These are the best California public schools for 2026. Did yours make the list?

Looking for the best public schools in California?

According to Niche, California has some of the top elementary, middle and high schools in the nation.

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In the fall of 2025, the ranking and review site 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 CEO of Niche, said in a news release. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators.”

Here’s a look at which schools made Niche’s 2026 Best Schools in California list:

Where are the best schools in California?

For 2026, the top public schools in California include elementary, middle and high schools in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles, according to Niche.

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.

Where are the best elementary schools in California?

These are the top 10 public elementary schools in California for 2026, according to Niche:

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1. Montecito Union School in Santa Barbara
2. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
3. La Cañada Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
4. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
5. Palm Crest Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
6. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
7. Valentine Elementary School in San Marino
8. Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
9. Ross Elementary School in Ross
10. Soleado Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes

What are the top 10 middle schools in California?

Here are the top 10 public middle schools in California for 2026, Niche said:

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

What are the best high schools in California?

These are the top 10 public high schools in California in 2026, 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. California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley in Duarte
4. Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana
5. Troy High School in Fullerton
6. Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego
7. Lowell High School in San Francisco
8. Academy of the Canyons in Santa Clarita
9. Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto
10. Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto

How did Niche come up with its findings?

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.