California is the #1 largest school system in the United States, serving 5,416,694 students across the 10,356 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 4,058 private schools, serving 674,296 students). 89% of all K-12 students in California are educated in public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in California is 33%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 47%.
The top ranked public schools in California are Whitney (Gretchen) High School, Science Academy Stem Magnet and Oxford Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 79% (majority Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 22:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(CA) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
12%
Hispanic
55%
Black
5%
White
21%
Two or more races
6%
Top Ranked Public Schools in California (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Whitney (Gretchen) High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
16800 Shoemaker Ave.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7745
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7745
Rank: #22.
Science Academy Stem Magnet
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
5525 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 753-4470
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 753-4470
Rank: #33.
Oxford Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 98% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
5172 Orange Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
(714) 220-3055
Cypress, CA 90630
(714) 220-3055
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Pb17
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 846-4909
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 846-4909
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Elkhorn
Magnet School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 98% (Top 1%)
Grades: 4-8
10505 N. Davis Rd.
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 953-8312
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 953-8312
Rank: #66.
Millikin Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
615 Hobart Terrace
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 423-1800
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 423-1800
Rank: #77.
William Faria Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
10155 Barbara Ln.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-0706
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-0706
Rank: #88.
Murdock-portal Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
1188 Wunderlich Dr.
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 973-8191
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 973-8191
Rank: #99.
North Star Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 3-8
400 Duane St.
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 482-2411
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 482-2411
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
California Academy Of Mathematics And Science
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1000 E. Victoria St. Bldg. Sac
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-2025
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-2025
Best California Public Schools by County (2024-25)
Popular neighborhoods: South Los Angeles (202 schools), Central LA (63 schools), Westlake (41 schools), North Sacramento (40 schools), Alum Rock (36 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in California?
The top ranked public schools in California include Whitney (Gretchen) High School, Science Academy Stem Magnet and Oxford Academy.
How many public schools are located in California?
10,356 public schools are located in California.
What percentage of students in California go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in California are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in California?
Minority enrollment in California is 79% (majority Hispanic)
Which public schools in California are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in California include: Thomas Russell Middle School vs. Rancho Milpitas Middle School, Heartland Charter vs. Valley Oaks Charter, Argonaut High School vs. Amador High School
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