U.S. News and World Report recently published its highly anticipated list of the best public high schools in California, and several Bay Area schools have emerged as top performers.
Riverside Stem Academy, Whitney High School, and Science Academy Stem Magnet from Southern California occupy the top three spots on the list, with all three achieving a remarkable 99% or higher graduation rate and national rankings within the top 15.
Moving down the list, Bay Area schools make their presence felt, starting with Lowell High School in San Francisco at No. 7, followed by Lynbrook High School in San Jose at No. 9, and Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy in Gilroy at No. 10. These schools have also earned impressive national rankings, with Lowell at No. 74, Lynbrook at No. 82, and Owens at No. 86.
Fremont’s Mission San Jose High School rounds out the top 11 schools in California and secures No. 93 nationally.
To determine these rankings, U.S. News employed six distinct factors, each carrying varying weight: college readiness, math and reading proficiency, graduation rate, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and state assessment proficiency.
Lowell High School in San Francisco boasts a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on honors-level and Advanced Placement courses across various subjects, including chemistry, calculus, and economics. The school also offers a diverse selection of foreign languages and boasts an impressive athletic record, claiming more city championships than any other public high school in San Francisco. Lowell’s distinguished alumni include three Nobel Prize winners and the renowned gorilla researcher Dian Fossey.
Lynbrook High School in San Jose provides ample opportunities for Advanced Placement coursework and exams, with an impressive 84% of students participating in AP programs. The school has a diverse student body, with 93% minority enrollment and 4% economically disadvantaged students.
Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy in Gilroy also emphasizes AP coursework and exams, achieving a 100% participation rate. The school’s student population is 87% minority, with 38% coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
These rankings are a testament to the exceptional quality of education offered by Bay Area high schools. Their commitment to academic excellence, diverse student populations, and well-rounded programs have earned them recognition among the best public high schools in California and the nation.
