Best Public High Schools in Los Angeles for 2024

With hundreds of public high schools in the Los Angeles, California, area, choosing the right school for your teen can seem overwhelming. This guide provides a detailed overview of the top public high schools in Los Angeles to help you narrow down your choices. It also includes tips for choosing the right high school, as well as information on magnet and charter schools. 

The best high schools in Los Angeles, California were chosen for their top ratings on Niche.com and GreatSchools.org. Niche grades schools on a scale of A+ through D-, while GreatSchools evaluates schools with a 1-10 ratings scale. The ratings are based on academics, athletics, diversity, teachers, clubs, graduation rates and college prep. 

Both websites analyze statistics and information from the U.S. Department of Education. They also compile reviews from students and parents to arrive at their rankings. 

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

The La Crescenta-Montrose neighborhood is located in the Crescenta Valley between the San Gabriel, San Rafael and Verdugo Mountain ranges. Outdoor activities, scenic views and suburban amenities abound here. What’s more, parents and students will delight in the local high school offerings. Crescenta Valley High received a California Pivotal Practice award in 2022. It has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. The school has 31 AP courses and a variety of technical education pathways, including specialized programs in science and medicine, film and media arts, sports medicine and computer science. 

Students can take college coursework through Crescenta Valley’s dual enrollment program, which is offered by Glendale Community College. The school also boasts a wellness center focusing on social-emotional well-being and learning. When it’s time to take a break from tests and class work, there are over 24 varsity sports teams and 100 student clubs. These include a robotics program, ComedySportz and mountain biking. There’s also a community service program where students can win a service medal for completing 100 hours. 

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

Newcomers to the El Segundo neighborhood may recognize this top-ranked school from flicks like “Superbad.” However, there’s much more to El Segundo High School. It offers areas of study that make its students grateful to attend. These include pathway programs for careers in biomedical science, engineering, business and performing/visual arts. There are over 150 courses, including 20 advanced placement classes, internships and dual-enrollment programs. 

The school also excels when it’s time to take a break from academics. El Segundo High is in the top 3% for best high schools for athletes in California. There’s has an award-winning swim team, girls’ golf, coed surfing and a track summer camp. There are over 50 student clubs, including BioMed club, spikeball and climate club. This means that students can enjoy enrichment programs alongside a rigorous academic education. 

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

Ranked by Niche as the No. 2 standout high school in California, Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). It’s also one of the first schools to allow students to earn an associate degree while still in high school. First- and second-year students are automatically enrolled in “contract education” courses. These are college-level classes that are exclusive to HTPA students, and upper-level students can elect these courses. The academy is a two-time National Blue Ribbon School award winner. It also won the 2024 California Distinguished School Award and is ranked the 42^nd best school in the nation. 

Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy is the only LAUSD high school to achieve a perfect graduation rate six years in a row. The school is located in the Harbor City neighborhood on the Los Angeles Harbor College campus. Students can choose from 70 electives, compete in an academic decathlon and join the debate team. Ninth- and 10th-grade students complete what’s known as the teacher project each year. Students create science-based lessons in their AVID classes for third and fourth-grade students to practice the teaching profession.

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

Oak Park High School is the No. 1 public high school in Ventura County, according to Niche. It serves 1,401 students and has a variety of accolades. It won an EPA Environmental Youth Award and the Lexus Eco-Challenge Award in 2013. Located in the Oak Park neighborhood, it’s also a National Blue Ribbon School. Additionally, Oak Park High received an Exemplary Distinction Award from the Department of California of Education for its Career and Technical Education program. 

Oak Park High offers 22 AP courses, as well as fun aspects that contribute to the learning experience. These include a school literary magazine and newspaper, Model UN and an award-winning mock trial club. Students can apply for internships in sports medicine, healthcare, STEM entrepreneurship and public works. More than 60% of its Oak Park High School students go on to attend a four-year university. 

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School is a top choice for families in the Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates communities. It’s the 16^th-best public high school in California and also in the top 300 for STEM schools across the country. The high school has a comprehensive Science, Math, Engineering, Research and Technology program. Notably, the program has received national recognition for its hands-on approach and preparing students for careers in those fields. It was recognized in 2022 as a National Blue Ribbon School. 

This high school offers 32 AP courses, 26 honors courses, and 82% of its students go on to attend a four-year university. Upper-level students can apply for summer internships and earn up to 40 credits toward graduation. While the school has high marks academically, it also has top-ranking and diverse after-school activities. These include a national award-winning yearbook and student newspaper. There’s also a gallery for student art shows, surf and water polo teams and over 100 student clubs, including rock band, LGBT United and mobile app development.  

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

South Pasadena High is the only public high school in South Pasadena and just 10 minutes from Downtown LA. It offers 19 AP subjects, putting it in the top 25% of California schools. This school was awarded the California Distinguished School Award in 2014 and the California Gold Ribbon Award in 2017. South Pasadena High has a dual enrollment program with Pasadena City College. Additionally, 70% of 2023 graduating seniors went on to a community college or university. 

The school has over 90 clubs, as well as state and national award-winning academic teams. These include the Virtual Business and SkillsUSA and “Femineers,” a girls-only engineering program run through a partnership with CalPoly Pomona. South Pasadena is culturally diverse, with Asian, Hispanic, multi-ethnic and Filipino communities comprising most of its student body. 

Niche Grade: A+ | GreatSchools Rating: 10 

California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS) is a magnet school with the fourth-highest academic performance index scores in California. It’s also the No. 1 public high school in the state. Located on the California State University–Dominguez Hills campus, enrollment is based solely on middle school academic performance. CAMS takes 175 first-year students out of thousands of applications per year. The experience here at CAMS includes great facilities. There are several main academic buildings, as well as a performing arts auditorium, a swimming pool, two tennis courts and three athletic fields. A diverse student body promotes an inclusive environment, as a larger number of the students that attend CAMS are primarily Asian and Hispanic. 

CAMS offers a well-rounded and academically challenging education. There are 19 AP courses and a dual-enrollment program for upper-level students. That program is in partnership with California State University–Dominguez Hills. Additionally, students will find pathways with specialized programs in BioTech, Computer Science, Engineering and Math. CAMS is located in the Carson neighborhood. It offers a rocket team, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a robotics club and a math club. 

• Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School: Located in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood near the Los Angeles General Medical Center, this high school focuses on students planning a healthcare career. It is in the top 4% of public high schools in the country and the top 40% nationally. 
• Mark Keppel High School: Located in Alhambra, a suburb 10 miles from LA proper, Mark Keppel has earned a top place in the LA County and California State Academic Decathlons every year since 2008. It’s the No. 1 school in the Alhambra Unified School District, with Science Olympiad and Physics clubs and 22 AP courses. 
• Palos Verdes High School: This school offers 32 AP courses, 21 honors classes and a dual-enrollment program with Los Angeles Harbor College. There are four career pathways with specialized programs in business, data analytics, culinary arts and psychology. Palos Verdes has a diverse selection of programs, including the Institute of Technology, which is one of the nation's first high school robotics programs. 
• Beverly Hills High School:  While the Hollywood high school has taught famous alums like Angelia Jolie and Nicolas Cage, its expansive curriculum earns it a mention on our list. The school offers 18 AP classes and it partners with West L.A. College for college-level courses. Beverly Hills High also provides after-school activities like graphic arts and a TV station where students can step into an editor or news anchor role. 
• Downtown Magnets High School:  This alternative magnet school sits in the Temple-Beaudry neighborhood, minutes from the financial center of DTLA. The Golden Ribbon and Magnet School of Distinction-awarded institution comprises a business and STEM school. It offers 20 AP courses, as well as business and fashion pathway programs, an award-winning debate team and a robotics team. 
• Girls Academic Leadership Academy: This is the only all-girls STEM school in the state, located on the Los Angeles High School campus. The college-prep school requires a teacher recommendation for one of its 150 spots. It offers 17 AP classics, flight simulators, an after-school Shakespeare program and a rocketry club. 
• Santa Monica High School: This top-notch school provides 21 AP courses, 125 clubs, orchestra and 26 sports teams. In 2021, Santa Monica High added a Discovery Building to its campus, complete with 28 classrooms, science labs, an Olympic-size pool and a rooftop classroom focused on STEAM. While it regularly partners with Santa Monica College, many students go on to attend Yale, Brown and Columbia. 
• Science Academy STEM Magnet: This North Hollywood school was named a California Distinguished School in 2023. The academy has a strong STEM-based curriculum, and students start AP courses in ninth grade. The school offers over 12 AP courses and numerous interest and service-based clubs like aviation and a Science Bowl. There’s also a dual-enrollment program in partnership with LA community colleges. 
• Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies: Referred to as “LACES,” this magnet school is known for its college-prep education. This Faircrest Heights district school is highly competitive, usually getting approximately 2,600 applicants vying for its 240 sixth-grade slots, which are chosen through a weighted lottery process. The magnet school also offers over 75 student-led clubs and a leadership program. 
• North Hollywood Senior High School: This school offers Zoo Magnet, STEM Magnet and Highly Gifted Magnet programs. The Biological Sciences Zoo Magnet holds classes at the Los Angeles Zoo, while the Highly Gifted and STEM Magnet classes are on the main school campus. North Hollywood Senior High offers 22 AP courses, as well as honors courses in marine Biology and Forensic Science. In 2024, it earned a top Magnet School of Excellence accolade from Magnet Schools of America. 
• Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies: Known as “SOCES,” this Reseda school is the sixth-best standout high school in the LA area, according to Niche. Sherman Oaks provides 18 AP courses, engineering and robotics teams and a strong band program. Because SOCES serves fourth through 12^th grade, parents and students praise it for leading to long-lasting friendships and a tight-knit community.  

Earning a B+ on Niche and ranked the 194^th-best district in California, LAUSD caters to over 600,000 students at over 1,000 schools. This makes it the largest public school system in the state and the second largest in the country. The district has over 200 charter schools and over 330 magnet programs available for K to 12 students. These schools and programs focus on gifted, liberal arts, new media, STEM and career and social entrepreneurship. 

There are over 230 dual language education programs across school communities, world language culture courses and 24 wellness centers. LAUSD is the 17^th-best district for athletes in the state, and it’s a top place to teach. Most students go on to attend the University of California—Los Angeles, California State University—Northridge or California State University—Irvine. 

Choosing the right public high school is a significant decision that can impact a student's academic and personal development. Here are some of the factors that should go into helping you make an informed choice for your child.

• Academics: Look for schools with strong academic programs, AP courses and college preparatory tracks.
• Special Programs: Some schools offer specialized programs like STEM, IB, or language immersion. These are also important if your high school student has learning disabilities, physical disabilities or other needs. Ensure you look thoroughly and compare programs, support services and approaches at schools in your area. Look at classroom sizes, teacher-to-student ratios, enrichment activities, counselors and medical services. 
• School Environment: Think about the size of the school, student-teacher ratio and overall school culture.

• Test Scores and Graduation Rates: Check standardized test scores, graduation rates and college admission statistics.
• School Ratings: For school ratings and reviews, use resources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com or state education department websites.
• Accreditation and Awards: Look for schools accredited by reputable organizations and those that have received awards for excellence.

• Open Houses and Tours: Attend open houses or arrange visits to get a feel for the school's environment.
• Meet with Staff: Talk to teachers, counselors and administrators to understand their educational philosophy and support systems.

• Location and Commute: Evaluate the distance from home and the feasibility of the daily commute. Walkability to the school can be another essential factor, so check your neighborhood's Walk Score and Bike Score. 
• Transportation: Check for school buses, public transportation or carpooling opportunities.
• Safety: Research the school's safety record and policies on bullying, discipline and emergency preparedness.

• School Mission and Vision: Review the school’s mission statement and core values to ensure they align with your expectations.
• Student Demographics: Consider the diversity of the student body and how inclusive the school community is.
• Parental Involvement: Investigate the opportunities for parental involvement. This includes school activities and decision-making from the PTA and other parent-led volunteer groups. 

• Sports Programs: Check the range and quality of sports programs available.
• Arts and Music: Look for a strong arts department and music program if these are important to the student.
• Clubs and Organizations: Ensure there are clubs and organizations that cater to the student's interests and provide leadership opportunities.

While public high schools are tuition-free, there might be costs associated with extracurricular activities, uniforms and supplies. Ensure you are aware of any potential expenses and available financial support or scholarships.

Choosing between public and charter schools can be a complex and challenging decision for parents and students. Both types of schools aim to provide quality education. However, they differ in what they offer and how they’re governed.

Traditional Public Schools are operated by school districts, public schools are funded by state and federal government sources. They are governed by school districts and school boards elected by the community. 

Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional public school system. They are governed by a charter or contract with a state or local board. Frequently, the charter is managed by a non-profit or for-profit organization.

Public schools are funded primarily through local property taxes, state funding, and federal grants. Budget decisions are made by the school district, which allocates funds to various schools based on needs and priorities.

Charter schools also receive funding from state and federal sources, but they can accept private donations and grants. They also have more control over their budget. Charter schools can allocate funds according to their specific needs and priorities.

Public schools follow state-mandated curriculums. They also adhere to educational standards set by the state education department. Charter schools are free to design their own curriculums. They often focus on specialized areas like STEM, arts or project-based learning. 

Charter schools frequently employ innovative teaching methods and unique educational philosophies to engage students.

Teachers must meet state certification requirements to teach at a public school. These include specific educational qualifications and licensing exams. 

Charter schools may have more flexibility. They can hire teachers who do not meet traditional state certification requirements, depending on state laws. Teachers at charter schools often receive unique professional development, which is tailored to the school's educational philosophy and methods.

Public schools are strictly monitored by state education departments and school districts for compliance with educational standards and regulations. They are also subject to state-mandated standardized testing and reporting requirements.

Charter schools must adhere to the performance goals set in their charter agreements, including academic, financial and operational benchmarks. Charters are reviewed periodically, and schools can be closed if they fail to meet their charter’s requirements.

Charter and magnet schools represent some of the best educational options in the country. Because of high demand, magnet and charter schools are usually determined by a lottery system. Both are publicly funded but are structured differently to control the curriculum. 

Charter schools tend to have a little more autonomy. Students are vetted through a rigorous process involving test scores, portfolios, grades and even auditions. Admission requires an application with an essay, interviews and other criteria. 

Magnet schools are focused on a central theme or area of interest, such as STEM or performing arts. A charter school has more freedom to adjust the amount of instructional time and focus on academics. As a result, athletic-focused events, spirit rallies and similar activities might not occur at most charter schools. This could be a drawback for some students and parents. 

It’s important to determine if a particular magnet or charter school fits your child’s education needs. You must also be aware of how each school’s lottery system works. For example, Los Angeles gives students extra credit in the lottery if you have a sibling at the magnet school, have been on the waitlist the previous year, or come from a school with overcrowding.

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) system is the cornerstone of standardized testing in California. It was implemented to evaluate student proficiency in core subjects.

• Smarter Balanced Assessments: These are computer-based tests administered to students in grades 3-8 and 11. They cover English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics. The assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
• California Science Test (CAST): This test is administered to students in grades 5, 8, and once in high school (typically in grade 10, 11, or 12). It measures understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
• California Alternate Assessments (CAA): These assessments cover ELA, Mathematics, and Science. They are designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities. 

The ELPAC assesses the English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English.

• Initial ELPAC: Administered when a student first enrolls in a California school and is identified as a potential English learner.
• Summative ELPAC: Given annually to English learners until they are reclassified as proficient in English.

The PFT, also known as the FITNESSGRAM, assesses students' physical fitness in grades 5, 7 and 9.

• Aerobic Capacity: Evaluates cardiovascular endurance through exercises like the mile run or the PACER test.
• Body Composition: Measures body fat percentage through skinfold measurements or BMI.
• Muscular Strength, Endurance and Flexibility: Includes tests like curl-ups, push-ups and the trunk lift.