2020 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the San Diego AreaAbout this List

Canyon Crest Academy

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 522 reviews

Senior: CCA has provided me with an excellent education. With the quarter system and supportive staff and resources, CCA students are another level of brilliant. I chose CCA because of the atmosphere and kind students I was surrounded by, something so different from middle school. I learned how to be accepting of others and look at the world from an understanding different viewpoint while also receiving an excellent education. Being ranked best in California is not the goal at CCA, it is making sure students are happy and healthy while also having fun. I loved my past 3 1/2 years here!
Read 522 Reviews

• A+

• 2,406 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Torrey Pines High School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 415 reviews

Senior: Torrey Pines is a school where sports and academics are a some of the best in the nation. Many of the building are fairly new and never lack the resources due to the constant support of money from the foundation. The environment for Torrey Pines makes you want to be involve. This can be seen greatly through sports, academics, clubs, and school sponsored activities. There is a large variety amount of classes offered, whether be in core classes or electives. The wide variety of classes allows you to chose a course that interest you so that you can freely express yourself. These classes prepare you for college, no matter the level that you decide to choose. Aswell, teacher for the most part maintain a good relationship with their student if you do what you need to. In all Torrey Pines is a well rounded high school.
Read 415 Reviews

• A+

• 2,573 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Westview High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 590 reviews

Alum: The teachers were super nice and many students connected with them. They really care about their students. Attending Westview made me feel confident and prepared for college since it's on the quarter system similar to the UC's. There are tons of clubs for everything, many of which give great volunteer opportunities. The athletics are pretty average overall. I played field hockey and softball. Field hockey was really good, but the softball program declined throughout my four years.
Read 590 Reviews

• A+

• 2,352 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Del Norte High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 342 reviews

Senior: This school is very academically driven. The teachers and faculty push students to not only be at grade level standards, but above them. The school culture tends to be a bit competitive, making academic pressure an issue for some students. Diversity, isn't much of an issue for the school, as students have no problem intermingling with peers of different backgrounds. However, students of certain ethnicity tend to outnumber others, which is mainly because of the organization of the 4s Ranch community. The school provides many academic resources for students, with time set aside for students to ask questions outside classtime. Overall, a great school!
Read 342 Reviews

• A+

• 2,081 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sage Creek High School

• Carlsbad Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 46 reviews

Alum: Sage Creek was definitely an experience. Being the first graduating class, I cannot confidently speak for future classes because it seems that they are continuing to change a lot based off of feedback. Their STEM courses such as Physics and Chemistry were incredible, the teachers in this department at that time really cared about us as students and pushed us in preparation for college.
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• 1,251 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

San Dieguito High Academy

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 427 reviews

Senior: San Dieguito Academy is different from most high schools. The most prominent feature is a strong sense of community -- and that's not just a cliche, it's really palpable at this school. Student-made paintings and murals decorate the walls of many buildings. Many fun school-wide events occur throughout the year, such as students-vs-teachers tournaments of soccer and ping-pong.

Academics are equally strong, with many great teachers (though not all) and a huge selection of AP classes to challenge yourself with or build up a resume for college. Several academic as well as non-academic clubs are available.

Notably, it doesn't have a football team -- and for the most part we don't miss it. Being inclusive of all kinds of people is one of the key features of SDA, and on any day you might see people casually dressed in whimsical costumes. It's not as if cliques are nonexistent, but they are significantly less powerful here.

I wouldn't have spent my 4 years anywhere else!
Read 427 Reviews

• A+

• 1,834 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mt. Carmel High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 338 reviews

Parent: Mom here, we moved to SD in part for this school! After leaving an extremely dysfunctional school and district, I cannot say enough about MCHS. There is a culture of kindness, it is not just a saying. The kids are motivated to do well and value their education. The staff is caring and glad to be there. When was the last time you found someone happy in their job? It speaks volumes to me!
Read 338 Reviews

• A+

• 1,941 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Deer Canyon Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 511 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Creekside Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 579 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mission Vista High School

• Vista Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 484 reviews

Senior: Mission Vista is truly the best. With only being 10 years old, so much has been accomplished. All the programs (including sports) are growing immensely! It’s a unique high school experience and a great pathway to college. Would highly recommend to any motivated, passionate, creative students:))
Read 484 Reviews

• A+

• 1,634 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Carmel Valley Middle School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 7-8
• 4 reviews

Niche User: CVMS is fantastic. The teachers are well-known and -respected. Furthermore, academic extracurriculars are especially strong here. The pitfalls of CV lie in its size. There is no way a student will get to know even half of his/her graduating class. Class sizes are relatively large. And, administration feels disconnected/nonexistent to the student body.
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

• 1,176 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Los Penasquitos Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 548 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Helix High School

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 713 reviews

Senior: My high school time spent at Helix High School was phenomenal. I felt that I was able to grow as a person in aspects regarding socially, academically, and athletically. I recall being a lonely freshman, nervous to engage with people with the fear that I would not be able to find a group of friends that would accept me. My cynical views would not last forever, I joined my school's cross country team. Here, I met caring and hardworking students. We grew and bonded through our endurance training, supporting each other through our sport and academics. Our teammates encouraged each other to enroll in rigorous courses such as AP English and community college courses. I have received tremendous amounts of support from my teammates, friends, and our administration. Overall, I feel blesses to have attended Helix because I know I would not have found the opportunities given to me at other local schools.
Read 713 Reviews

• A+

• 2,511 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rancho Bernardo High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 477 reviews

Sophomore: My experience so far at this school has been very good. Although you have your obvious clicks happening throughout the school, you can do your best to find a good group of friends by being active in and out of school. It's really exciting for to be involved with the community by going to football games, joining clubs, and being a part of a sports team.

Unfortunately both my freshman and sophomore year we've had school shooting threats that disrupted the entire day and haunts RB's reputation to this day. In addition, drug use isn't uncommon and it's hard to stay true to oneself with such a corrupted environment.

Most of my teachers have been really nice and have offered help to anyone struggling with the material outside of class time. There's a good amount AP class variety, so if you're one those people to try to go above and beyond you'll be sure to take some of the hard courses available here. Personally, I'm really looking forward to a few more good years of being a Bronco!
Read 477 Reviews

• A+

• 2,317 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stone Ranch Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 2 reviews

Alum: I loved my 6 years at Stone Ranch Elementary. They have caring teachers and a great campus! They care about each person's needs and push you well. They want you to succeed and have many fun activities. They hold fun whole school events and hands-on experiences.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 901 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Park Village Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 2 reviews

Works Here: Park Village is an excellent elementary school. The teachers ,staff and parents
( volunteers) work together to make learning a special experience for our students. The parent involvement PTA & foundation have provided support thru fundraising that has added Art, Music, Science and Physical education.
Its a great place to work.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 629 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Grossmont Middle College High School

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA
• 11-12
• 133 reviews

Senior: My academic curriculum is unique because I attend a dual-enrollment high school, open only to juniors and seniors. We take two high school classes: english and social studies. These are complemented by college courses that count towards both high school and college credit - anything from glassblowing, to linear algebra, to hiking. This allows me to explore studies that deviate from my major, like hip-hop dance and a computer science internship. Meanwhile, I am able to take higher level courses in areas I intend to focus on in college, such as organic chemistry and differential equations. So far, I’ve collected enough units to to graduate high school with associates degrees in both chemistry and mathematics.
More importantly, attending a dual-enrollment program has given me valuable insights on college, including the significance of communicating with professors, and the need for me to be constantly constructing and reconstructing myself.
Read 133 Reviews

• A+

• 72 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Costa Canyon High School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 446 reviews

Senior: La Costa Canyon is a very school spirited school that embodies the motto “make a difference.” Although it’s been known for being a sports school, the arts have recently become increasingly popular. The staff is incredible and they are always looking for ways to improve the school as well as the communication system between students and faculty. As a student, I have noticed that it is a “clicky” school, however more and more clubs and programs have been created on campus, such as peer counseling, so that everyone feels welcome. The school also offers an abundance of classes from electives to Advanced Placement courses. I have loved my experience so far at the school, and go mavs!
Read 446 Reviews

• A+

• 1,886 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Willow Grove Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 756 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Monterey Ridge Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

Parent: My kids have had a great experience at MRES. They have amazing teachers who truly care about your kids.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 1,014 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Westwood Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 791 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Earl Warren Middle School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 7-8
• 2 reviews

Alum: Prior to the prop AA renovation, EWMS fostered a enthusiastic spirit in preparing middle-schoolers for the next steps in their lives. Most teachers, if not all, do a thorough job of preparing students for high-school. The beachside location definitely attracts a lot of skaters and surfers, but there is still a strong sense of academic achievement and recognition for doing well. Whether or not it will be all that much changed as a result of the new buildings, it will still be a place for learning and growth. I think EWMS takes care of every level of student.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 537 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Escondido Charter High School

• Escondido Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 172 reviews

Senior: I have been apart of the American Heritage Charter Schools program since Kindergarten. I have been a white tiger for all 13 years, where my friends have become my family. Because of the small campus, it feels like home. The teachers are very supportive and do their best to see their students grow. I would not change a single thing about this school. I am blessed to have been apart of many traditions throughout the school years that make Charter, Charter. The uniqueness of the school makes it different from others. From Saxon Day, to airbands, there are many days that students look forward to every year.
Read 172 Reviews

• A+

• 802 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Adobe Bluffs Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

Parent: This. Little school with a big heart is a little gem in the big Poway Unified school district. They have the best , caring teachers and staff at AB. I have 2 kids and a niece that attends AB. They are starting a Mandarin Immersion program that my niece will be attending. My kids missed it but are doing the FLES program (Foreign Language in Elementary School) and they have Mandarin twice a week. They love it, and have learned so much. The most important factor are the great teachers at AB, they really are excellent and very caring and dedicated. If you get a chance to go to AB , GO!!! The PTA and Foundation parents are so welcoming too . The office staff is friendly and helpful. We are lucky to go to such a wonderful, caring little school. Hope it doesn’t grow bigger too fast.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 345 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Scripps Ranch High School

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 567 reviews

Senior: Overall, I feel that Scripps Ranch High is a strong school. I had some extraordinary teachers who brought passion for their subject and support for their students into the classroom--they truly shaped my experience for the better. Club communities were also very strong if you sought them out. The academic options are very strong, and the good teachers are often willing to go the extra mile to encourage their student's interests. I did run into issues with teachers and administration. There is an unhealthy attitude of competitiveness and academic pressure among top achievers, and some weighted-class teachers exacerbate that pressure. The school is also very low on resources, particularly printer paper and janitorial staff. The attitude surrounding school spirit in general is mediocre. I'm glad that I went to Scripps, but there are some changes that I would have loved to see.
Read 567 Reviews

• A+

• 2,182 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio