By Angela Rodriguez
California has some of the nation’s top public schools, according to Niche, a ranking and review site.
The site recently released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation. Niche then graded schools on a scale of A+ through D- on these factors.
“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make,” Luke Skurman, founder and chief executive of Niche, said in a statement. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators.”
The top public schools in California include elementary, middle and high schools in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles, according to Niche.
The K-8 Ross School in Marin made the top 10 public elementary schools list, with a No. 9 ranking, and the middle schools list at No. 10.
“We are proud of our school’s success, made possible by dedicated teachers and staff, engaged families and a supportive community,” said David Rice, superintendent of the Ross School District. “Together, we foster a culture of continuous growth, striving to enhance student learning and help each child reach their full potential.”
Each school earned an overall Niche grade of A+, reflecting excellence in academics, resources, extracurriculars and more.
“Families can search, filter, and compare schools based on what matters most to them — from academics and extracurriculars to location and community fit,” Niche said in its statement.
The top 10 public elementary schools in California for 2026, according to Niche:
Montecito Union in Santa Barbara
Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
La Cañada Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
Palm Crest Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
Valentine Elementary School in San Marino
Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
Ross School in Ross
Soleado Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes
The top 10 public middle schools:
Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood
Riverside STEM Academy in Riverside
Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
The Preuss School UC San Diego in La Jolla
Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto
Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
Ross School in Ross
The top 10 public high schools in California in 2026, according to Niche:
California Academy of Mathematics & Science in Carson
Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley in Duarte
Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana
Troy High School in Fullerton
Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego
Lowell High School in San Francisco
Academy of the Canyons in Santa Clarita
Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto
Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto
Niche based its rankings on the most recent data available from public sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census Bureau combined with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.
“Key factors include academics, teachers, resources, facilities, extracurriculars and more,” Niche said.
The Independent Journal contributed to this report. Distributed by Tribune News Service.