2023 High Schools with the Best Teachers in California

• Riverside Unified School District, CA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  55 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Riverside STEM Academy has been very rigorous and inspiring so far. Attending since 5th grade, the teachers are very supportive, ensuring your success through very thorough explanations whenever you ask a question. Additionally, though the work is very demanding and rigorous, there is always the feeling of self-satisfaction in getting a project done. As we are partnered with UCR, research and extracurricular activities, especially during the summer are plentiful and recommended. A close-knit community, Riverside STEM Academy is a place for those wishing to pursue a better future for themselves and their family. It is a place that unless you are willing to put 100%, you will not enjoy it.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 655

• Student-teacher ratio —

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: Mt. Everest Academy is an exceptional school that offers a unique learning experience for each student. The teachers and faculty at Mt. Everest are very caring and truly look out for the students best interest. Being that Mt. Everest Academy is an alternative, independent study school, working in that environment provides the students with better time management and communication skills than at your typical high school. In a way you get that college experience of having different classes on different days and times; having to balance your class time, homework, and extracurricular schedules is all a part of it. That might seem intimidating to some but fortunately you still have the guidance and help from teachers and counselor who will help you make the best decisions for your goals and needs. At Mt. Everest Academy, you have the opportunity to make a connection with each of your teachers, which adds to the overall experience. Enroll at Mt. Everest Academy, you won’t regret it!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  594 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is an excellent school. I am in my 3rd year at this school, as a freshman, and there are so many art opportunities for students wanting to pursue any type of art, as well as many academic opportunities such as a vast selection of clubs, honors societies, and volunteering activities. Students make so many great connections in their art field and can make friends with people they are much closer with, due to overlapping passions. Many of the arts teachers are actively working in their fields making them great resources! Overall, OCSA is a great option for any student passionate about art and curious about learning more about art! Although there are some problems with OCSA including safety because of the location, academic teachers because some are not sufficient in teaching, as well as the food since some options can be unhealthy and the menu does not get switched out daily, OCSA has a great positive community that accepts all!... Read 594 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  186 reviews

Senior: UPA has been an excellent learning environment throughout my 5 years as a student. The small class sizes allows for teachers, counsellors and staff to truly connect with students and accommodate their needs. Readily available office hours and quick turn around time for emails has helped me reach out to teachers whenever I needed help in their class. In terms of student life, UPA has a strong sense of community on campus. Most events are inclusive to all grades and many electives have a diverse range of grade levels in them. Programs such as Web and Link, as well as clubs, make UPA an environment that balances both school and personal interests. As someone involved in multiple clubs (President of Girl Up!, PR manager of both Film Club and Acts of Random Kindness club), I can vouch that UPA truly allows students to run their organizations. UPA's Theater Department, although low in funding, harbors immense talent and dedication, in which I've seen in my experience as a stage manager... Read 186 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 702

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  352 reviews

Junior: I'll start off with the bullying: There is none. Everyone is nice and helpful to each other. The homework is a bit much but with some encouragement from parents, it's not all that bad. The teachers are extraordinary at explaining the class material and subjects and are always willing to help a student in need. But the school is not all work. La Canada High School also offers a plethora of sports teams and clubs, most of which are run by the community or students. As a student with ADD (ADHD Innatentive), staying focused has been a bit difficult. Luckily, the teachers are nice and give me extra time to complete assignments or tests. Now onto the food! The cafeteria offers a variety of food, usually with different menus each day. There's also a wide variety of drinks and snacks in the Cafe.... Read 352 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fresno, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  250 reviews

Senior: University High School (UHS) has a total of roughly 400 students. With small schools, the community feels tighter, and everyone feels like family. The staff and teachers develop a strong bond where they can communicate with honesty and openness. UHS provides a safe space of support for those who may face problems at home, and its understanding staff and students create a welcoming atmosphere for all. The school also has an excellent curriculum that guides students towards academic excellence. Students are required to take AP and dual-enrollment classes, which adequately prepares them for the next level in college. UHS trusts its students to be understanding, honorable, and studious. There are no staff members patrolling the campus because there is no reason to; the students at UHS display proper behavior. A school with academic excellence, with a welcoming environment, with a strong community of kind students, deserves no less than five stars. It is not just a school; it is our home.... Read 250 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 483

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  280 reviews

Senior: Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy has drastically changed my educational life. From the start, I was excited and ready for the challenge. This highschool can be tough academically but will definitely expand your capacity of knowledge. Rigorous AP classes, Challenging honors classes, mid college student at lahc and constantly studying for sat and test, Can all be DONE with the right time management. Good Time management, dedication And commitment is what I have obtained from my school. With the most involved teachers, dedicated counselors and staff, my high school couldn’t have gotten any better! Definitely a high enrichment school, where so many life opportunities are open...... Read 280 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 458

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  963 reviews

Senior: I have loved my time at Troy High School these past four years. Even though my sophomore year was Covid, my school has prepared me for everything I can imagine college will possibly be. I have great relationships with my teachers, they are truly in my corner and encouraging me to dream so much farther than I ever was when I started freshman year. I feel challenged in what I am learning but excited about what it to come. and I am a little restless, just ready to get going for what is next after high school. I think my time at Troy really got me ready for that! Troy has been so much fun with clubs and my soccer team and kept things balanced while keeping school going and life got busy. My favorite each year is the halloween rally when our sports teams dance and the pink game each year. Our student body takes over! I am definitely ready for the next chapter of life to start, but I will always love my time in highschool- go warriors!... Read 963 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 2,614

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  373 reviews

Senior: DMHS has an amazing college center with plentiful of resources that are super easy to access. It offers a variety of AP classes with an IB program that’s very rigorous. Although, I am not an IB student, the program is known to be cut throat and sometimes too intense to where it discourages students to enter because they want good numbers in pass rates for the schools image. Furthermore, with every good teacher, there are bad ones. I found some teachers to be amazing— specifically the history department. With the history classes I’ve taken, not one of them is sub par. They make the curriculum super digestible and are just overall responsible teachers given their extra support outside of class. Unfortunately, some spaces in the math department could use some work. Although there were a few recognizable math teachers, others are known to be sloppy, lazy, and overall just a mess. They encourage students to “work together” but lack the understanding that they don’t know basic concepts.... Read 373 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,043

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  325 reviews

Senior: Honestly not terrible. Can at times be a bit hit and miss (i.e. got unlucky with teachers, but at what school is that not a thing), but for the most part you can get a pretty good experience out of this school if you stay optimistic. Which brings me to the main downside: (it feels like) everyone goes to college. And because of that, there are great resources to go to college! Which means you can get lulled into a false sense of security around knowing what you need to do for college even though you don't because so much has been handed to you. But as long as you're aware of that you can avoid those pitfalls and have a pretty good time.... Read 325 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,936

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Lake Balboa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  175 reviews

Senior: High Tech Los Angeles has helped me a lot in public speaking in where I feel comfortable presenting to a large crowd. This school has helped me to grow out of my shell and become more confident in myself. The school isn't as focused on sports but I like the more technology focus. The art program has improved lately, allowing all sorts of different art programs from digital to fashion design. I've learned to express myself in both my art and body language, making it easier for me to get along with others. The friends I've made there have also given me some great memories and I'm very happy I decided to go to High Tech Los Angeles!... Read 175 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 369

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Carmel Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  244 reviews

Alum: The school provides excellent teachers and faculty that believes in students to succeed in their passions. The extra support and encouragement from staff give the students hope that they can be what they want to be. In regards to education, the teachers give the help the students need and the athletic program promotes student education over sports so they succeed in school before succeeding on the field. The football coach for example had a mandatory office hours at which players are required to show up for once a week. Teachers enjoyed being there and understood their role for students and not just teachers but role models. I would change their parking lot and how they handle parking for students. In addition, they need handle social issues with understanding and not just take remarks thrown at them without accountability. Although food is free, they need to do a better job in creating edible food for students who rely on school food as their meal source.... Read 244 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 862

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lemoore, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  157 reviews

Niche User: It was a really great experience. This school and its staff memebers push their students to do the best they can do. When a student struggles, they are there for them, and are willing to help them. They are flexible and, more often than not, willing to sacrifice their time just to help their students. I was also able to get part of my AA degree finished because I came to LMCHS. Although, it's wasn't easy, it's not impossible because I graduated. They created a wonderful, beautiful, and safe environment to build an amazing community. Totally recommend this school to anyone and everyone, whether if they love academics or not. Wonderful school! Wonderful school!... Read 157 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 232

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Malibu is a great place! Amazing staff and facilities. Great people, amazing counselors, overall great place to go to school.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Arcata, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: NPA is a wonderful school with lots of academic rigor and creative opportunity. I recommend it to self-motivated students who are willing to put in the effort. The education can be very independent and the teachers work with the students whenever needed. The school is filled with creativity, there are great creative writing, music, and art programs at the school. The lunches are also very healthy and nutritious. It definitely prepares students for colleges with the IB courses. It can challenge students for the better and get them critically thinking. The fact that the school is smaller allows for one on one help and close relationship with peers and faculty. Students have the option to pursue an IB Diploma, Artist Diploma, and/or High School Diploma. There are also many fun traditions at the school including the quintillion ball, Ashland trip, Halloween house, secret snowflake, and more. Overall, NPA has rich educational opportunities I highly recommend.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 178

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Newport-Mesa Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  142 reviews

Niche User: This school is amazing! It has no sports, very few clubs, music, and arts, but it is still great. All the teachers and students here are so nice. I feel so comfortable with all of them. The school is small and there is about 50 people in my grade which I like because you can get to know everybody. ECHS has good academics and good people and the people make the experience make the high school journey so much better. Literally everyone is so nice I can not stress that enough and I just love it there. This place is like a safe place for people who did not fit in or were bullied at other schools. Cons: No sports and not many clubs, the school food is not the greatest, challenging academics for some. Pros: Prepares for college excellently, very nice people, mean people are socially unaccepted, lots of college resources, great school counselor who will help you through confusing college stuff, lots of internships, scholarships, and programs to help you on your college journey.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• South Pasadena Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  446 reviews

Senior: We have a gorgeous campus! It is outdoors, and there are lots of plants. They look beautiful in the springtime! The teachers are also incredibly nice, and their classes are fascinating! It is rare to have a teacher who does not want you to do well, and most of them offer tutoring outside of class. Latinx students have reported that they are not very supported here though. A new Latinx club is trying to change that, but the environment is still there. Socially, most of us have known each other since kindergarten, and new kids often spend years alone. It is a rich school with some snooty people, but most are friendly. It is not dangerous, and I do not know of a bullying problem. There is a strong emphasis on academics, especially STEM, but this makes many students stressed. I know several people who have been turned away from the counselors, and some of them were harming themselves. The mental health department is the school's weakest point, in my opinion.... Read 446 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,451

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Coronado Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  260 reviews

Senior: Teachers are amazing and friendly, however the administration tends to make decisions without consulting the student and staff body, which has led to several awkward limbo periods that are hard for both students and teachers. In addition, the 4x4 schedule implemented in late 2021 makes it near impossible for the average student to take AP tests, as they will have to be worrying about reviewing for the test while they are taking other classes that are completely unrelated to the class they are taking the test for. For the most part, the student body is friendly and welcoming to all, although most (myself included) lack school spirit. It is also an amazing school for those interested in the arts, although there are still some kinks that need to be worked out in that department.... Read 260 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  556 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Northwood Highschool from another school in California. When I was a new student, I was embraced by staff such as my councilor in a way that made me feel safe. They helped me get sorted into the new school, giving me all the information I needed for a easy transition to happen. And it was! The staff deeply care about the students health and wellbeing, while still ensuring that we get a proper education. All the teachers that I've had, have been amazing in their fields, helping me become the best at the certain subject. The schools atmosphere is amazing as well. The open space, with nature filled radiance touches the school. I absolutely adore how there is open space at in the school's field's rather than it being filled with a cement stadium like other schools. It gives a relaxing vibe to the school and the athletics department as well.... Read 556 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,756

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Santa Cruz County Office of Education, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  93 reviews

Freshman: Although I still have many more years of education left to fulfill here at PCS, I'm loving the journey so far. PCS is a welcoming community that accepts students of all skill levels and supports them throughout their high school journey, encouraging them to excel in all of their classes. Its rigorous environment is beneficial to everyone in the classroom and motivates each and every student to push themselves to learn and grow. The teachers here are some of the most intelligent, understanding, and inspirational human beings on the planet, and are willing to work with you through your personal challenges until you procure greatness. I wouldn't be happier going to high school anywhere else.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• William S. Hart Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  235 reviews

Senior: Academy of the Canyons is a very academic-oriented school, as it has no sports. It has high offerings in the STEM fields, so you can take advantage of a lot of opportunities there. The clubs and activities are lacking in terms of their breadth, but that is to be expected from a school of 400, so most of what you do outside the classroom is in reality outside the school. The teachers and staff there are amazing and always ready to support you, in & out of the classroom! Overall, a great school to recommend to academically focused, mature students ready to challenge themselves in a college environment.... Read 235 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 414

• Student-teacher ratio 30:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  303 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Preuss has been fantastic. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in many activities after school too and prepare them for university! I also feel like this is a safe space for me and ask teachers for help; teachers here at Preuss really want students to succeed. As a first-gen student, Preuss has done their best to guide me for what to do when applying for universities as a senior and makes sure that all students are on track! Through it's rigorous curriculum, all of these are established this way to make it easier for students by their senior year without having to worry much if they're meeting all the requisites when applying to universities. Student's can view that handwork is paying off in the end.... Read 303 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 848

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Marcos, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  124 reviews

Junior: High Tech High has been a great experience for my younger brother (14) and I. I enjoy the project based learning and community.... Read 124 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: As I prepare for the upcoming school year and reflect on my sophomore year experiences, my heart can't help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. After completing my first year of high school in Honduras, thoughts regarding how welcoming the new environment I would encounter clouded my mind. As a first-generation student entering a traditional US high school, my hopes were that teachers and staff would aim to support me despite obvious academic differences between me and my classmates, the students whom I had difficulty connecting with at first. Nonetheless, my original expectations were completely surpassed once I began having meaningful interactions with the teachers and staff. Not only did they help me realize having a different background is an advantage when it comes to acquiring a unique perspective, but they also helped me embrace and show pride in it. New west has encouraged me to build a strong and empowering character, one where my differences stand out proudly.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,043

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  263 reviews

Junior: Great learning environment! This school is filled with amazing opportunities and college and career readiness help. My teachers have been very helpful regarding my internship, and other plans for the future. I have peers who care about me as well as my teachers do. Something I love that we have at High Tech High Chula Vista is the fact that we are required to go on an internship before graduating. I also love that we have advisory. Advisory is a time that we have to check in with our teacher advisors. It can be a time to check in about anything. It could be advise for college, the future, and anything in general. You also get to have the same people in that class during all four years of high school. All in all, High Tech High Chula Vista has a great learning environment and great help and opportunities for the future.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Students 607

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1