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Update: This article was last updated by Moonpreneur on 17th May 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
If you’re looking for a great school in California, the task can seem overwhelming, given the large number of school districts in the state. However, we’ve compiled a list of the top five schools based on various criteria, including academic excellence, access to extracurricular activities, and more. Here’s a closer look:
Here is the list of the 10 best school districts in California:
1. Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District: 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.
Website: https://www.lgsuhsd.org/
Location: 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: 408-354-2520
- 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: 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.
Website: https://www.pausd.org/
Location: 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94306-1099
Phone: 650-329-3700
- 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: 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.
Website: https://www.lcusd.net/
Location: 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Canada, CA 91011
Phone: 818-952-8300
- 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: 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
Website: https://www.mvla.net/
Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: 650-940-4650
- 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: This popular school district covers the areas of Carmel Valley, Earl Warren, and Pacific Trails Middle Schools,
Mission: Students’ first philosophy.
Website: https://www.sduhsd.net/
Location: 710 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6491
- 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: 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.
Website: https://www.carmelunified.org/
Location: 4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923
Phone: 831-624-1546
- 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.
Website: https://www.smusd.us/
Location: 1665 West Dr., San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: 626-299-7000
- 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: 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.
Website: https://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/
Location: 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette, Ca 94549
Phone: 925-280-3900
- 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.
Website: https://www.ausd.net/
Location: 150 S 3rd Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006
Phone: 626-821-8300
- 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: 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
Website: https://www.fuhsd.org/
Location: 589 W. Fremont Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Phone: 408-522-2200
- 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
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% |
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.
If you are living in Cupertino, San Francisco, NewYork, San Jose, Chicago, and looking for robotics school/classes for your child, you should consider Moonpreneur. To gain more information regarding our robotics program, enroll in our free robotics workshop or talk to our program advisor at +1 (855) 550-0571.