2019 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
• 489

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 489 Reviews

• A+

• 2,255 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Torrey Pines High School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 400

Alum: The school was top notch academically, however the diversity was poor. The Jocks and cheerleaders were popular while the drama kids were considered wack. The teachers and support network of this high school was absolutley perfect. Living within walking distance of the school and the beach had its perks-everyday was paradise which made it quite easy to excell!
Read 400 Reviews

• A+

• 2,601 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Westview High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 572

Junior: Westview High School is a very diverse school. There are many clubs on campus that reflect the diverse cultures that Westview hosts. Thanks to the hardworking teachers and driven students, Westview prepares students for college by providing them with many different resources and and exposing them to different experiences. From my last 3 years at Westview, I have seen that the culture at Westview is very inclusive of all cultures and genders. Even though Westview is a competitive school, there is also a lot of support among the students and from that staff. Safety at Westview is also not a concern to students at Westview because the staff work hard to ensure the safety of the students.
Read 572 Reviews

• A+

• 2,304 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Del Norte High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 326

Alum: Professors were great and the school offered a variety of classes ranging from web design to ceramics to environmental design and so on! The school provided many ways to be involved via sports, clubs, events, and more. In addition, the school was safe and kept clean. Not to mention the environment was friendly.
Read 326 Reviews

• A+

• 2,032 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

San Dieguito High Academy

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 414

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 414 Reviews

• A+

• 1,828 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Grossmont Middle College High School

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA
• 11-12
• 130

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 130 Reviews

• A+

• 70 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sage Creek High School

• Carlsbad Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 40

Parent: Sage did a great job of providing the right framework for my child to succeed. Incredible programs to explore, room to fail in a safe environment, opportunities to pick herself up and try again!
Read 40 Reviews

• A+

• 1,000 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rancho Bernardo High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 462

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 462 Reviews

• A+

• 2,265 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mt. Carmel High School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 321

Senior: I went into high school expecting the worst. All that changed when I went went to Mt. Carmel. My first day as a freshman. I was welcomed by the link crew leaders there making sure everyone felt welcome and involved. I’ve met and made the best friends here. Joining clubs helped me understand who I was and grew into a better version of myself. The teachers and staff here are the nicest people you’ll ever meet. They’re like friends on campus who are there to help you with any problem you need. Being a senior, I’ve reflected on how much I’ll miss this place and all the memories I’ve made. I will truly miss this place when I graduate, and it is really great to be a sundevil:)
Read 321 Reviews

• A+

• 1,960 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Deer Canyon Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 504 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mt. Everest Academy

• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 39

Parent: The school is excellent. The teachers care about the students and always available for help. The principal is very enthusiastic and efficient. Students are well behaved, and parents are involved in the school, especially Elementary and Middle. The settings allow the kids to have time to pursue their talents and passion at a high level, sports, music, theater, etc without neglecting academics. Unlike “regular” public schools, the school offers a lot of extracurricular activities done by parents or teachers . This is the proof that with good management, great staff and great teachers, you can do a lot on a shoestring budget, unlike the other SD District schools. They are getting results in local, state and national science fairs. Students also are getting awards in high level sports, music and other competitions. Our daughter started at 7th grde and never wanted to leave until she graduated from high school. She was accepted to several top colleges across the country.
Read 39 Reviews

• A+

• 263 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Los Penasquitos Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 551 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Willow Grove Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 764 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Carmel Valley Middle School

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

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+

• 1,361 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Creekside Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 564 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Monterey Ridge Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 1,038 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stone Ranch Elementary School

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

Alum: I'm seventeen years old so forgive me for not having an recent memories of elementary school. It was a generally happy time. I liked most of my teachers, and I feel like I learned a lot. Although I almost think the curriculum is more centered around reading/writing and less thowards math, which I needed more support in. Then again, I haven't attended the school in about six years, and it could have changed since then.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 956 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Oak Valley Middle School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• 6-8
• 14

• A+

• 1,388 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Del Sur Elementary School

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

Parent: Amazing school--teachers and faculty. My kids are thriving--being taught to show kindness for others, in addition to being taught to achieve academic excellence. Can't say enough good things. Period.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 705 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mission Vista High School

• Vista Unified School District, CA
• 9-12
• 456

Sophomore: I absolutely love it here. I am a student interested in technical theatre, and the the teacher is absolutely fantastic. I haven't run into too many terrible teachers, most of them are very kind, and I say that as an AP/Honors student. The counselors are also very helpful and have your best interest in mind. All that being said, my favorite thing about this place in the people. No one is just plain rude or mean, all the students seem to get on very well and I have encountered little to no drama. The only thing I would suggest is to space out your classes over time. You have plenty of time! There is no reason to be stressing yourself out (except for Junior year.)
Read 456 Reviews

• A+

• 1,566 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Park Village Elementary School

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

Alum: Park Village Elementary School is a very engaging school. There are lots of activities that are provided for students to participate in, much of them being creative and competitive fundraisers throughout the year. There is always a different prize each year for raising money, which usually includes the principal doing something outrageous like taking a cereal-and-milk-bath in a wetsuit during the monthly assembly. Also, teachers direct plays for students to be involved in, and they perform for both parents and other students to watch. The staff at Park Village is amazing; teachers are super friendly and understanding, yet are not so lenient that the kids don't learn, the principals are always awesome and outgoing, and even the janitors remember every child's name for years past their promotion.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 635 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Costa Canyon High School

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
• 9-12
• 426

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 426 Reviews

• A+

• 1,863 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Canyon View Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 540 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Earl Warren Middle School

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

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+

• 595 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Adobe Bluffs Elementary School

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

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+

• 352 Students
• 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio