2023 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Orange County

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  508 reviews

Sophomore: I've had a pretty amazing experience at University High School in Irvine, California. They have provided me with so many opportunities for rigorous learning and opportunities to be involved in so many unique clubs, activities, and classes. Students at University High are really passionate and love to collaborate with each other. Teachers also really care about their students and I've had so many meaningful interactions in their classes. Classes are interesting and engaging and we often have interesting discussions. Also, no matter what question I have or if I want to learn more about something, there is always someone willing to help me -- teachers, counselors, students, anyone! I've had a chance to really foster my love for learning by taking honors classes. The only downside I would reflect on is how competitive the environment can be, which makes you feel a bit pressured at times to be high achieving. But competitiveness has also encouraged me as well!... Read 508 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1400

• Average ACT 31

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  961 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 961 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  550 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 550 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1380

• Average ACT 31

• Anaheim Union High School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  656 reviews

Sophomore: The school puts a lot of emphasis on academics and its curriculum is very advanced, but creates a negative school environment. Bullying and school violence is at a minimum, but socially, the school is extremely competitive. So far, there is not much student support to lessen student stress, especially from staff. However, teachers push the kids to learn as much as possible and provides good college preparation; a course focused on college prep is required freshman year. Teachers in all subjects are tough on students but willing to work with students, they are fair with their grading. Most core classes offered are by default honors classes, but if it is not fit for the student, regular courses are also available. The school has low funds but they are in the process of renovating, they have a very modern library and choir/band room. Student run organizations, like ASB, have fun events and keep in touch with students trends, to make events more personalized to the students' interests.... Read 656 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  585 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 585 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 30

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  490 reviews

Senior: I loved the atmosphere Woodbridge created for all of its students! I was able to easily make many friends in many of my classes because of how comfortable I felt in such classes. Woodbridge created many different opportunities for all students to feel welcome, included, and able to talk to others. When learning, I felt comfortable enough to ask my peers and teachers for help - even when I was falling behind. Through all these aspects at Woodbridge, my high school experience was elevated to a high point of great satisfaction. I will never forget my time at Woodbridge - through the fun pep rallies, inclusive activities, comfortable class setting, and more!... Read 490 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1340

• Average ACT 31

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  411 reviews

Senior: If you're looking for a school that has a lot of school spirit and a place to experience football season then you're looking at IHS. We have pep rallies that gets everyone excited for the football games on Friday. Cheer, ASB, and student forum help out with creating and setting up the decorations (posters, balloons, IHS sign, lights) around the stadium. We always do chants to encourage the football team, sometimes we throw colored powder in the air (these stain your white shoes so beware), have balloons to just wave around or you can transform it into a hat/animal!... Read 411 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31

• Tustin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  766 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Beckman was undoubtedly challenging because I came from a middle school that most people didn't attend. Although it was very hard making friends, clubs and sports made the transition easier by allowing me to connect with my fellow classmates. The students at Beckman are incredibly studious and academically focused. Although it was hard to keep up, I realized that I thrive in an academically challenging environment because it pushes me to do my best. Lastly, clubs at Beckman were very diverse and gave various opportunities. I led and attended many events that gave me more interests and passions! The teachers were incredibly supportive and did their best to empathize with students and prepare them for their future.... Read 766 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1330

• Average ACT 30

• Newport-Mesa Unified School District, CA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  290 reviews

Parent: Has many opportunities for AP classes. Great PTA, Foundation, and Boosters Club. Has funding and events like a private school, even though it is a public school. Terrible counseling department- actually, not only worthless , but detrimental. Will not help students in signing up for best classes to take. Students/parents have to figure out from outside sources for the ideal classes to take for college resume. Need outside college advice!... Read 290 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 30

• Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  465 reviews

Senior: My time at Valencia High School was full of ups and downs, but the high school was a relatively great school with top tier academic rigor and options. With passionate teachers, committed students, and an involved community Valencia High School provides a home and a family to more than 3000 talented and enthusiastic students representing a rich diversity of backgrounds and personal experience. The Valencia Academy, which includes an International Baccalaureate Program and a Val Tech Diploma Program, has been instrumental in bringing students to Valencia from outside the attendance area and district. Valencia High School has been able to increase the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and computer technology. The option to choose what classes you want is very much like a university, while housing a tight community of scholars from all backgrounds. The school provides minorities and low-income/underserved students the opportunity to shine and grow as scholars.... Read 465 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1310

• Average ACT 30

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  71 reviews

Sophomore: Personally my experience at Portola had been wonderful, they provide multiple resources to help learn my career options and help me pursue them. Additionally I have seen the input teacher put towards helping the students excel in their classes. Although the school had multiple good qualities, some of them are hard to find. One example would be ROP classes, I wasn’t able to take any ROP classes during freshman year. I am taking them now and think it is very beneficial for my career path. I was able to obtain multiple connections with talented and hard-working people! I specifically was able to be taught by a lawyer and a police officer for a while which helped me learn so much about the law helping to pursue my career. Additionally there are multiple opportunities the school gives to help students get jobs to earn income and the support given to those families of lower income. Including the environment around us was so friendly and welcoming truly creating a great learning experience!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 32

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  604 reviews

Alum: Great school, just completed my four years this year. Very safe and all of the students are intelligent and top-class. There's a ton of diversity with people from all different types of backgrounds. Every single teacher (at least the ones I had) taught really well and clearly had expertise in the subject. This school accommodated for students perfectly during the COVID-19/online school year, providing students with many, many resources. Overall, this is easily one of the best schools in the Orange County area and I'll miss this school!... Read 604 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 30

• Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  391 reviews

Senior: I have been a student at Yorba Linda High School for four years. I absolutely love the school! Administration is involved with activities during lunch, assemblies, etc. Most of the extracurriculars I've been in have been an awesome experience. Overall, this school is very resourceful and helpful to their students!... Read 391 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 28

• Capistrano Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  483 reviews

Senior: This school was overall amazing. The teachers were incredible. The counselors were also amazing and the other staff were all great people aswell. I could see in my eyes that they were all genuinely happy to be there and wanted the best for the kids. the school has so many programs to help the students get into good colleges which most school in the area do not have However, the school does not lack in amazing staff and opportunities it does in cleanliness and operational stuff. For example, the halls are really dirty. especially the bathrooms, they are so unbelievably dirty you can’t even go into them the vending machines break quite often, the power might go off sometimes and the air conditioning was not operating for around a month and a half towards the beginning of the school year and at least once or twice a week the fire alarm goes off having a very unpleasant noise for everyone to hearbut overall, if I had a kid, I would definitely feel comfortable sending them to this school.... Read 483 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1270

• Average ACT 29

• Capistrano Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  432 reviews

Sophomore: My sophomore year was pretty good! The majority of my teachers were great and I felt like I really learned a lot. My English teacher got injured in the beginning of the year and took a paid leave for the rest of the school year, so I was stuck taking a different class. My Spanish teacher also did not teach very well. Overall, mostly everything was good and I enjoyed it.... Read 432 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 29

• Laguna Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  153 reviews

Alum: Excellent school, beautiful campus, amazing teachers. Amazing classes and activities, the school is very well funded and taken care of, & I can tell I got a better education compared to others and it showed when I was in college. I always felt very safe and lucky to go there. However, very privileged kids and parents, and it shows, Laguna is old money and can be quite pretentious! Had a difficult time fitting in (as did my mom) and finding friends as a middle class student. I'd say at least 75% of parents are married, and parents and kids are used to getting whatever they want . School is at least 80% white. Small school, feels private (about 1,000 students), amazing for your kids education and ability to be a part of something they'd love (ceramics, silk screening, theatre, beach volleyball, basketball, water polo, photography, dance, cheer, debate, football, etc.) As hard as it was for me to find friends at this school, the education, campus, and teachers are top notch. So 4 stars... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 30

• Capistrano Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  437 reviews

Junior: I enjoyed it a lot because it taught me a lot about myself and how to handle certain situations. This school also made me feel at home because of the comfortable environment. All the classrooms and outside areas are kept clean, and the staff are very supportive. The school spirit is beyond compare, since every football game on Friday nights are filled with students of all classes. The teachers are always here to help, and I know I can count on them to help me when I need it. During these awkward times of practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and online learning, the staff at the school have taken it very seriously. They ensure that all students who choose to do the hybrid program, which is two days at school and three days at home, are safely utilizing the facilities. I will also add that the teachers have done a great job when it came to adapting to the computer teaching style. Overall I would say my experience has been one of a kind at San Juan Hills High school!... Read 437 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1250

• Average ACT 29

• Huntington Beach Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  845 reviews

Junior: While attending FVHS, I've blended in the crowd with the majority of the asian population at the school. To me, there's a lot of cultural diversity, there's even a culture festival hosted every year! I like the environment I'm in, the teachers make classrooms feel lively and safe, but there have been a lot of cases of the fire alarms being pulled and fighting.... Read 845 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 28

• Capistrano Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  757 reviews

Junior: The faculty at Aliso Niguel High School is top-notch, with knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are dedicated to their student's success. They provide a challenging and engaging curriculum that fosters critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities ranging from sports teams to clubs, music programs, and community service projects, providing a well-rounded high school experience. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained, with modern facilities and resources supporting student learning and engagement. Aliso Niguel High School also values the importance of technology in education. It has implemented the latest tools and resources to support student learning, including a robust computer lab and access to online resources.... Read 757 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 29

• Los Alamitos Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  912 reviews

Junior: I adore how Los Alamitos High has many classes and paths for students to take. In fact, a new STEM building was added last year to provide more classrooms, newer chemistry supplies, and a robotics room with computers, a plasma machine, 3D printers, and other manufacturing machines. As a result, the students who are interested in engineering, robotics, and other technology majors are exposed to tools and equipment they will encounter in the future. In addition, Los Alamitos has many art and music programs such as band, jazz band, orchestra, photography, ceramics, art, and dance. To add on, Los Alamitos High has many clubs ranging from D&D, UNICEF, CFA, Emerging Leaders, American Red Cross, Beach Cleanup, and more. The only negative associated with this school is the large number of students who attend it. This commonly leads to classes being around 35 to 40 students, making some students feel claustrophobic and overwhelmed.... Read 912 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 28

• Garden Grove Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  667 reviews

Senior: La Quinta will definitely prepare you for higher education. Students here have many opportunities to be well-rounded in math/STEM, humanities, literature, music, and art. However, the student body does tend to be very academically-competitive in ways that aren't always healthy. This has improved over the last 4 years I've been here, and it obviously varies from graduating class to class. I am quite convinced that LQHS has some of the best and most caring teachers in the whole world. Most, if not all, of my teachers have been amazing mentors that have given me valuable knowledge and emotional support. Though this school can improve in its extracurricular activities and overall resources, the best thing about this campus is the faculty. I also love how this school offers challenging courses in science, math, history, and English. We are so lucky to have qualified educators teaching these high-level courses. We also have an excellent library and amazing librarian!... Read 667 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1250

• Average ACT 27

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  634 reviews

Senior: My overall experience with Trabuco Hills High School has been amazing. The campus has such positive energy, especially the program called Unified Sports. Unified Sports and Best buddies brings everyone together. I have seen staff, advisors, ASB, and many students participate together in the hopes of continuing spreading Inclusion. Also the AP program is pretty good and the Choir program is amazing! The teacher really cares for music and has the ability to capture what it means to sing in a choir. I recommend this school because it has so many options.... Read 634 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1270

• Average ACT 29

• Anaheim Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  615 reviews

Freshman: The first great thing about Cypress High School is how clean the campus environment is. Everything is neat and well-organized; there is no trash on the floor inside the classrooms, hallways, and even outside! Even if some waste is hanging on the floor, staff clean it up so fast that you would not see that again in a minute. The second thing is their generous support to their students by providing them with many opportunities. During my freshman year, many experts came to our school, and I was able to learn and explore various career fields. It helped me gather knowledge about the benefits and risks of a career. Lastly, teachers are super supportive and enthusiastic for teaching and guiding their students to be better people. I had learned countless life-helping lessons from all of my teachers, such as managing my time, stress, and to study effectively. I have learned much more than I ever in my life during my first year at Cypress High School.... Read 615 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 28

• Orange Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  526 reviews

Senior: Canyon High School is a rather welcoming environment and diverse school. It is diverse in the sense that the demographic of students is diverse along with the variety of classes offered at this school. This variety allows students to formulate their desired path in life early on that might not be as easily obtained at other schools. The vast number of AP courses available, in my own experience, has allowed me and many others to broaden our horizons. The athletics programs here are great, demonstrated by the number of sports that consistently go to CIF, and the facilities needed are up to par. On the downside, I would not consider the school the most adequate for aspiring stem majors. The science program and teachers are not the greatest instructors and often make explaining much more difficult than necessary. Also, sports that are not as popular with the student body are not funded well, for example, our pool heater was broken for 2 months despite admin assuring they'd fix it.... Read 526 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1260

• Average ACT 28

• Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  312 reviews

Senior: High school has been such a rewarding experience for me. Through the caring and passionate staff that Esperanza is equipped with, I feel better prepared for the future. In addition, Esperanza has also allowed me to have a memorable high school experience. Whether it be through clubs or academics, I always felt encouraged to participate and branch out of my norm. Although cut short due to COVID, I felt beyond welcomed my freshman year. I was a shy girl who was able to quickly develop a strong and inclusive personality. I joined Link Crew my sophomore year- a club focused on welcoming the freshman- and was able to reciprocate the love shown towards me. Continuing my journey through high school, I felt fully supported by the Esperanza family. This family included my teachers, counselor and even the janitors. I felt the happiness radiating from everyone who works there. My experience through high school has allowed me to set high standards to attend a welcoming college.... Read 312 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 28