California's Best Charter Public High Schools

The California Distinguished School Award, presented by the California Department of Education, recognizes outstanding schools for their achievements in academics, equity, and school climate. Schools that earn this distinction hold the title for two years, highlighting their sustained commitment to student success. In 2026, several charter public high schools are among those recognized with this prestigious honor, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence and achievement.

High Schools (Grades 9-12)

• Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Leichtman-Levine Family Foundation Environmental Science High, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Marc & Eva Stern Math and Science, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield Technology Academy High, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Patti And Peter Neuwirth Leadership Academy, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Susan and Eric Smidt Technology High, Greater Los Angeles
• Alliance Ted K. Tajima High, Greater Los Angeles
• Animo Jackie Robinson High, Greater Los Angeles
• California School of the Arts, Greater Los Angeles
• CATCH Prep Charter High, Inc., Greater Los Angeles
• Central City Value, Greater Los Angeles
• City Honors International Preparatory High, Greater Los Angeles
• Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy, Northern California
• Credo High, Northern California
• Da Vinci Science, Greater Los Angeles
• Ednovate – Esperanza College Prep, Greater Los Angeles
• Ednovate – USC Hybrid High College Prep, Greater Los Angeles
• Environmental Charter High, Greater Los Angeles
• Harmony Magnet Academy, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, Greater Los Angeles
• Health Careers Academy, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Helix High, Southern California
• High Tech High International, Southern California
• KIPP King Collegiate High, Bay Area
• Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts, Northern California
• Port of Los Angeles High, Greater Los Angeles
• Porterville Military Academy, Central Valley & Northern Central
• PUC Community Charter Early College High, Greater Los Angeles
• PUC Lakeview Charter High, Greater Los Angeles
• PUC Triumph Charter High, Greater Los Angeles
• Reedley Middle College High, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Stockton Early College Academy, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Summit Public School: Shasta, Bay Area
• Taft Charter High, Greater Los Angeles
• University High, Central Valley & Northern Central
• University Preparatory, Northern California
• University Preparatory High, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Valor Academy High, Greater Los Angeles
• Washington Middle College High, Northern California
• Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, Northern California
• WISH Academy High, Greater Los Angeles

Middle/High Schools (Grades 6-12 or K-12)

• Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy, Central Valley & Northern Central
• High Tech High Mesa, Southern California
• Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, Northern California
• Magnolia Science Academy 4, Greater Los Angeles
• Magnolia Science Academy 5, Greater Los Angeles
• Magnolia Science Academy 6, Greater Los Angeles
• Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, Southern California
• Millennium Charter, Central Valley & Northern Central
• Samueli Academy, Southern California
• School for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Southern California
• The Grove School, Southern California
• The Preuss School UC San Diego, Southern California
• University Preparatory Academy Charter, Bay Area
• Western Center Academy, Southern California

Niche is a leading school search and review platform used by millions of families to research and compare schools. More than 21 million people use Niche annually to research K–12 schools for their children. Drawing on Niche’s 2026 rankings and data, we’ve highlighted the highest-ranked charter high schools in California, based on academic performance, school culture, student experiences and other measures.

• Ranked #3 – California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, Duarte
• Ranked #7 – Orange County School of the Arts, Santa Ana
• Ranked #10 – University High School, Fresno
• Ranked #30 – Valley International Preparatory High School, Northridge
• Ranked #32 – Helix Charter High School, La Mesa
• Ranked #33 – Da Vinci Science, El Segundo
• Ranked #41 – Granada Hills Charter, Granada Hills
• Ranked #70 – Da Vinci Communications High School, El Segundo
• Ranked #77 – Connecting Waters Charter – East Bay, Union City
• Ranked #84 – Pacific Collegiate Charter School, Santa Cruz
• Ranked #87 – Escondido Charter High School, Escondido
• Ranked #88 – Western Center Academy, Hemet
• Ranked #90 – The Preuss School UC San Diego, La Jolla
• Ranked #95 – Academy of the Redwoods, Early College High School, Eureka