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2022 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

About this List
Best for Athletes
440 results

  1. Redondo Beach Unified School District

    • School District
    • REDONDO BEACH, CA
    • 28 reviews
    #1 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Middle School Student: Redondo Union High School is an excellent school for many reasons including their academics, college readiness and sports. Their teachers make sure you get the most out of their academic classes, they want to see you pass the class with your best effort and that encourages their students to do their best no matter what academic struggles they face. Their college counselors help you a tremendous amount your senior year. They help you sign up for FAFSA, grants and scholarships to help pay for college and they give students helpful information they wouldn't be able to find on their own.This is beneficial to the students so they can be to choose what to eat and they can still be healthy. The schools sports teams are incredibly talented, they are always bringing the school home to CIF or the championships. We are fortunate to have a hall full of their trophies and accomplishments. As the students we support our teams in any sport to do their very best...Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 10,123 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Murrieta Valley Unified School District

    • School District
    • MURRIETA, CA
    • 110 reviews
    #2 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Alum: I had a good experience with MVUSD. The staff were supportive, there were many ways to get involved, and it was a great High School experience. I recommend Vista Murrieta High School to those who want to be involved on campus, are looking for high level academic classes (AP or Dual Enrollment), and people who want to be connected to their high school. You definitely take away what you put in to this school, so the more you are involved, the more you will benefit!...Read 110 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 20 Total Schools
    • 23,470 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Acalanes Union High School District

    • School District
    • LAFAYETTE, CA
    • 28 reviews
    #3 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Junior: I feel like I have received a quality education as a student in the Acalanes Union High School District. I have had pleasant experiences in academics and pleasant interactions with my teachers. I believe that the course offerings in this district are exceptional and that the advance placement courses I have taken have played a great part in preparing me for college. The athletic programs offered at these schools are also exceptional and I have enjoyed the relationships I've formed in these programs. Overall it's a great district!...Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 5,635 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Upland Unified School District

    • School District
    • UPLAND, CA
    • 52 reviews
    #4 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: I have attended school in the UUSD since kindergarden and have loved every second of it. My experience at Upland High School was one of the best things ever. It offers a lot of AP and honors classes that have prepared me for college as well as connected my with a lot of my teachers. Just within my senior year I have been gifted with the best teachers ever. I've never had such a good group of teachers who are so supporting and actually interested in their students lives. On the other hand there are some staff members who should not have even been hired and at times seem so uninterested in their job and students. If I could change something at UHS it would probably be the facilities, everything is just a little out of date. I think if a student had the chance and would only change some facilities it says something really good about the school and the administrators there!...Read 52 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 14 Total Schools
    • 10,580 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Val Verde Unified School District

    • School District
    • PERRIS, CA
    • 113 reviews
    #5 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Parent: Valverde unified school district is a diverse environment for education and professional development. As a parent, I feel confident that my children are getting an excellent experience in academically and socially. It is important to me that the education environment encourages students to be involved in their school and community. I believe Valverde pushes the boundaries and set no limit which allows students to develop their dreams and worth. I have three children attending this district. One in high school, one in Middle school and one in elementary. Valverde offer cutting edge technology in their classroom from elementary all the way up to high school. At a high school level, they offer innovative technology like drafting computers for future engineers. I will continue to support and be involve in the expansion of knowledge for students at Valverde unified school district...Read 113 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 23 Total Schools
    • 19,940 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Clovis Unified School District

    • School District
    • CLOVIS, CA
    • 232 reviews
    #6 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: I had a great time at Clovis high school all 4 of my high school years! It was an amazing experience I'll never forget, I will say the education was fair but could use some improvements and make resources more accessible for students. Althought the resources were there, they were often difficult to reach at home, simply because signing in from home required a special computer program that isn't available at home.The diversity is there, but not really different and I'm a multi-ethnic student and I still didn't find the group of people that I could relate to ethnically.Now for the sports, they are very good sports programs, lots of talent and great coaching, the only problem is that in certain fall sports there's bias on coaching due to connections with coaches, last names,and for those who put extra money into the programs.And its appreciated that parents would do that, but play time should be earned and based on skill not who puts in the most money, which is a sad thing to see...Read 232 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 48 Total Schools
    • 43,654 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Placer Union High School District

    • School District
    • AUBURN, CA
    • 22 reviews
    #7 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: Placer Union High School District attains many resources for one's path to success. When it comes to college and career planning, Placer High School puts a large emphasis on what individuals can achieve by obtaining a college degree. On the other hand, Placer lacks in some departments such as the facilities and diversity. What Placer lacks, though, it makes up when it comes to its rich culture and traditions that linger in the minds of its alumni...Read 22 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 6 Total Schools
    • 3,999 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Capistrano Unified School District

    • School District
    • SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
    • 145 reviews
    #8 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: In Capistrano Unified School District especially in my past few years in high school, I have had several opportunities to explore my interests for college through in-school classes, through my counselors, and through outside of school potential opportunities provided for several fields to be further explored after high school. The administration is very organized and responsive to needs for change or alteration, and I am very satisfied with my time here! Teachers in all subject areas are extremely educated and qualified, excited to assist even after class in any aspect...Read 145 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 59 Total Schools
    • 46,501 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Corona-Norco Unified School District

    • School District
    • NORCO, CA
    • 336 reviews
    #9 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: From Prado View Elementary school to Raney Intermediate to Centennial High School, Corona-Norco Unified District is a district that is well-rounded in addressing the well-being of their students. Academically, this district offers a wide range of education opportunities, such as the GATE program, the IB program, a variety of AP courses to choose from, and much more. While academics are important, CNUSD also prioritize the social well-being of their students. There are many clubs that students are able to join and even take leadership roles in to expand their life skills. CNUSD host many evens for this students, such as school festivals and dances that allow students to interact with the community. However, CNUSD can show some improvement in their lunches. CNUSD has a good variety of foods, but requiring the giving of side dishes is wasteful. When I look into the trash cans, I see bags of carrots, cartons of milk, and bananas uneaten, perfectly fine...Read 336 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 53 Total Schools
    • 52,557 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Conejo Valley Unified School District

    • School District
    • THOUSAND OAKS, CA
    • 44 reviews
    #10 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: Conejo Valley Unified School District is great. They offer a wide variety of classes. The teachers are amazing, and go far and beyond what they have to do. My high school offers and IB program, which is fantastic. It's been a great experience!...Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 27 Total Schools
    • 18,345 Students
    View Nearby Homes
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  13. Chico Unified School District

    • School District
    • CHICO, CA
    • 42 reviews
    #11 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: CUSD is very dedicated to helping their students in the best ways possible. However, with COVID-19 they seem very unprepared and uncertain on how the school year will look. To their defense, most school districts don't know this, but it would be nice if they had more of a plan. Other than that, though, I think that it is a very good system!...Read 42 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 22 Total Schools
    • 12,362 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Roseville Joint Union High School District

    • School District
    • ROSEVILLE, CA
    • 121 reviews
    #12 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: Overall, Roseville pursues many efforts in making sure emphasis in inclusivity is important. Having multi-cultural fair events where students and staff can learn and appreciate other cultures, allows our school and community to come together in such a beautiful way. The school also does many efforts in making sure students are taken care of in terms of mental-health, having counselors who create a safe space for students to take a short break from their classes to have a drink of tea whenever life gets a little overwhelming. Some changes I would like to see in our school are better school lunches. I think healthier options should be available for students and this will overall just benefit students and the way they work...Read 121 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 10,468 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Poway Unified School District

    • School District
    • SAN DIEGO, CA
    • 161 reviews
    #13 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: Great district focused on academic achievements! Throughout my years with this district I have felt pretty safe and included. Though they hype sports more than the arts, they still include many classes for students who are interested in this field. I also wish they spent a little more money on things like chrome books or any help for students, I am overall very happy I got to be part of this district...Read 161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 38 Total Schools
    • 36,586 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Folsom-Cordova Unified School District

    • School District
    • RANCHO CORDOVA, CA
    • 39 reviews
    #14 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Junior: I have been a student in the Folsom Cordova Unified School district for six years now and I can say that for the most part, the teachers are considerate towards their students and they know what they are doing. I've rarely ever gotten an exceptionally terrible teacher assigned to me and when I did, the district took initiative and fired/denoted them. Though not all of my peers are mature and dedicated students, I can say that the ambiance and the community of the school as a whole is very welcoming and inclusive to everyone. Social cliques and bullying isn't something I ever really witness, which is great. If I were to complain about anything, it would be the food. School lunches aren't known to be delicious and FCUSD is no exception, but it's edible and there's usually a variety. They aren't very vegetarian or celiac friendly, however. Overall, I'd say it's a good school...Read 39 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 34 Total Schools
    • 20,602 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  17. San Dieguito Union High School District

    • School District
    • ENCINITAS, CA
    • 69 reviews
    #15 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: My school is one of the most accepting schools I know. Everyone is welcome to be who they are and who they wish to be. I loved this because it eliminated lots of judgement. The school is always changing for the better as new buildings are built and more people arrive every year. The school has a great location, the beach is practically next door as well as a skatepark I loved to enjoy my after school days at. For the location and options around me, I wouldn't change much about the school, other than the fact that the lunch lines can be long. Overall, the people were nice and I met lots of new faces along the way...Read 69 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 13,177 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Temecula Valley Unified School District

    • School District
    • TEMECULA, CA
    • 113 reviews
    #16 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: I have been in the Temecula Valley Unified School District my entire life, from attending Tony Tobin Elementary School, moving on to Vail Ranch Middle School, and finishing my education at Great Oak High School. Throughout my 12-13 years of school, TVUSD has been a very welcoming and open environment, in which I feel I have thrived in. There has been the occasional issue of prejudice, as well as I've experienced some issues of bullying and unfair treatment by students. However, I do not blame the school district for this. To me, this is a cause of growing kids in general! So, I have always enjoyed the TVUSD environment and school district. The teachers have, for the most part, been excellent. The clubs and activities offered throughout my school have been life-changing, as I have been involved with theatre for several years now through the schools and have felt nothing but love and joy...Read 113 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 28 Total Schools
    • 27,979 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Los Angeles Unified School District

    • School District
    • LOS ANGELES, CA
    • 2,105 reviews
    #17 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: I have received an excellent education in LAUSD public charter schools! There are multiple charter schools in my complex in and around Pacific Palisades, CA.The best part about going to a public charter school within the LAUSD is that my parents have had a say in how my schools have spent their money. I, too, have been able to have a say in the curriculum at my high school. For example, if I wanted to have a course added to the school curriculum, I could simply present my case to the Curriculum Committee. After some research, a teacher could create a new course and offer it to a limited number of students the following school year. I have benefitted from the "Pods" program at my high school, which was created for the freshman classes, where the student can choose a topic of interest from STEM, Social Justice, Drama, Music, ect... that puts them together with other freshman to study social studies linked to the "Pod" of their choice...I really loved all of my K-12 schools!Read 2,105 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 785 Total Schools
    • 483,234 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Oakdale Joint Unified School District

    • School District
    • OAKDALE, CA
    • 11 reviews
    #18 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Junior: Oakdale High offers a variety of math and science classes along with many English classes. The teachers are, for the most part, very engaged with the class and provide extra help if asked. The one complaint I have is the fact that students are not required to apply math to real life situations. The classes are spent sitting and solving equations rather than hands on and interactive activities. Other than this, Oakdale High is a very good School that offers many opportunities...Read 11 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 5,420 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  23. San Diego Unified School District

    • School District
    • SAN DIEGO, CA
    • 720 reviews
    #19 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Alum: The teachers in the schools try to do right by the students, but more often than not, their hands are tied in the situation. The district does not inquire about the food that is served because it is ‘alright’. The budget for schools should not solely go to sports. I did not want to see the money go straight our football team or our track team that had everything they could imagine. I wanted to see newer textbooks, new literature books, and more science equipment. I didn’t want to hear that my science teacher couldn’t do experiments because we didn’t have the resources. I admit that the classes were unbelievably engaging and I was always prepared to learn something new every day. SDUSD knows how to pick great teachers from time to time. One suggestion for every school district would be: Include computer programming in your curriculum! I am better at making a blog and a video game out of code than I am at writing a 5-page essay on Huckleberry Finn (found out the long way)...Read 720 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 176 Total Schools
    • 102,270 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

    • School District
    • PLACENTIA, CA
    • 125 reviews
    #20 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Alum: In the PYLUSD I went to Yorba Linda High School. I graduated with the class of 2020. I think the choices of elective classes and after school college classes provided by community colleges really helped me explore different fields that I would not have explored at other school districts. I took a commercial arts class in which I learned how to make various products for a brand like T-shirts or business cards. As far as after school college classes I took a sociology class which helped me learn about the field and also I got college units once I passed the class. One change I would like to suggest for the future is to make the economics class a full year instead of a single semester because I feel like we as students needed more preparation as far as how to deal with income taxes. Extra class time will help future students go more in depth into topics like home mortgages, have more quizzes to apply what they have learned and ultimately be prepared for economic life after high school...Read 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 34 Total Schools
    • 25,162 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Saddleback Valley Unified School District

    • School District
    • MISSION VIEJO, CA
    • 140 reviews
    #21 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Junior: My experience with SVUSD has been excellent! The community is very supportive and the staff wants to see all of the students succeed. There are many ways for students to be involved within their school community (clubs, sports, etc). Safety is always the number one priority. Academics vary based on what classes one takes. I have been on the Honors track and have received a lot of academic support. The amount of homework can be overwhelming at some points, but not unmanageable. Overall, I am very grateful to be a student in SVUSD...Read 140 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 35 Total Schools
    • 26,304 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Bonita Unified School District

    • School District
    • SAN DIMAS, CA
    • 69 reviews
    #22 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: As a senior at Bonita High School I have to say my overall experience with the district has been pretty good! I have been a part of the Bonita Unified School District my entire life and I have never had too many issues. There are some amazing teachers scattered throughout the district. Everyone tries to do their part to be inclusive on a district level. The district finally started an Equity committee this year after the recent incidents that had been occurring worldwide. But seeing that start up has really given me hope for this district to continue to thrive...Read 69 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 15 Total Schools
    • 10,039 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. San Marcos Unified School District

    • School District
    • SAN MARCOS, CA
    • 141 reviews
    #23 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Junior: This past year has been so challenging, yet so innovating. I had to learn how to navigate through online learning, however the teacher’s helped me immensely. Once we started going back on campus, I worked together with people on projects, leading to new friends. I also learned a lot better in person because I could share my questions and have them answered by teachers! Overall, it was a challenging—yet great—expirience!...Read 141 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 19 Total Schools
    • 20,873 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Apple Valley Unified School District

    • School District
    • APPLE VALLEY, CA
    • 89 reviews
    #24 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Senior: The high desert can be very boring because it's a desert and there's really nothing out here to do. I live in Apple Valley a little place where the streets are full everyday. I attend Apple Valley High School a also very full and friendly school where you kind find all types of different clubs. Our school colors are black and orange and our mascot is a sun-devil, our school contains many sports such as football, basketball, cheer, track, soccer, flag-football, tennis and more. Each year we have a football game called "The Bell game" which is where we compete with a school to get the bell for the school, this bell has been going around for a very long time..and we haven't lost it. The sports are great here and so are the teachers and staff, and questions you have will be answered . The students who attend are very nice to each other and spread kindness. Almost every Friday we have games and music during lunch. Apple Valley high school is a very clean and also safe school ...Read 89 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 14 Total Schools
    • 13,303 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Santa Ana Unified School District

    • School District
    • SANTA ANA, CA
    • 293 reviews
    #25 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

    Alum: The community is a family, they support one another on every accomplishment. Unity is seen everywhere!Read 293 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Sports
    • 55 Total Schools
    • 45,576 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Valor Academy High School

    • Public School
    • NORTH HILLS, CA
    • 9-12
    • 36 reviews

    Senior: Valor has a uniform policy and everyone wears the same thing decreasing bullying because of clothes. They also offer help for those who need it and they really care about their students education and path after high school. They provide help from them when you need it during colleges or any educational path after high school. Valor offers much helps, teachers actually care about your learning and being there for you. There is not fights or bullying at this school. I think its a very good school for your children to go to, i really enjoy this school. They help you bring community and the teachers are incredible. They really listen to you and help prepare you for the future...Read 36 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Stuart Hall School

    • Private School
    • STAUNTON, VA
    • 5-12
    • 66 reviews

    Parent: I am a parent of two alum and a current high school student. The teachers and academics have been instrumental in preparing my kids to excel in college. Both my graduates are in extremely challenging, highly ranked programs and both find that they have an easier time handling the college workload than their peers. Our favorite part of the school, however, has been the tightly knit community feeling that started in the lower school and continued through graduation and beyond. We are excited about the new esport program and the technological/media opportunities coming to our new downtown campus. Recent renovations in our historic buildings have also made the main campus more comfortable and compelling...Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 144 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Literacy First Charter School

    • Public School
    • EL CAJON, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 24 reviews

    Alum: Went here K-12 and had a great experience! Loved the teachers, peers, and culture. I wish there would have been more options for classes, sports, and clubs, but overall it was a great school.Read 24 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,783 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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