to this school, especially now with their efforts to give all the students the resources to continue school safely, while still keeping our mental and physical health as top priority. It’s insane how many gifted athletes achieve great success at this school, as well as those in the theatre program, which I believe is greatly underrated. The sense of community here is phenomenal, majority of us feeling valued and loved everyday. Perhaps what’s best is how the comfort of God and the faith is beautifully implemented in all that we do here, from morning prayers to adoration, retreats, all school Masses, etc. I cannot recommend this school enough, especially for those who want to further explore their Catholic faith. Even for those who aren’t Catholic, I can assure you that you’ll feel right at home. From a Class of 2020 senior, thank you CCHS for everything you have done for my family and I!...Read 255 Reviews
#93 Best Private High Schools in California.
255 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I owe so much to this school, especially now with their efforts to give all the students the resources to continue school safely, while still keeping our mental and physical health as top priority.....
I owe so much to this school, especially now with their efforts to give all the students the resources to continue school safely, while still keeping our mental and physical health as top priority.....
Read 255 reviews.
Students: 1,630,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
Senior: I really appreciate the accepting community that allowed me to become comfortable with the person I am. I also was able to develop a creative side through fashion, art and music which SDA promotes very seriously. I found that the teachers were all very kind and genuinely wanted their students to succeed. However, I believe that at SDA, the head staff jumped to conclusions in students and instead of supporting students through their difficulties, they punished them through suspension, detention and loss of privilege in order to avoid dealing with more "difficult" students. This is unfair to those who deserve a steady learning environment...Read 477 Reviews
#76 Best Public High Schools in California.
477 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I really appreciate the accepting community that allowed me to become comfortable with the person I am. I also was able to develop a creative side through fashion, art and music which SDA promotes....
I really appreciate the accepting community that allowed me to become comfortable with the person I am. I also was able to develop a creative side through fashion, art and music which SDA promotes....
Read 477 reviews.
Students: 1,959,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 25 to 1,
Senior: I really like SFC. Coming from a family that puts our trust and faith in God, it is really amazing to be surrounded by Christians on campus. The people that I surround myself with are God-fearing, humble, kind, selfless people and also have the funniest and best personality! I love SFC and I wouldn't change my high school experience here for anything! SFC has prepared me for college, having personal relationships with the teachers, recognizing the importance of going into getting help, and most of all being genuine. SFC has prepared me for the future and I can't wait to excel and be the best version of me in college and in my workplace!...Read 83 Reviews
#119 Best Private High Schools in California.
SOLANA BEACH, CA,
83 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I really like SFC. Coming from a family that puts our trust and faith in God, it is really amazing to be surrounded by Christians on campus. The people that I surround myself with are God-fearing,....
I really like SFC. Coming from a family that puts our trust and faith in God, it is really amazing to be surrounded by Christians on campus. The people that I surround myself with are God-fearing,....
Read 83 reviews.
Students: 1,019,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
Senior: La Costa Canyon High school is an amazing school overall! The school spirit is great, very pretty and safe campus, super fun football games, theater department does an amazing job with their performances, I've had good experiences with teachers, and it is a wonderful community overall. Despite distance learning being a hardship to staff, teachers, and students, I believe LCC has done a great job with online classes and keeping students learning in the safety of their own homes. On the downside, there isn't a ton of diversity and the food is not the best. Other than that it is an amazing school and I really enjoyed my high school experience there!...Read 487 Reviews
#113 Best Public High Schools in California.
487 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says La Costa Canyon High school is an amazing school overall! The school spirit is great, very pretty and safe campus, super fun football games, theater department does an amazing job with their....
La Costa Canyon High school is an amazing school overall! The school spirit is great, very pretty and safe campus, super fun football games, theater department does an amazing job with their....
Read 487 reviews.
Students: 1,827,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 23 to 1,
Alum: Small class size and dedicated caring teachers lead to indicate attention for every student. Excellent academics and college prep, with multiple ap courses in every subject. Students are very friendly and connected to each other...Read 6 Reviews
#157 Best Private High Schools in California.
6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Small class size and dedicated caring teachers lead to indicate attention for every student. Excellent academics and college prep, with multiple ap courses in every subject. Students are very....
Small class size and dedicated caring teachers lead to indicate attention for every student. Excellent academics and college prep, with multiple ap courses in every subject. Students are very....
Read 6 reviews.
Students: 32,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 3 to 1,
Parent: Great school - EXCEPT - if your child gets Schaller as a science teacher, expect that they will learn nothing. This teacher should retire or not be working with children. Absolutely awful teacher. The one thing my child is learning from him is the fact that there are indeed horrible teachers out there working and administrators cannot do anything in regards to switching your kid to a teacher where you kid will actually learn the subject at hand...Read 3 Reviews
#33 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
7-8,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Great school - EXCEPT - if your child gets Schaller as a science teacher, expect that they will learn nothing. This teacher should retire or not be working with children. Absolutely awful teacher.....
Great school - EXCEPT - if your child gets Schaller as a science teacher, expect that they will learn nothing. This teacher should retire or not be working with children. Absolutely awful teacher.....
Read 3 reviews.
Students: 610,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 27 to 1,
Parent: Pacific Academy Encinitas is a great place for students to receive individualized instruction in a small class room setting. The smaller sizes mean students get instant access to teachers and one on one coaching if they need it. Middle and high school students are allowed flexibility in learning styles, and allowed to mature and be responsible for their own success. The school day is a little longer which means less homework overall because students are given time to get it done in class with fewer disruptions. The school ensures students are happy and ready to learn - pancake breakfasts, flexible & unique PE program, whole school enrichment days, and the ability to adjust a child's class based on their academic level, not age-grade level. There is no bullying and there are no behavior problems to deal with. Kids can concentrate on learning and being themselves which has made PAE a great fit for our family. Students do need to have their own activities and sports outside of school...Read 5 Reviews
#177 Best Private High Schools in California.
K-12,
5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Pacific Academy Encinitas is a great place for students to receive individualized instruction in a small class room setting. The smaller sizes mean students get instant access to teachers and one on....
Pacific Academy Encinitas is a great place for students to receive individualized instruction in a small class room setting. The smaller sizes mean students get instant access to teachers and one on....
Read 5 reviews.
Students: 116,
Parent: Futures Academy (formerly Halstrom) has been terrific for our son. He finished 8th grade there and has started ninth grade. The one-on-one teaching is a great model and he learns well in that environment. He rarely comes home with homework, and is actually happy to go to school. The school transitioned extremely well to online learning after the pandemic. The beautiful thing about Futures is we actually stopped worrying about school or his homework. My wife and I highly recommend Futures...Read 4 Reviews
#182 Best Private High Schools in California.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Futures Academy (formerly Halstrom) has been terrific for our son. He finished 8th grade there and has started ninth grade. The one-on-one teaching is a great model and he learns well in that....
Futures Academy (formerly Halstrom) has been terrific for our son. He finished 8th grade there and has started ninth grade. The one-on-one teaching is a great model and he learns well in that....
Read 4 reviews.
Students: 28,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 1 to 1,
#123 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA,
K-3,
Students: 336,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
Parent: This school helps kids online and still has the same help they would have online or in person. I’m so grateful for oak crest and there support for my child and others, so thank you teachers and staff and a big thank you to Katie Friedrichs for making this school a memory to remember for a life time thank you one again :)...Read 11 Reviews
#70 Best Public Middle Schools in California.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says This school helps kids online and still has the same help they would have online or in person. I’m so grateful for oak crest and there support for my child and others, so thank you teachers and staff....
This school helps kids online and still has the same help they would have online or in person. I’m so grateful for oak crest and there support for my child and others, so thank you teachers and staff....
Read 11 reviews.
Students: 837,
#194 Best Private High Schools in California.
23 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Read 23 reviews.
Students: 241,
Parent: My son got into Global Ed through lottery and I have to say that the program is just terrific in every sense. The teacher is excellent and the teaching is in small groups (wth tons of patent volunteering). The learning through perspectives and presentations has been the way to go. And they accommodate every kid well through individualized curriculum. Can’t say enough good things about the program...Read 6 Reviews
#256 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
K-6,
Featured Review: Parent says My son got into Global Ed through lottery and I have to say that the program is just terrific in every sense. The teacher is excellent and the teaching is in small groups (wth tons of patent....
My son got into Global Ed through lottery and I have to say that the program is just terrific in every sense. The teacher is excellent and the teaching is in small groups (wth tons of patent....
Students: 516,
Parent: HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Hand-picked teachers who LOVE to teach and care about their students. They create a warm and excepting environment to learn at the students own pace, but challenging them along the way with a vigorous HS curriculum. Classes are engaging and small class size allows for lots of individual attention. Teachers are organized, prepared, (whether in person or online) provide lots of feedback to parents with students progress, and are flexible to offer needed accommodations. Teachers go by first name, a feeling of “family” but run class with structure and clear communications about assignments, and high student expectations. High Bluff transitioned to all online within days of the pandemic lock down. They have now implemented Microsoft Teams for a integrated and rich online learning environment or choose in class in person instead. Workload is very relevant & reasonable, no homework on vacations or late nights during the week. My son loves school and his teachers!...Read 14 Reviews
#212 Best Private High Schools in California.
RANCHO SANTA FE, CA,
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Hand-picked teachers who LOVE to teach and care about their students. They create a warm and excepting environment to learn at the students own pace, but challenging them along the....
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Hand-picked teachers who LOVE to teach and care about their students. They create a warm and excepting environment to learn at the students own pace, but challenging them along the....
Read 14 reviews.
Students: 100,
Junior: Southern California yeshiva also known as SCY high is a small school in Clairemont, San Diego. Despite its small size, the amount of warmth felt there is beyond anything ever imagined. As part of the small school, the teachers have and want the ability to see the best in the students and help them strive for success in and after college or wherever the student may so we'll choose. The academics their are very well taught as part of a dual education(Judaic and secular studies). Definitely a school to send your child to if you are into that sort of thing!...Read 4 Reviews
#247 Best Private High Schools in California.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Southern California yeshiva also known as SCY high is a small school in Clairemont, San Diego. Despite its small size, the amount of warmth felt there is beyond anything ever imagined. As part of the....
Southern California yeshiva also known as SCY high is a small school in Clairemont, San Diego. Despite its small size, the amount of warmth felt there is beyond anything ever imagined. As part of the....
Students: 36,
Parent: My daughter has attending Kindergarten and 1st grade so far, the teachers have been phenomenal. They are very supportive and continue to impress me with how much time and attention they spend with their students. Overall, I am very happy and my daughter really enjoys going to school, in fact, it’s sometimes difficult to get her to go home :)...Read 1 Review
#551 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
Cardiff Elementary School District, CA,
K-2,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My daughter has attending Kindergarten and 1st grade so far, the teachers have been phenomenal. They are very supportive and continue to impress me with how much time and attention they spend with....
My daughter has attending Kindergarten and 1st grade so far, the teachers have been phenomenal. They are very supportive and continue to impress me with how much time and attention they spend with....
Read 1 reviews.
Students: 285,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
#577 Best Public Elementary Schools in California.
3-6,
Students: 370,
Alum: I was a student at Horizon Prep from preschool through high school. I cannot speak more highly of how Horizon Prep prepared me for success in college and beyond. I not only grew academically, but I also grew in character, relationship building and most importantly spiritually because of Horizon Prep. The teachers are the most wonderful part of HP. They care deeply, teach from a Christian worldview and small class sizes allow for ample help in understanding concepts. One thing I am very grateful for is the high school program preparing me to think for myself and the development of my Christian worldview. Because of HP, I was well equipped to be a strong Christian in a large secular college environment. Horizon Prep is such a blessing and I am so thankful for everything I learned during my time as a student there!...Read 9 Reviews
#271 Best Private High Schools in California.
9 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I was a student at Horizon Prep from preschool through high school. I cannot speak more highly of how Horizon Prep prepared me for success in college and beyond. I not only grew academically, but I....
I was a student at Horizon Prep from preschool through high school. I cannot speak more highly of how Horizon Prep prepared me for success in college and beyond. I not only grew academically, but I....
Read 9 reviews.
Students: 318,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
#316 Best Private High Schools in California.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 90,
Sophomore: I loved the staff, the schedule, the "go at your own pace" attitude, and the support all around. I would like to see the amount of drug affiliation be put to stop amongst the students.Read 18 Reviews
18 Niche users give it an average review of 3.2 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I loved the staff, the schedule, the "go at your own pace" attitude, and the support all around. I would like to see the amount of drug affiliation be put to stop amongst the students..
I loved the staff, the schedule, the "go at your own pace" attitude, and the support all around. I would like to see the amount of drug affiliation be put to stop amongst the students..
Read 18 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
Parent: CMI has been a positive experience for all 3 of our children currently attending. Our daughter was struggling at her old school with an IEP and her grades were poor. She continues to have an IEP for processing information and the help she receives is stellar! Her grades are A’s and B’s and her confidence has also improved! Our 2 boys are doing excellent as well. As parents, one of the things we can do for our children is provide a great education. We feel we are doing that by sending our children to CMI. Not only are they getting a great academic education, they are learning leadership skills, discipline, teamwork, integrity, importance of following direction, and so many more life lessons! We love CMI!...Read 169 Reviews
Perris Union High School District, CA,
5-12,
169 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says CMI has been a positive experience for all 3 of our children currently attending. Our daughter was struggling at her old school with an IEP and her grades were poor. She continues to have an IEP for....
CMI has been a positive experience for all 3 of our children currently attending. Our daughter was struggling at her old school with an IEP and her grades were poor. She continues to have an IEP for....
Read 169 reviews.
Students: 1,048,
Public School,
VAN NUYS, CA,
K-5,
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Students: 339,