2024 Best School Districts in California

• Palo Alto, CA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  68 reviews

Alum: The best parts of PAUSD are the vast variety of free resources students can excess. This includes college preparation, mental health, sports/physical equipment, and academic/course options. The worst parts include the heavy academic pressure to keep up with peers and go to a good university. Additionally, Don Austin, the superintendent, does not effectively address the concerns of students and staff. While he was superindentdant. for the majority of my time in PAUSD, various complaints were raised against him yet no changes were made. Instead, he was hired for another term. A major instance of note was when wildfires caused all bay area schools to close for a few days. He refused to close schools and many students (myself included) got sick. Additionally, in my senior year of high school, my counselors told me that Don Austin made many cuts yet the "saved" money did not show up in any other areas within the district.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 19

• Students 11,395

• Encinitas, CA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  72 reviews

Freshman: This school is welcoming and does its best to provide assistance for students. The counselors are extremely supportive and do their best to meet up with and help every student.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 12,615

• Los Gatos, CA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: The school is great, besides the gap between normal classes and AP classes. Advanced classes rely on knowledge from the previous year’s advanced class in that subject. This limits students’ ability improve as they often can only choose between college prep and AP, with no honors that they can use as a stepping stone for improvement. I’ve seen and experienced this in both English and History courses, and have seen others rejected for more advanced math (that they are willing to put extra effort in). Additionally, the difference in student population is crazy. Disclaimer: the following is just a stereotype, there are exceptions. All of the well-behaved, confident students are pushing themselves academically in the AP courses, while the awkward kids and the rowdy football kids are focused more on their social lives than their normal course. The shy kids in those courses don’t speak up for themselves when they are uncomfortable.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 3,269

• Arcadia, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  129 reviews

Senior: I believe that the Arcadia Unified School District is full of people with high Academic excellence. To be honest sometimes I feel a lot of pressure from being surrounded by people who seek to be great in Academics, but I admit that it has made me a better scholarly student. However I find that for everything there is a balance, and we Arcadia students don't have that. I have been in several school districts and Arcadia has the highest amount of stressed students that I've ever encountered. Along with having a lot of work, there is a lot of pressure with being an excellent student. I agree that being an excellent student is great but I wish that having a life is also important. Most students get only 4 hours of sleep in general. I believe that Arcadia Unified School District is full of great people, I just wished it promoted life outside school, and sleep.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 11

• Students 8,818

• Redondo Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: My children are now in high school, near the end of their time at RBUSD. They have attended Alta Vista Elementary, Parras Middle School and finally Redondo Union High School. We moved to Redondo Beach to attend these schools after doing some online research, which was largely data-driven, and the actual experience has been even better than expected. The teachers, the programs, and the facilities are all top-notch and diverse, allowing students of all stripes to shine. As my children shifted their activities from what, honestly, we as parents guessed to their own tastes, each step has been positive. What has been especially wonderful is the strong community that helps to realize those dreams—whether it’s in sports, in robotics, in theater, in media arts to everything. This has proven invaluable as my own kids moved to areas that we were less familiar with, and the strong sense of community makes people want to pitch in, even when ones’ own kids aren’t the direct beneficiaries.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 14

• Students 9,541

• Palos Verdes Estates, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  80 reviews

Parent: This district has a lot of wonderful schools, but more importantly they focus on the whole child. Academics are very important, but mental health is priority. The students are high achieving and happy. Sports events are well attended. Parents are highly involved. Staff is supportive and understands the stressors of being a student today. I am very impressed with this district. The school board is also for the most part very fair and helpful. They support the needs of all children- not just those that fit into a conventional box. They are understanding and encourage diversity, thought provoking topics and prioritize mental health and happiness of both students and staff... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 18

• Students 10,457

• San Marino, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: You’ll definitely be pushed academically at SMUSD. However, the district and city as a whole are very elitist. Most of my peers came from families that could afford tutors and college counselors outside of what SMUSD actually offers. As someone who didn’t move to SM until I was a teenager, I felt constantly underestimated, especially by the guidance counselor and administration at HMS, who disregarded my previous success as “well, this is San Marino, not ____.” This attitude was also reflected in the students. Another problem was the handling of funding. SMUSD laid off a ton of teachers in my time at SMHS, and cut a lot of funding to the arts. It was frustrating to see them force out so many wonderful, young teachers yet keep some older, lower quality teachers. While I am definitely benefiting from my SM education now that I’m in college, I wish the district would open itself to a more diverse pool of students and staff.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,751

• Sunnyvale, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: My experience at Fremont high school these past four years have been good and I have been able to grow as a person and become someone who cares about her education, and her future thanks to Fremont. Fremont has amazing opportunities to advance academically and pursue your dream of going to college and achieving having a successful career. They also have a good extracurricular program that lets you be involved with the school and make new and lifelong friends.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 10,019

• Larkspur, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: Archie Williams High School is a decent school academically. The social scene is pretty good, though everything became more complicated during and after the COVID pandemic. At this school, people are encouraged to be themselves. This is mostly a good thing, though sometimes students get away with too much. For example, I've been scratched by a Furry and the bathrooms get crazy sometimes. I've had a few very good teachers, many good teachers, and two bad teachers. I didn't like high school much during the first two years but now that I'm close to graduating my perspective has shifted and I know I will miss it. Major pros: Most people are nice and there's an open campus for lunch with easy access to decent food. Also, sports are good- especially water polo, football, and track. Major cons: Campus food is not great and some of the old buildings are creepy.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,837

• La Canada, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Junior: I’m honestly not a huge fan of the students(maybe because I’m pretty introverted) but I love my small group of friends. A lot of my teachers the past three years have been really big and offer a lot of help. Facility is amazing. Our guards are tough but can be really nice and friendly to students. I would say that there is a lot of school spirit, assemblies are held every month and lots of activities are hosted throughout the school year. Something I don’t particularly like about the school is that it isn’t the cleanest. Sometimes food is left out in the hallways and stairwells for weeks with no one cleaning up. I do see some improvements in this though, like more trash cans being placed around the school. However, I don’t think the stairways are regularly checked because there’s always something new stinking up the hallway. Overall, I do really like this school but cleanliness could be better.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,877

• Lafayette, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: The available classes cover a wide range of topics and study areas which is nice for someone like me who enjoys taking lots of different kinds of classes. The school gets everyone together through spirit, sports, and club events and activities.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 5,420

• Carmel, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: Carmel Unified has been a wonderful community to grow up in. The staff cares and supports all students achieving their dreams. The school has persevered through several challenges these past 3 years but it continues to improve and learn from past mistakes.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 2,274

• Santa Monica, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: Santa Monica high school has many great resources and opportunities for students and families. It is an inclusive school, excellent STEM, theater, music, photography programs!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 17

• Students 8,820

• Irvine, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  216 reviews

Senior: IUSD schools have often demonstrated high academic achievement. The district is known for offering a robust Advanced Placement program, allowing students to take challenging courses and earn college credits while still in high school. Irvine is a diverse community with highly educated and involved parents. Parental support and involvement can positively impact a student's educational experience. The district typically invests in maintaining modern and well-equipped campuses. IUSD often provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs, allowing students to explore and develop their interests outside the classroom. The district usually employs well-qualified and experienced teachers, contributing to the overall quality of education. Although, I wish there was more club involvement and student life.... Read 216 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 45

• Students 36,542

• Laguna Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  21 reviews

Junior: Overall, Laguna Beach is a really nice school. This campus is always super clean, the staff is really nice, and the teachers really care about their students. I also like the FLEX tutorial that LBHS offers. This is a 30 minute time period between 5/6 period and 7/8. You can pick whichever class you want to go to. I like this format because it allows me and other students to pick classes we need help with or to make up tests. I also like how much our school tries to involve students. They always have something going on for students to participate in. I really appreciate the 8 period schedule that is new this year because it gives students flexibility within their days. For dislikes, I think the periods, 80 minutes, are a bit long. On Fridays, the all-8-period day only allows for 30 minutes in each class which seems a bit rushed at times. Since the school is relatively small, there are not that many teachers. This means you can get the same teacher in a row multiple years.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,456

• San Mateo, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: San Mateo High School is an amazing place to be, especially as a current senior. The school has a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. The teachers are supportive and always willing to help you succeed. The campus is beautiful, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities for learning and extracurricular activities. The student body is diverse, which allows you to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, making your high school experience enriching and educational. The community in San Mateo is also fantastic, with lots of local shops, restaurants, and parks to explore during your free time. Overall, San Mateo High School provides a safe and vibrant community where you can grow academically, socially, and personally.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 8,942

• Pleasanton, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: Overall good community, education, opportunities, etc, however, there are a few unpleasant staff members (mostly in the attendance office). Schools are also very active in keeping students safe.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 17

• Students 13,876

• San Diego, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  192 reviews

Senior: The best parts of my experience at RBHS has been the immense opportunity to grow as a leader. I joined ASB and became the Vice President for 2 years, I joined Peer Counseling which is a program to help students work through adversity that they face academically and emotionally, as well as joining varsity Track and Field. The possibilities to get involved are never-ending as we provide a number of student led clubs that is larger than any other high school in our district. There is a spot for every single student here at RBHS because of how diverse every student's background is. We all have our strengths and weaknesses which is what makes the community here so cohesive and communal. The "worst" parts of my experience, however, have been the immense caring nature of everyone on campus. The student's, the administration, and the teachers all embody what it means to set each other up for success. The reason it's the worst part is because I wish other schools could have the gift of RBHS.... Read 192 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 39

• Students 34,900

• El Segundo, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: El Segundo is a great town and everyone knows everyone. The school system is really good and the teacher are very nice as well/... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,508

• Los Alamitos, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  110 reviews

Senior: My experience at Los Alamitos high school has been upbringing and prepared for the application process of colleges. However even though they have seminars to help families file fasfa and begin admission process its very general and not specific. However, the school spirit is here and have been nominated for best student section in OC for 4 years and going. The faculty are helpful, however there are a couple stragglers here and there, but thats normal. Overall, I would say my experience at los al has been eye opening about the world and what I can do with my life.... Read 110 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 8,934

• Oak Park, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: The best part of my school experience has been the supportive and engaging teachers who go above and beyond to make learning interesting. They've played a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Additionally, the club activities have allowed me to explore my interests and develop important life skills. The fund limitation can impact students' ability to explore their interests fully and hinder the development of a well-rounded skill set. An increased investment in resources, expanded extracurricular options, and scholarship opportunities could help create a more enriching and equitable educational experience for all students. Looking forward, I hope to see more emphasis on practical, real-world applications of the curriculum. This could include internships, mentorship programs, and opportunities to collaborate with professionals in the field. A more dynamic and relevant curriculum would better prepare students for the challenges of the future.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,236

• Mountain View, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: I have relatively enjoyed my experience. The AP and honors classes are mostly well taught, rigorous and engaging. I have always felt prepared for AP tests and received good scores. However the regular classes ( aside from math classes ) are extremely easy, under engaging and have under productive learning environments. The school spirit depends on wether or not the student engages with school activities.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 4,448

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  183 reviews

Senior: My overall experience with the Huntington Beach Union High School District was fairly well. My school I attented part of this union (Fountain Valley High School) was the best high school a person could ask for. It was filled with lots of support, opportunities, and diversity. The best part about my experiences was being able to connect with teachers and peers. Many teachers and peers at Fountain Valley have impacted me in so many positive ways and I am so thankful for the relationships I have formed here. Another good experience is all the support and guidance that is given to you when it's time to apply for college. It was good being able to attend many different meetings and workshops surrounding the topic of college. A change I would like to see in the district would be better food options. Many of the food wasn't nutritious and lacked a lot of good qualities. Overall, I have had mostly good experiences and some bad, but being part of the HBUHSD has truly shaped me into who I am.... Read 183 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 14,522

• Coronado, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  38 reviews

Freshman: One of the best parts of Coronado Unified School District is the community. For example, I participated in The Portrait of a CUSD Graduate, an event where students, parents, and teachers collaborate and share ideas to improve our education. I enjoyed the event because students were able to contribute new perspectives that adults haven’t considered. Knowing that our viewpoints will advance our educational system exemplifies how involved the community is in our school district. Another part of my experience at CUSD is COSA, Coronado School of the Arts. COSA includes a variety of departments that allow students to explore their creativites while making new connections. For instance, woodworking, stage management, and teamwork are all new skills I have learned in the Technical Theater department. Something I would want to see change is having more art teachers. There is currently only one art teacher in my High School, but many full art class periods and students who want to take art.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,799

• Carlsbad, CA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  58 reviews

Senior: The sports teams, coaches and loud crowd is the best part of CHS! The student body and teachers are inclusive.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 16

• Students 10,981