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2020 Best International Baccalaureate Schools in the Los Angeles AreaAbout this List

Explore top IB schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Find the right IB program or IB world school for you. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 59
Best Schools
59 results

  1. Troy High School

    • Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 841 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Troy High School is a STEM school, no two ways about it. If you're interested in computer science, want access to higher-level maths and science courses, and want to compete with a hundred other students who want to do the same, this school is perfect for you. AP Computer Science Principles is a great/relatively easy course that all Troy Tech freshmen are required to take. Of course, that doesn't mean the humanities and arts are lacking. Sophomores have the option of taking an AP English language course, while most high schools offer the course in junior year. The Media pathway of Troy Tech has courses on advanced journalism, broadcast journalism, yearbook, and film. All of which are great programs. There's also a business pathway, but I have heard it's a bunch of busywork. Troy is a small campus, and easy to get used to. Many teachers, especially honors and ap teachers, have been teaching for more than a decade and are so experienced within their subject.
    Read 841 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,680 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Fairmont Preparatory Academy

    • Private School
    • Anaheim, CA
    • 9-12
    • 51 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Fairmont Preparatory Academy is a wonderful school with great teachers, faculty and staff! The students and families are wonderful as well! I am grateful and truly appreciate the school's diversity, college readiness, safety, resources, and sincere love and support of all the teachers and faculty.

    This is truly a wonderful school and my family is blessed to be apart it. Thank you Fairmont Preparatory Academy, for providing many positive and memorable opportunities and experiences, but most importantly for making a difference in our children's lives!
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 577 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Santa Margarita Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
    • 9-12
    • 287 reviews
    #32 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: SMCHS is an amazing high school experience with an emphasis on academics, athletics, well-being, safety, and community. Highly recommend! From freshman orientation to these final days of high school, I have enjoyed my teachers, coaches, club leaders, campus ministry, and administration. Top notch! I learned and experienced something new every year with an engaging classroom experience, strong swim team and water polo teams, diverse clubs and programming that offers something for everyone. SMCHS promotes a strong and positive community filled with respect, kindness, and love for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. I truly enjoyed my high school experience. It’s always a great day to be an Eagle!
    Read 287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,638 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. New Covenant Academy

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • K-12
    • 24 reviews
    #36 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Works Here: I was really impressed with this school, overall. The children smile and enjoy one another's friendship and fellowship. You can tell these children know who Christ is and He has put true joy in their hearts. This is a very disciplined school as well, with a rigorous academic repertoire that challenges students every step of their K-12 school lives. The staff here have warm and inviting Christian character, which is what you'd expect from a traditional Christian school. The staff also try to make learning fun and modern in and out of the classroom. Students of New Covenant Academy have many opportunities to go on trips throughout the school year and learn a plethora of interpersonal and relational skills that public schools severely lack. I would recommend this school most assuredly!
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 174 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Walnut High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 564 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: Tough academic standpoint, high expectations, and a positive atmosphere. The students are friendly and are willing to help you in any way; same with the teachers. The coaches are always focus on helping individuals become stronger, better in the sport, they know the students can improve no matter what level they are at. The staff, Principle, teachers and coaches always bring impact to the student's lives and improves their ability to become who they want to be. Walnut High School campus is filled with amazing clubs, passion, and spirit. Especially prep rallies, stress relief weeks where theres activities to do during lunch time, and spirit weeks when its time to dress for the theme or to support organizations or awarenesses. Walnut is filled with competition from academics, the performing arts, visual arts, clubs, and of course, sports.
    Read 564 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,637 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Diamond Bar High School

    • Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 737 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: Academics are cutthroat competitive. The majority of the student population is smart enough to learn on their own. This causes many teachers to believe that they're teaching well, when in reality they do not. The majority of families care deeply about academic achievement, so tutors are often hired to teach when teachers fail. However, around 70% of teachers are incredibly talented and passionate about their jobs, which heavily motivates students and creates a fertile learning environment. Music and STEM programs are incredibly strong; all other academic offerings are sub-par in comparison.The vast majority of students only participate in clubs and activities because they are elite college application checkmarks, resulting a generally disingenuous student population.
    Read 737 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,042 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Valencia High School

    • Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 409 reviews
    #29 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Valencia High School (VHS) has provided me with an enriching high school experience. Being a member of the Dance Team has been my most treasured memory, as this is where I met my best friends. With movement being my passion, my teammates encourage me to be creative without fearing mistakes. VHS has also challenged my mind through rigorous curriculum in the AP courses. My teachers know the correct balance between difficult content and a nurturing environment. Thus, my desire to further my education after high school has been influenced by the VHS staff. The diversity at my school is praiseworthy. Students of all races can be seen on campus, which emulates the real world and has made me more knowledgeable about other cultures. However, the administration-to-parent communication at VHS leaves something to be desired. A few times parents have been unaware of the school being on lockdown until hours after the fact. Essentially, Valencia High School is a prime education facility.
    Read 409 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,782 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Great Oak High School

    • Temecula Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 751 reviews
    #40 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: I loved the spirit of Great Oak. Everyone participated in Spirit Days where we would dress to a certain theme - it was so much fun! I also loved the football games! Again, there were so many student there to cheer the team on and it was just full of so much energy and fun. I also enjoyed the clubs and the marching band (I was a part of it for two years). Most of the teachers I had were amazing. I loved the Spanish program! A few teachers weren't very dedicated to their student's success though (for me, it was mainly in the history classes). Overall, Great Oak is a very energetic, spirited, and passionate high school with few downsides.
    Read 751 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,335 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Newbury Park High School

    • Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 492 reviews
    #41 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Great school! Really learned a lot over the years. Interesting clubs and activities on campus, and other students are very nice. Teachers are generally good, although there are a couple that probably shouldn't be going to NPHS. Overall though, recommend attending!
    Read 492 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,439 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Mission Viejo High School

    • Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 591 reviews
    #48 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I love MVHS! Everyone is really friendly—freshman to seniors—and I always feel welcomed. Our staff is amazing and they really try to build good relationships with the students. There is an abundance of cool classes you can take: art, photography, oceanography, horticulture, and much more! The classes are challenging, but the teachers help so much. Football games are when the whole school becomes one. We have an amazing D-1 football team, and everyone is so spirited and excited every Friday night. Mission Viejo High School has treated me very well over these four years!
    Read 591 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,324 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Sunny Hills High School

    • Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 505 reviews
    #50 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: Most of the teachers are great at teaching, culture is great with a lot of fun activities as well. Football team is really great! I would highly recommend going out to the school football games. Colleges like Sunny Hills students and admit a lot of students.
    Read 505 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,323 Students
    • 32:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Foothill High School

    • Tustin Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 457 reviews
    #59 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I am currently attending Foothill High School as a senior. So far, I have had a very good experience at Foothill High School. The school is definitely one of the top schools in the Tustin/Orange/Santa Ana area. I have had a mostly positive experience with my academics. I take mostly honors and AP classes; I feel like most of my teachers (with one or two exceptions) genuinely care about students' performance both in class and on the AP test. However, advanced classes are not easy and require large amounts of studying and homework to succeed. Additionally, the school excels in sports and the arts. I am a part of the choir program, which has provided me with many musical opportunities such as festivals and concerts. Overall, my academic experience at Foothill has been stellar!
    Read 457 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,535 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. International School of Los Angeles - Burbank

    • Private School
    • Burbank, CA
    • 6-12
    • 3 reviews
    #58 Best Private High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: My children have all attended this elementary school and gone on to the middle and high school. The education is rigorous and stringent. The teachers are very knowledgeable and pay attention to each student individually. The school offers diversity- cultural, ethnic, socio-economic and the education rivals the top American Private schools across the country. Our children speak 3 different languages, have taken French national exams and are ready and prepared for either tracks- the International or French Bac. The school offers music, arts, festival, great parent involvement and fantastic school spirit. I highly recommend this educational institution
    Read 3 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Laguna Hills High School

    • Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 351 reviews
    #61 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Parent: Laguna Hills High School is a small school however, it offers a lot. The atmosphere is very friendly and the staff is usually willing to help regardless of the problem. In the two years my daughter has been here we have had a very positive experience. My daughter is very happy with her decision to attend Laguna Hills HS!
    Read 351 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,606 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Downtown Magnets High School

    • Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 328 reviews
    #62 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Junior: My experience at Downtown Magnets High School has been good so far. The teachers offer help after school such as tutoring for those who are still struggling in the course. In addition, they are willing to offer extra resources for those in need. I would say that one thing I would change about my school is the math department. Through the few years, I have attended I was not able to learn many new things and I still find myself struggling through things I should know already. In my second year of attending this school, I had substitutes attending my geometry class, I struggled with the work they assigned because I had to use other resources in order to comprehend the problems and learn how to solve them. I still find myself struggling in math but I am using online resources to progress.
    Read 328 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,034 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Capistrano Valley High School

    • Capistrano Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 442 reviews
    #63 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Capistrano Valley High School offers many opportunities for students. Many staff members work to prepare students for college and the future. As a student I receive dozens of emails about opportunities such as scholarships and jobs. Most teachers truly care about their students education and work to encourage them to succeed. The campus is starting to be renovated but is still noticeable in need of more work. Programs such as, STEM and Drama, are great at Capo and also give students a look into possible careers in the future. Overall Capo gives students a good start to their future.
    Read 442 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,141 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. San Clemente High School

    • Capistrano Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 397 reviews
    #69 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: San Clemente High School is a overall great school! The school has various challenging academic programs including the International Baccalaureate program, the Advanced Placement program, and Honors courses. The athletics are very competitive and have won many titles. The music and drama productions are also very impressive, but unfortunately the school does not have a proper theater to hold performances.
    Read 397 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,010 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Agoura High School

    • Las Virgenes Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 405 reviews
    #80 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Agoura High School provides a lot of opportunities, especially within the classroom. The amount of unique classes that they offer provide everyone some type of environment in which they can thrive. The computer science classes are specifically good and provide three unique languages. The senior english classes pushes students to step outside of their comfort zone by creating multiple unique classes such as Search For Self and Sports Psychology classes. The teachers are very committed and care a lot for their students. The sports teams are very competitive as well. The biggest draw to Agoura High School is the outstanding music department that is offered. The bands are top notch and if you are serious about music, the Agoura music program is the best place to be.
    Read 405 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,087 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Trabuco Hills High School

    • Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 557 reviews
    #83 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Freshman: Going to Trabuco Hills High School has inspired me to achieve my dreams and grow to accomplish my ambitions of success. Although some of my teachers were not the best, certain teachers had pushed me to do my best and prepared me for the rigors of my future classes. The diversity of classes provided by this school span over a wide variety of career choices that one may want to pursue in. The coaches that I've encountered for sports have all been great and experienced in what they are doing. However, the cafeteria options are not a good place to buy food! Their options are very disgusting, and there are barely any healthy choices for students to choose from. On the other hand, Trabuco Hills is a very safe place to be compared to most high schools, and this school puts lots of efforts into safety drills and anti-drug use programs to ensure that it is a safe learning environment.
    Read 557 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,841 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Claremont High School

    • Claremont Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 551 reviews
    #84 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Junior: Claremont High School is a great school to attend. The campus is outdoors, so students are constantly surrounded by nature. Teachers are very respectful and care about their student’s academic and personal life. In my personal experiences I have noticed that teachers try their best to be inclusive of all students and accomadate to any special classroom needs. Teachers also emphasize respect for fellow classmates and staff. There are many interesting clubs on campus, and there is always a chance for a student to start a new one! There are also great opportunities within some of the electives. I’m great to be apart of this school, and I will miss it when I graduate!
    Read 551 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,405 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Glen A. Wilson High School

    • Hacienda la Puente Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 431 reviews
    #94 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Alum: A high school tucked away in the suburbs of Hacienda Heights, Glen A. Wilson High represents diversity, community, and advocates for personal development. I am proud to call myself an alumni, a Wildcat, as I have fond memories of hanging out at the barn and benefiting from the art/dance department. I gained great leadership skills, honed in on my self-esteem and confidence which projected me to new heights as I pursued full time careers in tech and consulting. Faculty and administration also invested their time and effort in ensuring students' success as they focused on propelling us into our passions and pursuits.
    Read 431 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,555 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. El Segundo Middle School

    • El Segundo Unified School District, CA
    • 6-8
    • 6 reviews

    Niche User: I currently attend El Segundo Middle School as an incoming 8th grader. I adore this school with all my heart. This school offers amazing academics. One thing the school lacks is diversity. Most of the students are white, a small amount is Asian and black. Which makes you feel a bit alone when you don't have as many people who look like you. But, the students are kind and you can make many friends here. The math teachers are amazing 10/10
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 821 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Centennial High School

    • Corona-Norco Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 822 reviews
    #99 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: Centennial High school is an amzaing school filled will different types of students from all around the world. It is amazing how caring and how fun learning is with the teahers from centennial. The staff is always friendly and will always greet you with a "goodmorning" whenever they see you. The school is also fulled with amazing sports team and clubs. They invlove you in everything and make it feel like everyone has known each other for such a long time! The school is also very clean like the bathrooms and hall ways.
    Read 822 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,239 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Canyon High School

    • Orange Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 475 reviews
    #102 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: I graduated Class of 2017. I had average grades A/B's all 4 years, I TOOK NO AP & NO IB classes 1170/1600 SAT and still got in to all 9 (Top 100 US College/University) The school does an amazing job helping you prepare and get accepted to Universities. I will say If Canyon had better teachers (like El Rancho did) than I would have no doubt that I wouldn't have struggled as much academically the first year at my University. My ADVICE to fellow students and parents reading this would be to have your students take a mixed Regular & Honors classes, AVOID AP & IB classes, that way your student can actually enjoy high school, than I would recommend to go straight to Community College, the only 3 good ones in the OC (based on what % transfer into decent Universities) are Santiago (SCC), Orange Coast College, and Irvine Valley. Don't bother going anywhere else! This way you cut your college DEBT in HALF! BEST ADVICE EVER, I personally ended up on 70% scholarship to a top 60 US rank University
    Read 475 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,282 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. John A. Rowland High School

    • Rowland Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 505 reviews
    #110 Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles Area

    Senior: John A. Rowland is one of the most advanced and considerate schools in the district! The campus is clean despite the relatively new construction, most of the staff has a high exposure to education and communication. The students' on campus are favorable. Granted, there is the occasional mean selection of students. however, I’ve never experienced a major division in regards to race, academic level or income as the school is very diverse, making it comfortable for all. The school provides a generous selection of sports, extracurricular activities and clubs often ran by the staff, allowing students to explore their interest. Regarding safety, there are over 100 security cameras and campus police to assure our safety and prepare us with procedures in case of an emergency. yet, I would like for the school to focus on encouraging more students to participate in activities such as sporting games or spirit weeks. As I believe that adds to the experience that students will always remember.
    Read 505 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,188 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Learning Prep School

    • Private School
    • West Newton, MA
    • 2-12
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: I have been at Learning Prep for 5 years now and honestly there is know other school that I think would accommodate my need.Also the small class sizes really helps with teachers helping you to achieve you IEP goals. I Totally recommend this school Please Please give it a try it is totally worth it.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • 160 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor

    • Private School
    • Dana Point, CA
    • PK, K-8
    • 855 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    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
    • 71 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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