2023 Best International Baccalaureate Schools in the Los Angeles Area

• Anaheim, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: For generations, Fairmont Academy has been a cornerstone of our family and for good reason. Investing in this institution is an investment with long-term benefits - offering the chance to gain more than just knowledge but also confidence, discipline and poise. Education plays such a key role in success that making sure we give our children the best start possible was paramount; thankfully at Fairmont they are guaranteed quality teaching from experts who know their stuff!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  960 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 960 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,614

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  59 reviews

Freshman: New Covenant Academy provided a family like educational environment which enabled my daughter to spend her sensitive teenage years safely and happily, thanks to the caring and encouraging teachers. Small numbers of student body allows teachers to pay undivided attention to each student. NCA also focuses on students' academic achievements that led to my daughter's acceptance to NYU! Most importantly, my daughter feels at home at school and has been spending her precious 4 years full of enjoyments and happiness! Choosing NCA for my daughter was my best choice!... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 174

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rancho Santa Margarita, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  330 reviews

Parent: Best teachers. Incredible coaches. Administrators who care about your student’s (and family’s) overall experience. World class arts program. Our son does Steel Drums as an elective and has also participated in several sports — Cross Country, Volleyball, Track. The concerts are next level — so much talent, so fun to watch! The coaches have all been tremendous and have taken their teams to CIF and State champs. They really care about the kids and are great leaders. There’s just so much love here. They say “Find it Here” and that’s so true…there’s really something for every interest.... Read 330 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,671

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,476 reviews

Freshman: Granada Hills Charter has been a rather pleasant experience. I feel very safe, and the school culture is very friendly. Some teachers are pretty alright, but some aren't good at teaching or too strict. There's a lot of different clubs that you can join, and the school sports teams are really good. The school food is probably one of the best, and the school programs are quality as well. The CP and Honors classes aren't difficult, and there's a broad selection of AP classes! There's a lot of webinars and parental involvement in this school. There's a lot of bathrooms since it's such a big campus, but most of them are closed due to vaping.... Read 1,476 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,462

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  629 reviews

Senior: Overall it was a good experience. The one thing I would change is the layout of the classrooms. There should not be classrooms in far parts of the school, away from all the other classes. If there needs to be different sections to decrease congestion, then there should at least be more classrooms in that area. Most of the teachers are excellent, however, they do move rather quickly, so if you decide to attend, make sure you can keep up with the pacing!... Read 629 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,205

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Walnut Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  822 reviews

Junior: Great environment! There're a lot of things to do here, including out of class activities like clubs or athletics. If you're interested in classes like choir or the arts, this school has a lot to offer. The teachers are also generally kind and caring. Overall, a very academically rich and diverse school.... Read 822 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,544

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  603 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 603 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,401

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• 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+

• Students 2,628

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Burbank, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Junior: I love the family atmosphere this school creates! There is excellent diversity in such that all students come from various different backgrounds. The IB system at our school is very rigorous and prepares you very well for college workload and tasks. One thing I would like to see more of is school spirit! Things that would bring our school together to have fun such as pep rallies, senior merch etc. Another thing I really enjoy at our school is the extra curriculars such as volleyball, soccer and basketball. We all go to each others games and support one another.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Temecula Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  835 reviews

Senior: Great oak was a great high school both academically and socially. Teachers and counselors push your academic limits to make sure that you reach your full potential as a student, it also contains a noticeably diverse range of extracurricular which allows students to most likely find a place where they feel like they would fit it on campus. Resources that range from teachers’ help to student tutoring were a great factor that contributed to the success of each student. Great oak offer both the AP program and the IB program which allows students the opportunity to further explore their interests and challenges student to prepare them for the next level. Overall, from my experience, great oak is a great school if you’re looking to achieve academic success as well as be involved in your community and in extra-curricular activities that interest you!... Read 835 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,158

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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+

• Students 2,068

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Los Angeles Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  370 reviews

Junior: My experience at Downtown Business Magnet High School has been very transformative. I learned a lot about myself and accomplished things I thought I never would have. There were many times where I was bewildered in my classes but my teachers would always find ways to help me understand the work better. The school is remarkable in every way, but there are some things I would change about it. I think I can speak for everyone when I say they would be happier to be in a much bigger campus/building. More windows, less clutter in hallways, more tables and places to eat outside, a field for sports, and just overall vitamin D from natural sunlight! We are now starting to go back to school in a few weeks but there's still a virus going around in the world. The fact that there are no windows in the building is a high risk to students because there is no ventilation circling around so the germs are all contained in the small building. I would overall rate my High School a solid 8.... Read 370 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,043

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Conejo Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  545 reviews

Alum: I hear mix reviews about NPHS, but I absolutely adored this school. I moved right before my ninth grade year and I had no friends going into high school. I quickly made friends through the amazing Girls' Basketball team. The teachers are overall really good and seem to care about their students. The theatre program is also astonishing! I felt that the programs I did and the people I was around were super supportive. Everyone pushed me to do better, but to take care of myself. I would not have the work ethic or communication skills I have now if it weren't for NPHS.... Read 545 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,338

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Hacienda la Puente Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  473 reviews

Junior: I’m terms of education, Wilson is a great high school to attend. During quarantine, virtual school wasn’t so bad except for the part where we had to show our entire face on camera. I was still able to take in the full learning experience. My math teacher Ms. Young, would stay after class in her zoom for any students that needed help. Most of the time when I stayed it would only be us two. It was very reassuring that she cared and was willing to help her students improve. Wilson has other great teachers that I would love to mention, but I’m running out of space. Besides the teachers, the students also make Wilson the great school that it is. I’ve made many friends through clubs and sports! The girls basketball team is like another family to me. Its like having 14 other sisters who I can rely on and look up to. I would say the only downside of Wilson or technically any public school is the food. At first it was pretty good, but after eating it every day, it gets bland.... Read 473 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,454

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  650 reviews

Alum: During my time as a student at Mission Viejo High School, I found and experienced many good things. The school is one of the few institutions that offers courses in the international baccalaureate (IB) program. As a student who was fully enrolled and committed to this program, I can confidently say that it does prepare students for college. So, as long as you are taking full advantage of the opportunities that the school is giving to you as a student, you will find the workload in college manageable. Furthermore, the leaders who guide the program are an additional bonus. Many instructors working both inside and outside the program are provide helpful resources and guidance. While there are many good things about this school in terms of the educational aspect, there are also a few things that could be improved on. Things such as choice of counselors, academic advisor availability, and etc. Despite these things, I would highly recommend attending this high school!... Read 650 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,949

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  633 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 633 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,718

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Tustin Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  511 reviews

Senior: I have gone to this school for almost 3 years and will be a graduating senior this year. Overall I have had a very well experience as a student here. There are great teachers, great librarians, amazing computer technician, and overall amazing staff throughout the school. The school ASB has amazing spirit and and pride for Foothill High. At student games, pep rallies, or events there is always amazing spirit throughout the school. The school clubs allow the students at foothill high to engage with other students who share the same interest like: volunteering, art clubs, culture, mock trial, music, etc. Foothill high school has amazing programs for athletes with a large variety of sports, such as: Swim, Golf, Lacrosse, water polo, Baseball, Soccer, Wrestling, Cross Country, Track, Dance, Cheer, etc. Foothill Highschool is very diverse with students from different cultural backgrounds. Other than the students, the campus has great resources to connect parents with student activities, etc... Read 511 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,387

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  42 reviews

Parent: We have found this to be a truly wonderful school with outstanding teachers, devoted administrators and a diverse community. We love the project based learning and critical thinking skills that our son is gaining through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program provided at the school. We also really value the opportunity that he has to learn TWO new languages, through German immersion and then Spanish beginning in third grade. Moreover, the school community really is international and very diverse. We love how different cultures and traditions are highlighted throughout the curriculum and school activities. Additionally, we have been really thrilled by the individualized attention that our son receives. The teachers and staff all really take the time to get to know individual students and their families, and are there to provide support and encouragement to all of us!... Read 42 reviews

• grade A

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Capistrano Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  442 reviews

Senior: San Clemente High School is such a special place that I have been fortunate enough to be able to attend for my high school academic career. The teachers are so caring and involved, and the whole town supports the high school just as the high school supports the local businesses. SCHS is a close-knit community that is constantly working to improve itself for the better of the student body. There are so many vast opportunities for students of different interests, backgrounds, and identities that allow them to surround themselves with people of similar interests and those of different perspectives. I have had the most amazing time at SCHS and I have made memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.... Read 442 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,948

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• 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

• Students 2,177

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Claremont Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  610 reviews

Senior: Claremont High School has been a wonderful experience. I enjoy the teachers and the camaraderie with my classmates. The faculty and staff are always helpful and my counselor is amazing. I love all the school activities and my AP classes have been fantastic. I play football , run track and I’ve played baseball in the past, and I love all of the coaches and supportive parents. I really enjoyed getting to know the athletic trainer. He is an amazing person and I have learned so much from him and his team of trainers. I also enjoyed all of the activities at Claremont High School from the sporting activities to the volunteer opportunities to the dances!... Read 610 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,380

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  379 reviews

Senior: Laguna Hills High School really brought a lot of memories for me. I met so many amazing people. Along with this, the teachers here are amazing! They are so helpful and kind. Not only this, but they were also trustworthy. In my opinion, the work we were given was reasonable and that's another thing why I liked this school. To add on, the activities were also very fun! Events such as the school dances and even the football games brought us together as a school to really enjoy ourselves. Also, the sports teams here are amazing as well! These teams give every athletic student a chance to show off their skills. As for the looks of the school, it was very neat and clean most of the time. As stated before, this place brought a lot of memories for my friends and I. Laguna Hills High School was a place for us to grow close relationships with our peers, while still learning academically. These memories will stick with us for many years to come! Hopefully others get to experience the same thing!... Read 379 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,462

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Rowland Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  574 reviews

Senior: As a senior at John A. Rowland High School, I must admit that my experience was great. Although the school generally has a negative reputation, I did not experience any negative aspects of the school. As a four year Varsity Basketball player and President of the CSF and Aeronautics clubs at my school, I would consider myself very involved with the culture at Rowland. I have been able to have gotten close to dozens of students as well as teachers, as many of the teachers were once Rowland students themselves. One of the things I love most about Rowland is the open-mindedness. Although our sports teams and school ranking may not be the best, every student has an open-heart and is willing to help those in need. All of the school clubs work together to make experiences worthwhile and the school's student council does a great job of holding fun and memorable events. Overall, Rowland High School is a truly exceptional school that is severely underrated when it comes to gaining recognition.... Read 574 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,033

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• El Segundo Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  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

• grade A

• Students 796

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1