Update: This article was last updated by Moonpreneur on 20th Sept 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Choosing the right school district is a crucial decision. It sets the stage for our children’s academic journey, shaping their knowledge, skills, and ultimately, their life opportunities. With a myriad of school districts to choose from, navigating this landscape can be overwhelming.
Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and when it comes to providing quality learning experiences, California stands at the forefront.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the top school districts in California that demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and nurturing environments for students to thrive.
Sol, let us embark on a journey through the Golden State to bring you the latest insights into the Best School Districts in California for 2023.
| Rankings | District Name | Graduation rate | Reading Proficiency | Math Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District | 98% | 86% | 78% |
| 2 | Palo Alto Unified School District | 95% | 81% | 81% |
| 3 | La Cañada Unified School District | 99% | 89% | 85% |
| 4 | Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District | 92% | 82% | 68% |
| 5 | San Dieguito Union High School District | 95% | 79% | 72% |
| 6 | Carmel Unified School District | 95% | 79% | 69% |
| 7 | San Marino Unified School District | 95% | 88% | 87% |
| 8 | Acalanes Union High School District | 96% | 89% | 72% |
| 9 | Arcadia Unified School District | 99% | 77% | 75% |
| 10 | Fremont Union High School District | 96% | 81% | 78% |
Here is the list of the 10 best school districts in California
1. Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
Website: https://www.lgsuhsd.org/
Location: 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: 408-354-2520
This district is known for its exceptional performance, ranking among the top-performing districts in the state. Its academic, enrichment, and athletic programs are the district’s highlights.
Mission: Promotes lifelong learning, personal integrity, social responsibility, and positive physical and mental health.
- Total schools: 2
- Number of Students Served: 3,470
- Average graduation rate: 98%
- Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
- Average math proficiency score: 78%
- Average reading proficiency score: 86%
- Average SAT Score: 1380
- Average ACT Score: 31
2. Palo Alto Unified School District
Website: https://www.pausd.org/
Location: 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94306-1099
Phone: 650-329-3700
One of the top districts in California, the schools offer accelerated learning through pedagogical academic support, access to challenging courses, and a positive influence on students.
Mission: Creating an environment for all learners.
- Total schools: 22
- Number of Students Served: 10,318
- Average graduation rate: 96.3%
- Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
- Average math proficiency score: 81%
- Average reading proficiency score: 81%
- Average SAT Score: 1400
- Average ACT Score: 31
3. La Cañada Unified School District
Website: https://www.lcusd.net/
Location: 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Canada, CA 91011
Phone: 818-952-8300
This school district is known for its high level of achievement and forward-thinking approach. It has established itself as involved and supportive and is recognized for its appealing residential area. It covers the residential area of La Cañada Flintridge.
Mission: A learning community committed to personal growth and academic excellence.
- Total schools: 5
- Number of Students Served: 4,000
- Average graduation rate: 99%
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average math proficiency score: 85%
- Average reading proficiency score: 89%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Average ACT Score: 31
4. Mountain View Los Altos Union High School
Website: https://www.mvla.net/
Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: 650-940-4650
In this district, students receive a top-notch education, with the highest AP and SAT scores in California. The district is committed to nurturing each student and providing them with everything they need to reach their full academic and social potential.
Mission: Promote achievement of students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; support the well-being of students and staff; provide facilities that optimally enhance learning and maintain fiscal stability
- Total schools: 3
- Number of Students Served: 4539
- Average graduation rate: 98%
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Average math proficiency score: 68%
- Average reading proficiency score: 82%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Average ACT Score: 31
5. San Dieguito Union High School District
Website: https://www.sduhsd.net/
Location: 710 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6491
This popular school district covers the areas of Carmel Valley, Earl Warren, and Pacific Trails Middle Schools.
Mission: Students’ first philosophy.
- Total schools: 9
- Number of Students Served: 13177
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Average math proficiency score: 72%
- Average reading proficiency score: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Average ACT Score: 30
6. Carmel Unified School District
Website: https://www.carmelunified.org/
Location: 4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923
Phone: 831-624-1546
Enrollment is available to children living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur in this district, which is known for its academic excellence. Students can choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, electives, and abundant extracurricular activities.
Mission: Educates the whole student through partnerships to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.
- Total schools: 8
- Number of Students Served: 2335
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
- Average math proficiency score: 69%
- Average reading proficiency score: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- Average ACT Score:29
7. San Marino Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District is academically one of the top-performing public school districts in the state of California.
Mission: To provide safe, supportive environments and innovative opportunities for student learning, promotes individual student excellence, invite collaboration and discovery, and challenge students to take responsibility as members of a diverse, global community.
- Total schools: 4
- Number of Students Served: 2909
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
- Average math proficiency score: 87%
- Average reading proficiency score: 88%
- Average SAT Score: 1370
- Average ACT Score: 31
8. Acalanes Union High School District
Website: https://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/
Location: 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette, Ca 94549
Phone: 925-280-3900
The district covers the areas of Canyon, Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. The district strongly emphasizes preparing students for college and career while prioritizing a learning environment that meets the social-emotional needs of all students.
Mission: To educate every student to excel and contribute to a global society.
- Total schools: 5
- Number of Students Served: 5499
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
- Average math proficiency score: 73%
- Average reading proficiency score: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Average ACT Score: 30
9. The Arcadia Unified School District
This district has gained widespread recognition, having been named a US News and World Report Gold Medal School on three occasions, featured on Newsweek’s list of Top Public High Schools in America, and ranked in the top two percent of high schools nationwide.
Mission: To champion students and staff to Imagine, Inquire, and Inspire.
- Total schools: 11
- Number of Students Served: 9500
- Average graduation rate: 99%
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average math proficiency score: 75%
- Average reading proficiency score: 77%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Average ACT Score: 31
10. Fremont Union High School District
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One of the key highlights of this school district is its commitment to providing students with opportunities to participate in a diverse range of activities, such as leadership, athletics, and speech and debate.
Mission: To help students explore their interests and support them on their pathway to success
- Total schools: 5
- Number of Students Served: 10,836
- Average graduation rate: 96%
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average math proficiency score: 78%
- Average reading proficiency score: 81%
- Average SAT Score: 1400
- Average ACT Score: 32
These 10 school districts are one of the best and top-notch places to study. Our list will help parents in deciding which schools they want their children to attend from the above list in order to be academically successful.
At Moonpreneur we believe in academic excellence and thus along with good school learning, our courses aim to unleash the true potential of your child so that they excel in their respective fields and gain an edge over their peers.
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Your comprehensive blog on best district school in San Jose really helped me in making decision for my daughter’s admission. This list of the top school districts in California is invaluable and I am recommending it to my friend. Moonpreneur’s mention and commitment to unleashing children’s potential through robotics education is inspiring.
I would like to inquire about the involvement and support of the school administration in the top-ranked school districts mentioned in the blog. How do they actively contribute to the academic and personal growth of students, and what measures do they take to ensure a positive and nurturing learning environment?
Sufficient information about the school administration’s leadership style, communication effectiveness, and accountability is missing from the blog, which are essential factors in evaluating the overall quality of a school district.
What about Irvine Unified School District, any recommendations?
Some schools in this district like Cypress and Portola have really bad teachers that create a difficult environment for the students to learn in. So please be careful while choosing the right school for your child.
I am more concerned about the placement courses provided by schools as my daughter will enroll in high school next year. So tell me the one with this facility.
If you are looking for advanced placement courses then go for San Marino Unified School District, located in Los Angeles.
1. What factors do you think parents should consider when choosing a school district for their children?
Alongside academic performance, parents should also consider factors like proximity to home, availability of extracurricular activities, the diversity of the student body, quality of teachers, and the overall school culture
Have you had any personal experiences with the school districts listed? Recommendations will be appreciated.
I enrolled my daughter in San Marino Unified School District school and teacher’s behavior was exceptional
What role do extracurricular activities play in a student’s overall educational experience
Extracurricular activities are crucial for holistic development. They promote teamwork, leadership, and personal growth, complementing academic learning.To learn more about this kindly refer: