California is the #1 largest school system in the United States, serving 5,875,325 students across the 10,374 public schools for the 2023-24 school year (there are 3,819 private schools, serving 656,930 students). 90% of all K-12 students in California are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in California is 34%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 49%.
The top ranked public schools in California are Oxford Academy, William Faria Elementary School and California Of Mathematics And Science. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
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
56%
Black
5%
White
21%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in California (2023-24)
School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Oxford Academy
Math: 97% | Reading: 98%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (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: #22.
William Faria Elementary School
Math: 96% | Reading: 97%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 97% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
10155 Barbara Ln.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-0706
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-0706
Rank: #3 - 73. - 7.
California Of Mathematics And Science
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (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
Rank: #3 - 73. - 7.
Carmenita Middle School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-8
13435 E. 166th St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7775
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7775
Rank: #3 - 73. - 7.
Cold Spring Elementary School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-6
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2678
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2678
Rank: #3 - 73. - 7.
Cupertino High School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
10100 Finch Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 366-7300
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 366-7300
Rank: #3 - 73. - 7.
Lynbrook High School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1280 Johnson Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 366-7700
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 366-7700
Rank: #88.
Saratoga High School
Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
20300 Herriman Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 867-3411
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 867-3411
Rank: #99.
Petaluma Accelerated Charter
Charter School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-8
110 Ellis St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 778-4750
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 778-4750
Rank: #1010.
Mission San Jose High School
Math: 94% | Reading: 94%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
41717 Palm Ave.
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 657-3600
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 657-3600
Best California Public Schools by County (2023-24)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in California?
The top ranked public schools in California include Oxford Academy, William Faria Elementary School and California Of Mathematics And Science.
How many public schools are located in California?
10,374 public schools are located in California.
What percentage of students in California go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in California are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in California?
Minority enrollment in California is 79% (majority Hispanic)
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