2019 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

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486 results

San Marcos Unified School District
School District
San Marcos, CA
69
1 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Freshman: I love California State University San Marcos! It is an amazing campus filled with awesome professors and communities that are willing to help one another. The one problem I have had has been transportation. I am from San Diego with no available car to drive or enough money to live on campus, therefore commuting has been rough.
Read 69 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
19 Total Schools
20,813 Students
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Acalanes Union High School District
School District
Lafayette, CA
11
2 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: My experience as a student at Acalanes High School is nothing but great. I have met great friends that have added to great memories at Acalanes. My favorite memory as a student is the homecoming spirit rally. Each grade competes against each other by doing a skit and whoever wins, wins the spirit cup. My 2018 class won both junior and senior year. Another great memory will be the football games. It was a place to cheer on our friends and being surrounded by schoolmates that were as spirited as you were. Not only were the school activities great, but so is the amazing staff. They want to see their students succeed and learn something from the class that we can put into our everyday lives. I wouldn't change a thing about my school. Go Dons!
Read 11 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
5 Total Schools
5,521 Students
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Redondo Beach Unified School District
School District
Redondo Beach, CA
16
3 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Alum: Redondo Union High School is an excellent place with an amazing staff and a diverse, but large, student body. Although the food can be lackluster at times, the faculty does an amazing job preparing students for their futures by preparing them for college extremely early. The teachers are very approachable and helpful as they are genuinely interested in making sure their students are successful in their future careers. One fault of this school is how they overload themselves with students, resulting in larger than normal sized classrooms and classes often get filled up with small flexibility in the beginning of the year. I've always looked forward to the school events and never felt bored by them. Redondo Union High School is one of the best public high schools in the South Bay and I'd heavily recommend going here.
Read 16 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
13 Total Schools
9,529 Students
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Realm Charter Middle School
Berkeley Unified School District, CA
6-8
4
B-
Overall Niche Grade
302 Students
60:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Grossmont Union High School District
School District
La Mesa, CA
101
4 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: During my four years the Grossmont Union High School has been good in many ways! It was opened up many doors for many students to overcome their obstacles and reCh their goals. I know many students of the Grosmmont Union High School District are approciating their opportunity, some more than others. The only dislike about the district I have is how they were too involved in certain movements that were very meaningful to students like me. Yes, many students are welcome and they know, but sopport for clubs or actually demonstating in a touching way to others how the district is unified to stand up for its students would be great.
Read 101 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
19 Total Schools
21,860 Students
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Poway Unified School District
School District
San Diego, CA
76
5 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Freshman: Poway Unified School District is truly the best district I have experienced. They care very much about their students and award them throughout the year for their excellence. They maintain a good atmosphere for us students and prepare us for our future college plans through CMP and CPM. Poway Unified School District ensures our safety through their multiple and friendly yard - duties. They give students multiple opportunities throughout their TA Administration, Facilities, and Clubs & Activities. They give us a chance to celebrate throughout the school assemblies and events such as the Turkey Trot and End of the Year assembly. The District also gives exceptional sports preparation such as Intramural Sports. They provide our equipment on and off the field. The classrooms have a wonderful atmosphere and are well - supplied with book shelves and unit lessons. All in all, the Poway Unified School District is by far the best district I have had the honor to be a part of!
Read 76 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
38 Total Schools
35,702 Students
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Placer Union High School District
School District
Auburn, CA
15
6 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Alum: I am a college freshman who graduated from Placer High School. The student to student culture of the school was very good. There was rarely any major instances, however; the coach to student culture was very poor. The football head coach and the soccer head coach (now assistant coach) have a very poor process for picking players for the team and who gets playing time. The head coach and booster president had restraining order put against them in 2016 for abuse to a player. On a more positive note most of the teachers there care about the students and preparing them for college. The biggest program lacking college readiness is the agriculture science department. This is not because of the intent of the class but the lack of curriculum and lack of professionalism by the instructor. Would I send my children to placer in the future? If they love agriculture as much as I do then no because of the agriculture science department, however; if they do not them yes I would.
Read 15 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
6 Total Schools
4,080 Students
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Murrieta Valley Unified School District
School District
Murrieta, CA
65
7 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: It can be hard transferring from junior high to high school. This is why Murrieta Valley High school is the place for you! You will be greeted immediately with a friendly environment, and the lovely Nighthawk, our mascot. This is a school that will go all the way out to making sure you know the ins and outs to receiving help to your new classes. This high school is very involved in their academics and very competitive when it comes to sports. Murrieta Valley has free tutoring sessions with respectable students who understand the struggle in the tough classes one might endure. Our school provides honors classes/programs will ensure college readiness. The school is also fairly new as it was the first high school of the beautiful town of Murrieta, built in 1990. With freshly painted walls to a brand new football, a person who appreciates cleanliness would not overlook Murrieta Valley high. We would be glad
greet you into our home of the Hawks!
Read 65 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
20 Total Schools
22,751 Students
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Capistrano Unified School District
School District
San Juan Capistrano, CA
88
8 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Overall, despite a few minor mistakes within scheduling, classes, and several temporary academic counselors in high school, I think the district is doing well with improving the quality and atmospheres of all schools. A majority of the teachers are great and really care. Personally I've never had a problem with any teacher up until my senior year- and that was do constant absence, a lack of teaching for AP statistics, and eventually temporary leave. However, the administration was quick to resolve the problem and made sure to find a new teacher and get us back on track. The school spirit is also great, my favorite memory from high school has to be the Friday night football games, where the whole town joined together to support our team! Academically, the english department is by far one of the best, although required to take four years of English, every single teacher has gone above and beyond to prepare students for their futures.
Read 88 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
63 Total Schools
53,878 Students
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Tamalpais Union High School District
School District
Larkspur, CA
9
9 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: Tamalpais High School is a very well funded school with great teachers and access to great resources like computers and art supplies. The programs like the drama and computer science ones are excellent and provide plenty of support for students looking to learn more.

The problems with this school are the lack of diversity and the level of caring that students show. First of all, the school is almost 85 % white, so it difficult for students who are a racial minority. Second, the school is rampant with students who do not try, but still demand high grades, and then whine and complain when they receive a B.

However, even with those negatives, the school still offers a top notch education for a public school and students who go here are blessed with such a good education.
Read 9 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
5 Total Schools
4,481 Students
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Oakdale Joint Unified School District
School District
Oakdale, CA
9
10 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Alum: It was an amazing school for athletes like I was. Although our teachers are getting much better, our ag Department’s teachers are not good. We have one good ag teacher, but our school forced him to get rid of his class and now the class is a joke being taught by another teacher that doesn’t know what she is doing. Oakdale is a mainly ag related town and it’s sad to see classes get wasted by teachers that aren’t up to par. Our welding teacher doesn’t even know how to weld and just has kids watch movies rather than teach them himself.
Read 9 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
9 Total Schools
5,300 Students
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San Dieguito Union High School District
School District
Encinitas, CA
48
11 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: I went to San Dieguito Academy and I love the atmosphere on campus! The students are very welcoming and supportive of their classmates and although we do not have a football team, students still go to sporting events and cheer on the mustangs. The only problem i’ve ever had at school was when I was diagnosed with a concussion. Many of my teachers refused to accept my work late once I was cleared to participate in class. This obviously took a toll on my grades which has affected my chances of getting into college.
Read 48 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
11 Total Schools
12,689 Students
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Bonita Unified School District
School District
San Dimas, CA
40
12 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: The Bonita School District is overall a decent district. San Dimas High School is located right next to a recreational center with a pool and a performing arts center called "Bonita Center for the Arts" which is awesome for the arts programs. The arts are pretty well funded compared to other schools, and the district pays for buses to competitions! The academics are decent as well, with a few exemplary teachers. Options for classes are pretty great as well, with quite a few AP classes to choose from. The student body is exactly how you would assume it to be. For the most part, students mind their own business. The kids involved with the arts programs have only positive things to say about their involvement, especially in the band. The food is decent, but not outstanding. No vegan or vegetarian options.
Read 40 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
15 Total Schools
10,253 Students
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Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
School District
Placentia, CA
65
13 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: I love being part of the PYLUSD school district. I have been apart of it ever since I went to pre-school at Travis Ranch and I would not have it any other way. I have made so many memories with friends, teachers, and activities I have been apart of. I am so sad that this is my last year in school at Esperanza. I'm going to miss all the fun times I had these past 14 years. I would just like to say that all these teachers have been outstanding. All of them are willing to help you in any way possible and gives many chances to improve yourself. That's what I adore about the teachers and faculty. They have warm hearts and open arms. All the activities, academics, and extra activities are so fun to go to! The activities director always overdoes herself and goes above and beyond to assure us that we will definitely be happy when we arrive. I wouldn't imagine spending my pre-school-senior year anywhere else! Thank you PYLUSD.
Read 65 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
34 Total Schools
25,769 Students
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Conejo Valley Unified School District
School District
Thousand Oaks, CA
24
14 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Newbury Park High School is an exceptional school. This school is the top in student safety but terrible when it comes to teachers showing up to class. Various of my teachers are very educated but have been absent for months at a time and have missed more days than any of my teachers in my previous high school. I have seen my sub in all of my classes even for months at a time. That sub has been the teacher I have been with the longest! The sports are grand, the academics are great, but as always a significant amount of students don’t take advantage of it. This is a good school for someone who will make something of themselves after Highschool!
Read 24 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
27 Total Schools
19,334 Students
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Clovis Unified School District
School District
Clovis, CA
121
15 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Clovis Unified is ranked towards the top in high quality school districts, and it is easy to see why. With up-to-date technology and a future-focused staff, what's not to love? Sure, every districts has its shortcomings, but CUSD places a strong emphasis on encouraging its students to excel both in high school and afterwards, and the staff's loving efforts have made notable contributions to the success of their students. Clovis Unified values tradition and responsibility, and because of the love and care they give those who attend CUSD schools, alumni are proud of their experience in education, and many stay in Clovis solely to send their children to the same schools. You can't go wrong with any Clovis Unified school, each one is full of optimism and hope for the future, which I guarantee will rub off on the students who attend!
Read 121 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
47 Total Schools
41,883 Students
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Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
School District
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
43
16 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Aa student of the PVPUSD, I can say that, just because we succeed in academics, doesn't make us perfect. My problem with the school is, it sometimes feels as if they put the academics above the students. Classes are too stressful, and no, I'm not just saying this because I don’t like to do work. PVPUSD has some of the toughest, strictest classes out there. Students are expected to have above average grades. They are pressured into doing the impossible, being perfect. The stress put on these students is so much that if a student starts to cry because of it, they are comforted by the fact that everyone has cried in the middle of class because they can’t handle school. And to be honest, students aren’t taken very seriously when reaching out about these problems. Sure, the staff at PVPUSD tries to help with giving out tips once in a while on how to handle stress, but deep breathing can’t take away the great expectations we are required to meet.
Read 43 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
19 Total Schools
11,499 Students
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Piedmont City Unified School District
School District
Piedmont, CA
6
17 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: Mostly strong academic performance, but that could be due to family/peer pressures to succeed, and less so with the teachers and the school. It is a friendly environment and most students are accepted, however it can be competitive and may make some feel inadequate.
Read 6 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
7 Total Schools
2,708 Students
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Los Alamitos Unified School District
School District
Los Alamitos, CA
43
18 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Freshman: I love my high school. FIlled with amazing teachers, great oppurtunities, and lovely people thee's never a bad day here! So many things happening a student here can never be bored! And don't worry about fitting in because there are all times of social groups here cliches and new ones, too! I've never seen bullying here, and this is an enviroment where if you give a smile you get a smile! Come to LosAl all are welcome!
Read 43 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
10 Total Schools
9,948 Students
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Carlsbad Unified School District
School District
Carlsbad, CA
30
19 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: The two high schools in the district offer phenomenal options depending on what the student enjoys. Carlsbad High School is far more established than Sage Creek, so many of their sports, arts, and elective programs are well run. Some of their teams are the best in the state or even nationally ranked. Sage Creek High School is far newer and its programs are still being fleshed out; however, the quality of education that is received is far above that from any other school. The courses offered in engineering and the biomedical field are hard to beat or find at another school, truly preparing interested students for what working in that field would be like. Beyond that, the trimester system places emphasis on the academic classes. The combination of these two schools means that the needs of almost every student is met. However, neither schools is perfect. Carlsbad’s classes are far too large for individual attention and Sage Creek’s ASB fails to connect with students.
Read 30 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
16 Total Schools
11,049 Students
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Corona-Norco Unified School District
School District
Norco, CA
172
20 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Parent: I can’t begin to tell you how great this school district is! From admistration to teachers to all the support staff involved at the district to schools, everyone puts the kids first and are on the same team! They truly do hire and train the best, maybe that’s why it’s so hard for new teachers to get in because the competition is fierce to enter this district. I have two boys that attend Temescal Valley Elementary and El Cerrito middle and I wouldn’t have it any other way! No wonder corona Home prices shot through the roof and slowing catching up to Orange County! I would put this district up with the best of the best and highly recommend to all parents!
Read 172 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
53 Total Schools
53,215 Students
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Val Verde Unified School District
School District
Perris, CA
70
21 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: A couple things I like about the Val Verde District is them allowing incoming Juniors in high school to go to a nearby by community college, which the is Moreno Valley campus, for we could not only graduate with our diploma but with our associates as well! Also, they provide the Avid and Scholar students with a trip up north to see about 15 of the universities up there, which is really nice since most kids down here can't afford to go up there even for college tours.
Read 70 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
22 Total Schools
19,829 Students
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Liberty Union High School District (Brentwood)
School District
Brentwood, CA
100
22 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Liberty High School is a place with lots of diversity. There is always something to do such as clubs, sports, activities and more! The teachers are always willing to help out the students as much as they need and will always make sure you get the topic before moving on. All the staff and students are always available to help others in need. Such a great school and would definitely recommend it to Bay Area Students!
Read 100 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
5 Total Schools
8,185 Students
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Rocklin Unified School District
School District
Rocklin, CA
30
23 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Sophomore: Rocklin is an amazing school that offers a plethora of educational opportunities. I've found that the classes focus on real life applications of the material being learned. There's a lot of electives to choose from which give students the ability to expand their education beyond the expected curriculum, and explore skill sets such as computer science, art, theater, engineering, and a lot more. I moved to Rocklin for the opportunities and academic rigor that it offers its students, and I have not been disappointed by RHS. The culture is the only thing that knocks off a star, as it seems to have pretty rigid social groups, making it very difficult for new students or outcasts to wiggle in anywhere.
Read 30 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
22 Total Schools
12,960 Students
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Roseville Joint Union High School District
School District
Roseville, CA
71
24 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: The schools themselves are fair, but the teachers are very nice! The education provided if good, especially because the teachers provide many ways to receive help at the schools along with multiple outside resources for those who need extra help. In my opinion there are multiple opportunities for students to escape their comfort zone and try new things, however there are still ways in which the counselors could provide further information for the students to have in mind about college and prerequisites for certain classes/majors. Overall the schools in this district are pretty good, as they provide multiple opportunities for the future and motivate them to push their limits.
Read 71 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
7 Total Schools
10,200 Students
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Santa Barbara Unified School District
School District
Santa Barbara, CA
40
25 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Alum: I have attended schools in the Santa Barbara Unified school district all the way from kindergarten through college. I am born and raised in Goleta, California as a third the generation and am proud to say I attended this school district for the entirety of my educational career!
Read 40 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
26 Total Schools
15,453 Students
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Whittle School & Studios
Opening September 2019, Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-12
NG
Overall Niche Grade
— Students
— Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lindamood-Bell Academy
Private School
San Luis Obispo, CA
K-12
NG
Overall Niche Grade
200 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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San Marcos Unified School District

Acalanes Union High School District

Redondo Beach Unified School District

Realm Charter Middle School

Grossmont Union High School District

Poway Unified School District

Placer Union High School District

Murrieta Valley Unified School District

Capistrano Unified School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Oakdale Joint Unified School District

San Dieguito Union High School District

Bonita Unified School District

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Conejo Valley Unified School District

Clovis Unified School District

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Piedmont City Unified School District

Los Alamitos Unified School District

Carlsbad Unified School District

Corona-Norco Unified School District

Val Verde Unified School District

Liberty Union High School District (Brentwood)

Rocklin Unified School District

Roseville Joint Union High School District

Santa Barbara Unified School District

Whittle School & Studios

Lindamood-Bell Academy