California is the #1 largest school system in the United States, serving 5,836,351 students across the 10,417 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 4,050 private schools, serving 673,841 students). 90% of all K-12 students in California attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
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 80%, with the majority being 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
20%
Two or more races
6%
Top Ranked Public Schools in California (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Whitney (Gretchen) High 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
(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
(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
(Math: 94% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 98% (Top 1%)
Grades: 4-8
10505 North Davis Rd.
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 953-8312
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 953-8312
Rank: #66.
Millikin Elementary 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
(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
(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
(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
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1000 East Victoria St. Bldg. S
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-2025
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-2025
Best California Public Schools by County (2025)
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?
10,417 public schools are located in California.
What percentage of students in California go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in California attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in California?
Minority enrollment in California is 80%, with the majority being 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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