2021 Best School Districts for Athletes in California

Best for Athletes

442 results

Acalanes Union High School District
School District
Lafayette, CA
26 reviews
#1 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Parent: We have 3 kids in the Acalanes Unified School District and they are all thriving! The academics are great, they focus on students well being and their sports program are amazing! Multiple State Championships in multiple sports!
Very high quality teachers!
Read 26 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
5 Total Schools
5,683 Students
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San Marcos Unified School District
School District
San Marcos, CA
121 reviews
#2 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Overall my experience in the San Marcos Unified School District has been good. It offers a variety of teachers from different backgrounds that can give insight on the subjects. Additionally, the teachers that I have had are mostly passionate about what they are teaching as well as offering help to students. The internet access that is given to communicate with teachers and other classmates have not caused many problems and have allowed me to advance in my learning. My school has not only reinforced academics, but emphasizes the importance of being involved in clubs, voicing one's opinion, and other significant topics surrounding our society. This includes promoting a cleaner environment, being kind to peers, and the positive effects of living a drug/alcohol free life. They also emphasize the importance in planning out one's future and offer help for those who need it in certain areas, such as finance.
Read 121 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
20 Total Schools
21,007 Students
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Placer Union High School District
School District
Auburn, CA
22 reviews
#3 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
4,004 Students
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Val Verde Unified School District
School District
Perris, CA
104 reviews
#4 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: Valverde is a very good district that has provided me, as a student with several opportunities to excel academically. Opportunities ranging from sports to clubs and academic programs. I am currently enrolled in the middle college high school program. This program allows me to take classes at a community college to be able to graduate high school with an associate's degree. This being done while still taking my high school classes every day. While I am still a part of the high school, I do not attend it. Instead, I attend the community college. When I attending my regular school I enjoy the several activities that I could be a part of. The district offers several competitive sports and even hosts an annual club rush for those who are not athletes. Faculty members are easily accessible when someone needs to speak with them. Academic counselors are also there for the students to discuss their issues when needed. The students enjoy themselves at the dances and pep rallies.
Read 104 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
23 Total Schools
20,141 Students
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Murrieta Valley Unified School District
School District
Murrieta, CA
101 reviews
#5 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 101 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
20 Total Schools
23,251 Students
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Upland Unified School District
School District
Upland, CA
45 reviews
#6 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 45 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
14 Total Schools
10,702 Students
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Clovis Unified School District
School District
Clovis, CA
204 reviews
#7 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 204 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
48 Total Schools
43,264 Students
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Capistrano Unified School District
School District
San Juan Capistrano, CA
138 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 138 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
59 Total Schools
47,205 Students
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Conejo Valley Unified School District
School District
Thousand Oaks, CA
40 reviews
#9 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Freshman: I love the Conejo Valley School District. If you are motivated and want to succeed, the administration and staff at the schools will assist you. There are also some really nice dual enrollment options available to those in middle school and high school. Most teachers want you to get better (on the off chance that they don’t, other staff and administration can help) - this was something which really helped me become the person I am today. Keep in mind - the effort you put in will be what you receive. You can work really hard and graduate high school with an associates degree or you can do put in as little effort as possible and pass high school. While there are definitely rooms to be improved upon, this school district is truly good.
Read 40 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
27 Total Schools
18,408 Students
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Temecula Valley Unified School District
School District
Temecula, CA
103 reviews
#10 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 103 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
28 Total Schools
27,992 Students
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Corona-Norco Unified School District
School District
Norco, CA
308 reviews
#11 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Parent: This school district really cares about the students. Being a parent of a high and middle schooler I moved here in September 2019. I mainly picked this area because of the amazing schools! They will inform you by certified mail if necessary to make sure your child is on track. Coming from overcrowded Long Beach Schools, it’s great to be in a district where the Administers and teachers engage with students and their families keeping us very informed!
Read 308 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
52 Total Schools
53,002 Students
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Tamalpais Union High School District
School District
Larkspur, CA
17 reviews
#12 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 17 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
5 Total Schools
5,043 Students
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Paramount Unified School District
School District
Paramount, CA
47 reviews
#13 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Honestly I wouldn't have survived high school if I didn't make or have the friends I know, they were the ones who helped me through everything. I love the teachers who offer their guidance and spare their time to help and give advice not just for school but life and its challenges. If I were to change a few things about my school it would be the activities, we barely had some and I know there isn't none right now because of Covid but the time I actually had fun during an activity were for football games and that was all. I just wished it wasn't just focused on academics.
Read 47 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
19 Total Schools
14,875 Students
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San Dieguito Union High School District
School District
Encinitas, CA
67 reviews
#14 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 67 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
10 Total Schools
13,128 Students
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Poway Unified School District
School District
San Diego, CA
135 reviews
#15 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Parent: We have lived in PUSD now since 2010. All four of our children have gone through or currently going through this incredible school district.

The numbers for reading and math proficiency just do not simply reflect what we have witnessed first hand. All of our children read above the national and local averages. Their math scores also do not reflect what this site is reporting (and certainly don't mean to say the numbers are wrong, but I these numbers to me just seem way too low compared to the education our children are getting). This includes our friends as well who live within the Poway school district.

All of my kids' teachers are and have been fantastic! I can't praise them enough for their dedication and love they have for our greatest resource.

You cannot go wrong at all to send your precious little ones (and not so little ones) to this incredible school district!
Read 135 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
38 Total Schools
36,450 Students
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Oceanside Unified School District
School District
Oceanside, CA
55 reviews
#16 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: I've been a student within this school district for my entire life, however I feel that my experience is completely based on my personal relationships with staff members as well as involvement with my school. For instance whenever there is an issue on campus regardless of grade level I've never had an issue with speaking to a member of administration. However I've heard from many peers that they've turned away from administration when trying to report various issues in campus. That being said most teachers, staff members and administrators are loving and caring of every respectful student they interact with. As a result this has given me the best experience with this school district. Furthermore the school district is also very open to change and willing to work with students and parents to create the best environment for everyone on every campus within the district.
Read 55 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
23 Total Schools
17,648 Students
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Chico Unified School District
School District
Chico, CA
40 reviews
#17 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 40 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
22 Total Schools
12,242 Students
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Folsom-Cordova Unified School District
School District
Rancho Cordova, CA
38 reviews
#18 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 38 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
34 Total Schools
20,605 Students
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Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
School District
Placentia, CA
108 reviews
#19 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Sophomore: It has the best learning environment with the most diversity. There are a lot over achieving students with people that care about learning. Everyone is well rounded and excited to participate in school. The majority of the students are very kind and optimistic. The community is very safe and not too big or small. The teachers teach well and their academic programs are very open to everyone. There is culinary at Yorba Linda Highschool, ED Law at Eldorado High School, IB/Valtech at Valencia Highschool, and Medicine at Esperanza.
Read 108 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
34 Total Schools
25,477 Students
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Sweetwater Union High School District
School District
Chula Vista, CA
331 reviews
#20 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Junior: I am a junior attending Southwest High School. After being in the district for over five years, I've witnessed hardworking students along with outstanding instructors who care about their students' success academically and non-academically. In addition schools in my community, serve struggling low-income families in the area. They do this by providing free lunches, laptops, and extended library hours (free wifi) to those who need it.
However, many schools in my community don't offer resources and opportunities for their students to stand out from non-poverty stricken areas. Currently, the district is facing a budget cut crisis and the administration is not managing it well. The board proposes to cut teachers, learning centers, librarians, and counselors. This shows poor administration decisions which can cost us our teachers, etc. Unfortunately, this may hurt future generations; therefore, we must take action now.
Read 331 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
28 Total Schools
39,165 Students
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Los Angeles Unified School District
School District
Los Angeles, CA
1,910 reviews
#21 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: I love my district! Not only have I been a part of various district-related events, such as the LAUSD Marching band and district hearings in downtown LA, but I've had an overall great time in my high school, North Hollywood High. Yet, the only things I wish that would change from LA Unified is the pace in which things get done. For the teacher strike, LA Unified took about two to three weeks to finally make compromises with teachers for fair pay. Furthermore, when the corona virus outbreak occurred, it took our district about a week longer to shut the schools down compared to the school districts around us. Besides the pace in which change occurs, I would say nearly everything about LAUSD is beautiful. There is great diversity, manageable funding, and a team compiled of family-like members that care about each and everyone of their students.
Read 1,910 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
785 Total Schools
495,255 Students
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Carmel Unified School District
School District
Carmel, CA
19 reviews
#22 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: Great education, location, and teachers! Poor diversity, social pressures and some really poor teachers. Privilege runs deep in this area
Read 19 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
8 Total Schools
2,467 Students
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Saddleback Valley Unified School District
School District
Mission Viejo, CA
127 reviews
#23 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 127 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
35 Total Schools
26,747 Students
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Grossmont Union High School District
School District
El Cajon, CA
172 reviews
#24 Best School Districts for Athletes in California
Senior: I love that they keep everyone informed with a monthly newsletter!
It is a great district with high test scores and great exit exam scores! The schools really know how to prepare the students for college!
They have diverse communities and the students are very well rounded in all areas including academics, athletics, leadership, clubs and more!
I wish that they had more classes or activities in the arts, such as dance, theatre and music.
GUHSD is a great district with great board members that are doing great things for our communities.
Read 172 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
15 Total Schools
16,760 Students
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Bonita Unified School District
School District
San Dimas, CA
63 reviews
#25 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 63 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
15 Total Schools
10,055 Students
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Marin Country Day School
Private School
Corte Madera, CA
K-8
8 reviews
Parent: We are a two dad family, and this is the first year for us at MCDS. Our son goes to Kindergarten. We absolutely love the school! The campus is the most beautiful campus, with amazing landscaping and the backdrop of Ring Mountain park. It is absolute Zen! The community is most welcoming, the teachers and staff are amazing professionals and teach with heart! We know that we could not have chosen a better place for our son!
Read 8 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
594 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
Private School
Berkeley, CA
PK, K-8
8 reviews
Parent: Both of our children attended Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley from preschool through 8th grade. They are now teenagers and understand and appreciate the gift of their bilingualism. Their father nor I speak French—they learned completely from school. Their fluency is such that when in France, they blend seamlessly with native speakers. EB gave them a rich, multi-cultural education that went beyond the curriculum insomuch as the student community is abundantly diverse, from myriad countries and backgrounds. The teachers are nurturing and caring. Both of our kids scored highly on their high school admissions exams and were accepted to their high schools of choice. The EB community is bright, engaging, and inspiring. We cherish our time at EB and are profoundly grateful for its offering and our experience.
Read 8 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
443 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Geneva School
Private School
Laguna Woods, CA
K-8
13 reviews
Parent: Excellent Classical Education offered in an atmosphere where Truth , Beauty, and Light are uplifted. A safe place with value centered, caring, and committed teachers and staff who walk side by side with parents toward the positive development of their children to thrive as they navigate their foundational years. Parents are community driven and welcomed to participate. Small class sizes keep education personal. The Geneva School OC is the quality education parents are searching for in Orange County.
Read 13 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
76 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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