California, the Golden State, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, cultural diversity, and vibrant communities. It not only attracts tourists but also draws students from around the world who wish to excel academically.
Furthermore, California is a popular place for outstation and foreign students who hope to learn about different ways of life and culture. Students in High school in California come in contact with other cultures, shaping how they look at the world.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the high school education landscape in California. Whether you’re a student or a parent looking to make informed decisions, an educator seeking insights into the educational options available, or simply someone curious about the state’s educational system, this guide is your window into the world of California high schools.
How Many High Schools Are There in California?
California’s public school system gives low-cost, high-level education. California’s public, private, and charter schools are organized into counties, cities, or districts. Ten California high schools are among the top 100 rankings.
The schools are ranked based on how well they prepare students for college admission and their test scores in state-level exams. Students must complete at least 13 classes before graduating from high school in California.
1. Public and Charter Schools In California
The public schools don’t charge fees for their students. They are backed by public money and overseen by the government. In contrast, a charter school is a school that gets funding from the government but has more flexibility in terms of curriculum, hiring, and management while still being subject to state testing and accountability requirements.
Listed below are some of the noted public and charter high schools in California.
1.1 Whitney High School, Cerritos
They hold the top position in Golden State rankings among public high schools in California. Whitney High School offers a range of honours and advanced placement (AP) courses.
They offer computer science, physics, and foreign languages.
Furthermore, the School takes in students based on the state test marks, as well as their position in the last class.
1.2 Lowell High School, San Francisco
Lowell High School is a public school for both boys and girls in California. Lowell High School has a challenging study routine. They have honours and AP subjects such as chemistry, maths, and economics.
In the school, the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps has nine different units, and the Lowell Cadet Corps was set up in 1882. The school is known for leading in many athletics games.
1.3 University Preparatory Academy, San Jose
University Preparatory Academy is one of the best charter schools in California. The passing out terms are more rigid than those of other high schools in the area.
Approximately 90% of school students belong to minorities, and 34% come from poor families.
1.4 Summit Preparatory Charter High School, Redwood City
Summit Preparatory Charter High School was set up in 2003. It is a charter and before college high school.
Summit Prep passouts fulfill or cross the A – G college entry needs of the University of California.
1.5 Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon
Dougherty Valley High School is among the four public schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. According to the Academic Performance Index, it is the best school in the district.
It is well-known for its state-of-the-art campus, which includes a performing arts centre and a water sports centre. The school also has over 200 groups and offers many after-school activities.
1.6 Redwood High School, Larkspur
Redwood High is a secondary public school in the Tamalpais Union High School District.
It is set up at the base of Mount Tamalpais with 81 classrooms, a library, a theatre, a swimming pool, and athletics fields.
Redwood has also been named the National Green Ribbon School for 2023.
1.7 Granite Bay High School, Granite Bay
Granite Bay High School was started in 1996 in the Roseville Joint Union High School District. Granite Bay High School was named the national Blue Ribbon School in 2002. They also have an active theatre department.
1.8 Acalanes High School, Lafayette
Acalanes High School is one of the best public high schools in Acalanes Union High School District. In addition to lots of AP and honours courses, Acalanes offers many different courses.
One may choose from options like sports medicine, digital design, auto mechanics, studio arts from basic to advanced, making videos, media, theatre, photography, foreign languages and music.
1.9 University High School, Fresno
University High School, Fresno, is a charter school. It has a unique method of teaching that includes classes in zoology, Latin, and music.
The Liberal Arts High School uses a lottery system. When the number of applications passes, the number of seats is free.
Students must have at least two years of musical history before applying for this high school. It’s a must for every student to take part in the school’s music group for the entire four-year period.
1.10 Oakland Military Institute
Oakland Military Institute is a charter school managed by the California Military Department’s Youth and Community Programs Wing.
They have active and strict training rules for training cadets into successful human beings. The school’s cadets are also considered members of California’s Cadet Corps.
1.11 Roseland University Prep, Santa Rosa
Roseland University Prep is a charter school. It features a course of study that includes actions aimed at helping kids from low-income families enter colleges and universities.
Students are advised to participate in school functions, make an effort for good grades, and be a member of the RUP family.
2. Private Schools in California
As the name suggests, these schools are run by the private parties. The few noted ones among them in California are:
2.1 Notre Dame High School, San Jose
Notre Dame is the girls’ first Catholic private high school in San Jose. They offer many after-school activities, such as clubs of various cultures, athletics, and getting through the locals of San Jose.
2.2 San Diego Jewish Academy, San Diego
San Diego Jewish Academy is a private Jewish day school in San Diego County. The school is extended into three schools.
The first is Kindergarten, the second is lower school till grades K-5, and the third one, high school, is from classes 6 to 12.
SDJA is a multicultural school that has tie-ups with many San Diego institutions.
2.3 San Domenico School, San Anselmo
San Domenico School is California’s first independent, private school for both boys and girls with day and boarding facilities. It is the nearest residential school to San Francisco.
They have an active theatre arts group and receive Green Ribbon School awards. All students must complete the social justice course in their Junior year.
2.4 Salesian College Preparatory, Richmond
Salesian College Preparatory is a Roman Catholic, coed, private high school in Richmond, Contra Costa County.
The school is part of the Salesian of Don Bosco. It is known to be one of the best religious schools in Richmond.
2.5 Moreau Catholic High School, Hayward
Moreau Catholic High School is a previous-college Roman Catholic school supported by the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
They offer over 40 honours and AP courses in science, maths, environmental science, and statistics, to name a few.
Students here actively participate in athletics, as well as in dramatic society.
2.6 St. Mary’s High School, Stockton
St. Mary High School is a roman catholic private school for boys and girls in Stockton. St. Mary’s selects students according to an admission test, feedback and work done in the last school.
They draw students from 64 nearby elementary and junior high schools. St. Mary’s offers tens of subjects from which students select their compulsory and optional courses.
3. Alternative or Continuation Schools In California
They have different syllabi and teaching styles from the regular schools in the area.
3.1 Calvine High School, Sacramento
Calvine High School is an alternative high school in Sacramento County. Students here take part in many after-school activities.
Marsh Madness, their young leadership project, helps Calvine students become guides to primary school kids. They inform them about all areas of present natural wealth.
Students study in open areas by participating in activities that build up practical education.
3.2 Maple High School, Lompoc
Maple High School in Vandenberg Village is another high school that gives different education to students whose learning needs are not met through the typical challenging high school courses.
Maple High School sets out that all students should finish graduation and become good human beings.
3.3 El Camino High School, Ventura
El Camino High School at Ventura College serves as a public independent learning and middle college high school in Ventura County. ECHS has just a handful of after-school activities and no sports activities.
Many students, however, improve their essential academic work with skills such as music, art, theatre, or athletics at nearby high schools.
El Camino High School gives private college preparation courses that match the University of California’s “A—G” entry rules.
They have community college coursework, internships, volunteer duties, and actual work training.
3.4 Island High School, Alameda
In the 1970s, Island High began as another school to replace Alameda and Encinal High Schools. Island High differs from typical high schools in California.
They allow students to earn 7.5 credits each semester rather than the standard five. Diplomas from Island High are equal to credentials from any other California high school.
An Overview
California’s educational diversity is not just a reflection of the state’s multicultural society; it’s a testament to the commitment to providing quality education and fostering the potential of every student.
It’s clear from the above that many options are available in California regarding schooling. The list of how many high schools in California is non-ending. One can check out and choose based on their School district.
Ultimately, whether you aim to excel in academics, pursue your passions in the arts and sports, or find alternative pathways to success, California’s high schools help you achieve your goals and shape your future.
Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
This blog post explores the different high school options in California and how they contribute to educational diversity. It highlights the importance of having a variety of choices for students to meet their unique needs and interests. The article also discusses the impact of educational diversity on the overall learning environment in the state. Overall, it’s a great read that sheds light on the various high school options available in California and their role in shaping a well-rounded education system. Thanks for it.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse high school options in California, showcasing the state’s commitment to quality education. It’s enlightening to learn about the various public, charter, private, and alternative schools, each offering unique opportunities for students. The inclusion of specific schools with details about their programs and achievements adds a personal touch. Overall, it’s a valuable resource for those navigating the educational landscape in California.