These are the best high schools in CA. See which Fresno campus made top 10 list
The schools your children attend can play a major role in their overall academic success.
U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted the best public high schools in the country.
California is home to several top-rated schools — including one in Fresno.
To determine the rankings, U.S. News analyzed data from more than 24,000 public high schools across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., looking at college readiness, graduation rates and academic performance.
“The best public high schools can help students nurture their passions and reach their college or career aspirations,” U.S. News said in its report.
Here’s where to find the top-ranked high schools in California:
What are the best high schools in California?
U.S. News & World Report singled out the 10 high schools in California that “scored the highest based on their performance on various ranking indicators, including state tests and graduation rates.”
Whitney High School in Cerritos was the highest ranking California school on the list.
The public high school in Los Angeles County has a total of 691 students enrolled in ninth through 12th grades, with a student-teacher ratio of 26 to one, according to U.S. News.
Oxford Academy in Cypress was the second-best public high school in California, U.S. News said, with 831 students and a student-teacher ratio of 25 to one at its Orange County campus.
The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood, which placed third statewide, enrolls 226 students with a 24-to- one student-teacher ratio. The school is in Los Angeles County.
Which Fresno high school made the list?
University High School, 2611 East Matoian Way in Fresno, is a liberal-arts focused campus that offers students a “unique curriculum with courses such as zoology, Latin and musicianship.”
“Admission to University High School is selective but does use a lottery system if applications exceed availability,” U.S. News & World Report said. “Applicants must have at least two years of musical experience to be considered, and every student at UHS is required to participate in band, orchestra or choir for all four years.”
Students can get involved in a wide range of activities, from chess and sailing clubs to sports, including basketball, soccer and cricket.
University High School enrolls 484 students with a ratio of 24 students per teacher.
The school has a 99% graduation rate, according to U.S. News.
Where to find the best public high schools in California
According to U.S. News & World Report, these are the top 10 public high schools in California for the 2025-26 academic school year:
- Whitney High School in Cerritos
- Oxford Academy in Cypress
- Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood
- Dr. Richard A. Valdovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington
- California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson
- Riverside Stem Academy in Riverside
- University High School in Fresno
- Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy in Gilroy
- Pacific Collegiate Charter in Santa Cruz
- Lynbrook High School in San Jose
