20 Best Public High Schools in California – 2025

If you live in California and have your eyes set on attending an Ivy, Ivy Plus, or other competitive school, finding the best high school (public or private) is crucial. For many students, finding the ideal high school is just as important as scoping out the right university. Especially for students whose academic interests are defined early, high schools that offer specialized curricula are a big draw. At these campuses, students not only prepare for the next step in their academic careers but also develop relevant skill sets that translate well to the collegiate level.

California is a large and beautiful state known for its landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica Pier, and, of course, the Hollywood sign. But California is also home to some of the best public high schools. From performing and fine arts institutions to STEM-focused campuses, the best public high schools in California are well-equipped to foster a wide variety of student interests. What’s more, the best public schools in California are close to some of the top-rated universities in the country. For example, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley consistently top the list of highly-ranked universities.

Attending one of the best public high schools in California can help set students up for success on their college applications, no matter which institution they choose.

How We Selected the Best Public High Schools in California

When assembling this list, we reviewed several factors. These factors include the school’s statewide ranking (out of 2,613), the number of students who passed at least one AP exam, average SAT and ACT scores, and the school’s graduation rate. Additionally, we reviewed the College Readiness Index of each school and the average rating for subject proficiency in mathematics, reading, and science.

Finally, while this list is selective, the schools are presented in alphabetical order for ease of presentation.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best public high schools in California and see how they help prepare high schoolers for the next step in their academic careers.

Best Public High Schools in California

1) California Academy of Mathematics & Science

• Location: Carson (Long Beach Unified)
• Enrollment: 672
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 18

Founded in 1990, the California Academy of Mathematics and Science has a long history of training the best and brightest. CAMS’s commitment to social mobility is clear — with 90% minority enrollment, CAMS still has an impressive 95% graduation rate. What’s more, CAMS students benefit from the school’s location on the campus of CSU Dominguez Hills, so many of the credits they earn are easily transferable to one of the many colleges and universities around California.

2) Canyon Crest Academy

• Location: San Diego (San Dieguito Union High School District)
• Enrollment: 2,183
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 27

In addition to the run-of-the-mill value words — “integrity,” “authenticity,” “resilience,” — CCA adds “weirdness.” So while they offer 27 AP courses and the opportunity to earn college credit at Palomar College, students can also join the calligraphy club and/or the ambiguously named “fish club” (they play the card game “fish”).

3) Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

• Location: Wilmington (LA Unified)
• Enrollment: 474
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 19

Interestingly, VHTPA calls itself an “Early College High School.” Don’t know what that means? It means that all students at VHTPA can get an associate degree by the end of their high school career. This is possible because VHTPA is located on the campus of Harbor College. The fact that can graduate high school with an AA degree is in line with VHTPA’s mission — “to increase the graduation rate and college enrollment of at-risk, highly capable students and to address the teacher shortage in Local District 8 by fostering potential in students interested in becoming teachers.” This aim is a worthy one and explains why the students at AHTPA are so incredibly motivated and successful.

4) Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy

• Location: Gilroy (Gilroy Unified)
• Enrollment: 290 (grades 7-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 24

Part of California’s “Early College” system, the motto of GECA is “Be someone. Go somewhere. Seek excellence.” Founded in 2007 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GECA is situated on the campus of Gavilan College. This close proximity allows GECA’s motivated students to graduate high school with a fully transferable AA degree. Given the rigor of GECA, applicants are required to take the PreACT and sit for an interview. With its top-notch academic programs, GECA aims to form “strong leaders who nurture future leaders by demonstrating integrity, desire, determination, and dedication.”

5) Dougherty Valley High School

• Location: Contra Costa (San Ramon Valley Unified) Enrollment: 3,118
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 27

As you’ll probably notice, many of the schools’ mission statements start to sound the same. To wit, DVHS prioritizes “a student-centered learning community that encourages and challenges students.” It also hopes to mold “creative, engaged, and ethical global citizens.” It will do this with its 27 AP courses, its college and career center, and its host of clubs and organizations.

6) Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA)

• Location: Los Angeles (Los Angeles Unified School District)
• Enrollment: 344 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 (grades K-12)
• # of AP Courses Offered: 24

This school’s full name is a mouthful — “Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Dr. Michelle King School for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.” In some ways, this school is an oddity — it’s an all-girls public school. At the same time, its founding principles are sound. It states, “[r]ecognizing that an achievement and participation gap exists in LAUSD between female and male students in STEM-related disciplines…GALA provides a highly rigorous college preparatory STEM-focused education in an all-girls environment based on voluntary enrollment that fosters academic excellence, ethical leadership, and intellectual curiosity.”

7) Henry M. Gunn High School

• Location: Palo Alto (Palo Alto Unified School District)
• Enrollment: 1,713
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 29

With an enviable student-teacher ratio and a whopping 29 AP courses on offer, Henry Gunn stands out even in the upper echelon of the best public high schools in California. According to their website, Titans are “self-reliant learners empowered to better themselves and their communities.” To achieve this goal, Gunn High School encourages empathy, ethical decision-making, curiosity, and creativity. When they’re not developing their ethical selves, Titans can pursue everything from creative writing to robotics.

8) Lowell High School

• Location: San Francisco (San Franciso Unified)
• Enrollment: 672
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 30

Lowell High School is very proud of the fact that it is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi. Weird flex, but okay. Other things they could brag about: they offer 30 AP courses; they have 82.3% minority enrollment; and a 99% graduation rate. They’re also enthusiastic about the three Nobel Prize winners who graduated from Lowell (i.e., Albert Abraham Michelson, Joseph Erlanger, and Eric Allin Cornell). Can you claim to be the best public high school in California without one or two Nobel prize winners?

9) Lynbrook High School

• Location: San Jose (Fremont Union High School District)
• Enrollment: 1,741 (grades 7-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 17

Lynbrook’s mission is guided by the four C’s — Collaboration, Creative Critical Thinking, Citizenship, and Communication. Its stated goal is to “create a dynamic environment of respect and achievement where all can learn deeply, apply their knowledge, and contribute purposefully.” Accordingly, there seems to be almost 80 registered clubs, from the “Surgery Interest Club” to the “Magic Club.”

10) Monta Vista High School 

• Location: Cupertino (Fremont Union High School District)
• Enrollment: 1,751 (grades 7-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 26

With a reputation for rigorous academics and an extensive elective program, Monta Vista has been an academic powerhouse since it was built in 1969. They offer more than just academics — they aim to make their students “informed, ethical and active citizens; knowledgeable self-directed workers; discerning participants in the arts; and lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal excellence who can adapt to the challenges of the future.” When they’re not taking one of the 26 AP courses offered, Monta Vista students can join one of the nearly 90 student clubs (Rubik’s Cube Club, anyone?).

11) Mission San Jose High School

• Location: Fremont (Fremont Unified School District)
• Enrollment: 1,878 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 26

Mission is a large school that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in Basic Car Care and Audio Production or any of the 26 AP courses they offer, something is sure to spark your passion. In an acrostic of dubious quality, Mission aims to foster Well-rounded individuals; Analytical thinkers; Resilient people; Respectful of ourselves, [the] community, and the environment; Impactful citizens; Original artists; Risk-takers; Socially responsible peers (WARRIOR). More traditionally, Mission claims to “nurture the academic, personal, and social development of our students, preparing them for a lifetime of learning, service, and leadership.”

12) Oxford Academy

• Location: Cypress (Anaheim Union High School District)
• Enrollment: 821 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 (grades 7-12)
• # of AP Courses Offered: 21

Admirably, Oxford Academy defines itself as a “community of innovators dedicated to nurturing the holistic growth of life-long learners who will lead and serve an evolving local and global society.” Students can apply to enter Oxford either in 7th or 8th grade via a competitive application process (900 students apply for 230 spots). Students also benefit from Oxford’s dual-enrollment program with Cypress College, which allows them to get college credit while still in high school. Oxford offers a bevy of student clubs, including robotics and Key Club.

13) Pacific Collegiate Charter

• Location: Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County Office of Education)
• Enrollment: 560 (grades 7-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 22

Pacific Collegiate is a charter school, which means that while it is tuition-free, admission is non-selective and determined by a lottery system. What is interesting is that every student at Pacific Collegiate Charter is required to take a minimum of five AP courses in order to graduate. Students at PCS also have access to over 40 clubs, including the robotics club and the Dungeons and Dragons club (both of which meet in Mr. Koen’s room). (As we all know, having a D&D club is crucial if you’re hoping to be the best public high school in California.)

14) Riverside STEM Academy

• Location: Riverside (Riverside Unified School District)
• Enrollment: 250 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1 (grades 5-12)
• # of AP Courses Offered: 10

As its name implies, Riverside STEM Academy (RSA) focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Interestingly, RSA comprises two separate programs for middle and high school. RSA aims to cultivate student inquiry, specialized skill-building, and knowledge application within an environment of problem-solving and collaborative skill development. Students benefit from RSA’s relationship with the University of California, Riverside, which gives access to a variety of co-curricular activities, including symposium speakers, university-sponsored workshops, field trips, research, mentorships, academic tutoring, and extracurricular science and engineering competitions.

15) Saratoga High School

• Location: Saratoga (Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District)
• Enrollment: 1,198
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 27

SHS offers all the academic excellence one would expect — VEX robotics, a nationally-ranked speech and debate team, marching band, etc. — but does it with just a touch of “falcon flair.” Some of their signature programs include “Project Lead the Way,” their Media Arts Program, and their close collaboration with West Valley College. (Don’t ask me what their “Toga Commissions” refer to.)

16) The Science Academy STEM Magnet

• Location: North Hollywood (LA Unified)
• Enrollment: 261 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1 (grades 7-12)
• # of AP Courses Offered: 14

As the #1 ranked school in the LA Unified School District, the Science Academy STEM Magnet has much to recommend it, not least that their VEX Robotics Club won 1st place in the recent World Finals. At the same time, this school balances student well-being with its rigorous academics, aiming to “create a community that is cohesive, caring, and welcoming.”

17) University High School

• Location: Los Angeles (Los Angeles Unified)
• Enrollment: 491
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 24

University High School (“Uni”) features a Math, Art, Science, and Technology Magnet, an Honors Program, and a Communication Arts Academy. At the MAST Magnet, students take the standard coursework and choose one of the following three elective tracks — computer science, AVID, or digital media. Motivated students can also take courses at West LA College to get ahead when they graduate.

18) West Campus High School

• Location: Sacramento (Sacramento Unified)
• Enrollment: 838 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 34

19) Western Center Academy

• Location: Riverside (Hemet Unified)
• Enrollment: 349 (grades 9-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 (grades 6-12)
• # of AP Courses Offered: 23

If your child is selected (by lottery) to attend this charter school, they will benefit from a “rigorous and exciting multidisciplinary learning experience.” What’s more, WCA integrates the Western Science Center into its “museum discovery learning,” which is unique, experiential, active, participatory, and uses real specimens to explore science. That being said, compared to the other schools on the list, club life does seem scant.

20) Whitney High School

• Location: Cerritos (ABC Unified)
• Enrollment: 1021 (grades 7-12)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
• # of AP Courses Offered: 14

With a 98% AP exam pass rate and a 1389 SAT average, Whitney High School is a top-notch school just south of Los Angeles. In addition to the standard course load, students can take electives such as Film/TV Production, Ceramics, and Statistical Reasoning. At the same time, academics aren’t everything at Whitney — they offer everything from pep squad to mock trial. Like some of the other schools on this list, Whitney is an expanded high school, serving students in grades 7-12.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for college starts in high school. Whether it be joining a variety of extracurriculars or opting for AP classes, students should be aware of how their high school career will translate into college readiness. If you live in California, finding the best public high school in California can be an important first step to your best-fit college.

It’s inevitable that debate will transpire about which is the better option—private schools or public ones. Between larger cities like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and even smaller suburbs, public schools are well-equipped to provide rigorous academics.

At a public school, one of the best choices a student can make is opting to take an AP exam after studying the course material throughout the academic year. If a student scores a 3+ on the examination, they will earn college credit for the subject. This means they do not have to enroll in the course again in college. Not only does this save the student time, but also it can save them money.

Ultimately, there are many public high schools in California with exemplary credentials. As we can see, these public high schools come from many cities and suburbs across the state. For students looking at any major, there are a wide variety of public high schools that will prepare them well for the next step in their academic careers.

Want to know more about schools in California (and elsewhere)? Check out the links below:

• Best Public High Schools in NYC
• Best Public High Schools in NJ
• Best Colleges in California
• Best Community Colleges in California
• Best Scholarships for College Students in California
• Best Medical Schools in California
• Best Law Schools in California