Best Top-Rated Public High Schools in California (2025 Update)

California’s public high school system is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States. For parents and students aiming for academic excellence, college preparation, and strong extracurricular programs, choosing the right high school is a critical decision. 

In 2025, many top-performing schools will continue to set the bar for public education, not just in California but nationwide.

In this guide, we explore the best top-rated public high schools in California for 2025, including academic rankings, unique strengths, and what makes these schools stand out. Whether you’re relocating, planning for college admissions, or simply want to compare top schools, this detailed guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding California’s Public School System

California operates one of the most complex and robust K–12 systems in the country. With over 1,000 school districts and more than 10,000 public schools, the system offers:

• Traditional public schools
  
• Charter schools
  
• Magnet schools
  
• Specialised academies (STEM, arts, IB programs)
  

Many of the state’s top-ranked schools are part of unified school districts or are charter high schools, which you can learn more about in our related post: What is a Charter High School? Pros and Cons Explained (2025 Guide)

Ranking Methodology

The rankings below are based on multiple data points from trusted educational sources such as:

• U.S. News & World Report
  
• Niche
  
• GreatSchools
  
• California Department of Education API scores
  
• Graduation rates, college matriculation, AP/IB offerings, student-teacher ratio, and parent/student reviews
  

Top-Rated Public High Schools in California for 2025

Here is a breakdown of the top-performing schools across the state, updated for 2025:

1. Henry M. Gunn High School – Palo Alto

• District: Palo Alto Unified School District
  
• College Readiness Index: 97.5
  
• Special Programs: STEM, AP Capstone, dual enrollment
  
• Gunn High School is known for producing high SAT scores and fostering a strong academic culture. It also has a nationally recognised STEM program that prepares students for competitive college admissions.
  

2. University High School – Irvine

• District: Irvine Unified School District
  
• API Score: 950+
  
• Known for its diverse and high-achieving student body, University High regularly sends graduates to Ivy League and UC system schools.
  

3. Lowell High School – San Francisco

• District: San Francisco Unified School District
  
• Graduation Rate: 99%
  
• A selective admissions public school with an emphasis on classical academics and a competitive AP program. Its legacy includes Rhodes Scholars and Ivy League alumni.
  

4. California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) – Carson

• Focus: STEM-focused magnet school
  
• Partnered with California State University, CAMS consistently ranks as one of the top STEM high schools in the U.S. For more on top STEM institutions, visit: Top 10 High Schools in the US for STEM Programs.
  

5. Troy High School – Fullerton

• Speciality: Technology and International Baccalaureate (IB)
  
• Offers both AP and IB diploma programs with a strong emphasis on computer science, robotics, and pre-med programs.
  

6. Piedmont High School – Piedmont

• Small but academically excellent, this school boasts a 100% college admission rate and strong community support.
  

7. Mission San Jose High School – Fremont

• Highly ranked in math and science, Mission San Jose features intensive AP participation and SAT prep courses that rival private school programs.
  

8. Monta Vista High School – Cupertino

• District: Fremont Union High School District
  
• Located in Silicon Valley, Monta Vista excels in preparing students for STEM careers, boasting some of the state’s highest AP scores.
  

9. Lynbrook High School – San Jose

• Focused on college readiness and student well-being, Lynbrook offers diverse clubs, AP courses, and high college acceptance rates.
  

10. Aragon High School – San Mateo

• Strong in arts, sciences, and leadership development, Aragon is considered one of the best-rounded public high schools in the Bay Area.
  

Regional Highlights: Northern vs Southern California

While the Bay Area dominates in tech-aligned academics and college prep, Southern California also houses several standout institutions:

• Northwood High School (Irvine) – Known for AP excellence and student diversity
  
• La Jolla High School (San Diego) – Offers strong science and oceanography electives.
  
• Los Angeles Centre for Enriched Studies (LACES) – A magnet school offering advanced humanities and science tracks
  

What Makes These Schools the Best?

Here are some factors top-rated schools share:

• High Academic Rigour: Advanced placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings
  
• College Preparation: College counsellors, dual enrollment programs, and high college acceptance rates
  
• STEM & Arts: Dedicated programs in robotics, engineering, biotech, music, drama, etc.
  
• Support Services: Mental health resources, mentorship programs, peer tutoring
  
• Community Involvement: Parental support, alumni engagement, strong booster clubs
  

Learn more about how public and private schools compare in our comprehensive guide: Top Public vs Private High Schools in the US – Which is Better for Your Child?

STEM, Arts, and Athletics: Specialised Strengths

Many of the schools listed above are hybrid schools, offering strong academic cores along with:

• Competitive athletics (soccer, swimming, track)
  
• Performing arts departments
  
• Coding bootcamps
  
• Robotics and AI clubs
  

These strengths mirror what you’ll find at the national level. See more examples in our full review of Top 10 High Schools in the US for STEM Programs.

Comparing California to Other States

Texas, for example, is home to elite college-prep schools as well. If you’re exploring relocation or comparing nationwide standards, check out:
Best High Schools in Texas for College Prep

Choosing the Right High School in California

Key factors to consider when selecting a school:

• Location & Commute
  
• District Performance
  
• Feeder Middle Schools
  
• Special Programs (STEM, IB, Visual Arts, etc.)
  
• Student-Teacher Ratios
  
• School Culture and Safety
  

We also recommend using tools like the GreatSchools comparison tool and checking Niche’s 2025 ratings for parent/student reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the #1 public high school in California for 2025?
Based on US News and Niche, Henry M. Gunn High School and University High School consistently top the rankings in 2025.

2. Are public high schools in California free?
Yes. Public schools in California are tuition-free, though charter or magnet programs may have application requirements.

3. Do public high schools in California offer AP and IB courses?
Yes. Many top-rated schools offer extensive AP and some offer IB tracks, particularly in urban and suburban districts.

4. How can international students apply to California public schools?
International students can attend public high schools through J-1 or F-1 visa programs, but tuition may apply for non-residents.

5. What’s the difference between magnet and charter schools?
Magnet schools focus on specific themes (e.g., science or the arts) and are part of public districts. Charter schools operate independently. Learn more in our post: What is a Charter High School?

Final Thoughts

California continues to offer some of the best public high school education in the U.S., especially for families looking for academic excellence, college readiness, and strong extracurriculars. With careful research and planning, students can find a school that not only supports their ambitions but also nurtures their growth. Whether you prioritise STEM education, arts programs, or college admissions success, the top-rated public high schools in California (2025 update) provide options for every learner.