Southern California STEM-focused schools have taken the lead in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of the nation's best public high schools. The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood was recognized as the top public high school in California and ranked 10th nationally. This Los Angeles Unified School District magnet school serves 260 students in grades 9-12 and boasts a 100% graduation rate, a 97% AP exam pass rate, and an average SAT score of 1,334.
The annual rankings assess thousands of schools across the country based on factors including college readiness, graduation rates, AP participation, state assessment performance, and service to underserved students.
Whitney High School in Cerritos, last year's California champion, secured the second position in the state and 11th nationally. This highly selective school, part of the ABC Unified School District, admits students in grades 7-12 based on merit and is known for its rigorous academic programs, high AP exam participation, and near-perfect state testing proficiency.
Rounding out the top three in California is Oxford Academy in Cypress, which ranked 17th nationwide. This Anaheim Union High School District school requires students to pass a challenging entrance exam. All upperclassmen in the honors curriculum must complete at least four AP classes for graduation, with 99% passing at least one AP exam. Freshmen and sophomores can also choose specialized pathways to enhance their core curriculum.
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington, an early college program within LAUSD, ranked fourth in California and 24th nationally. The school offers students the opportunity to simultaneously earn high school and college credits. Its AP participation rate stands at 100%, with 96% of students passing at least one AP exam.
The California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) in Carson, located on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, was ranked seventh in California and 69th nationally. This magnet school within the Long Beach Unified School District provides students access to university laboratories. Approximately 91% of CAMS students participate in AP programs, with 83% passing at least one AP exam.
Outside of the Southern California region, other top-ranking California high schools in the top 10 include Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy at fifth, University High School in Fresno at sixth, Pacific Collegiate Charter at eighth, Lynbrook High School in San Jose at ninth, and Mission San Jose High School at tenth.
