These are the best public schools in California, Niche says. Did yours make the list?

California is home to some of the nation’s best public schools, according to Niche.

The ranking and review site recently released its 2025 list of the Best Schools in America, based on factors such as academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.

Niche graded schools on a scale of A+ through D-,

According to Niche, the top schools in California include elementary, middle and high schools in San Diego, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

Here’s which California schools made the 2025 Best Schools in America list:

Where are the best elementary schools in California?

Here are the top 10 public elementary schools in California, according to Niche:

1. Castro Valley Virtual Academy in Castro Valley
2. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
3. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
4. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
5. Montecito Union in Santa Barbara
6. Duveneck Elementary School in Palo Alto
7. Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School in Stanford
8. Carmel Del Mar Elementary School in San Diego
9. Ohlone Elementary School in Palo Alto
10. Birney Elementary School in Redondo Beach

Where are the best middle schools in California?

Here are the top 10 public middle schools in California, Niche said:

1. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
2. Castro Valley Virtual Academy in Castro Valley
3. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
4. Riverside STEM Academy in Riverside
5. The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood
6. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
7. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
8. The Preuss School UC San Diego in La Jolla
9. Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto
10. Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School in Palo Alto

Where are the best high schools in California?

Here are the top 10 public high schools in California, according to Niche:

1. California Academy of Mathematics & Science in Carson
2. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
3. Troy High School in Fullerton
4. Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto
5. Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego
6. Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana
7. California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley in Duarte
8. Academy of the Canyons in Santa Clarita
9. Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto
10. Lowell High School in San Francisco

How did Niche come up with its findings?

Niche based its rankings on “the most up-to-date data available from dozens of public data sources” such as the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census Bureau, “along with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents,” the company said on its website.

The site has nearly 2.5 million school reviews from students, parents and teachers, Niche said.

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

279-386-2738

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.