Update: This article was last updated by Moonpreneur on 04th December 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Selecting the appropriate school district for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your child’s academic experience will begin here; their education will provide them with their skills, knowledge and ultimately their opportunities for success as adults. There are so many options available when looking for a school district, that it can be very difficult to determine which area will provide the best fit for your family.
California has always been known for its educational excellence and while many states have made strides toward improvement, education remains a key driver in developing the future. This eBook will look at numerous California school districts that have gone above and beyond in their dedication to providing their students with an outstanding education. We will explore each of these districts as we embark upon a journey through California, gathering information about the Top School Districts in California for 2026.
| Rankings | District Name | Graduation rate | Reading Proficiency | Math Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District | 97% | 65% | 75% |
| 2 | Palo Alto Unified School District | 97.7% | 80% | 80% |
| 3 | La Cañada Unified School District | 98.7% | 85% | 86% |
| 4 | Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District | 93% | 69% | 85% |
| 5 | San Dieguito Union High School District | 94% | 83% | 62% |
| 6 | Carmel Unified School District | 99% | 78% | 47% |
| 7 | San Marino Unified School District | 99.5% | 88% | 87% |
| 8 | Acalanes Union High School District | 96% | 88% | 86% |
| 9 | Arcadia Unified School District | 97.2% | 73% | 65% |
| 10 | Fremont Union High School District | 88% | 83% | 73% |
Here is the list of the 10 best school districts in California
1. Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
Website: https://www.lgsuhsd.org/
Location: 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: 408-354-2520
This district consistently ranks as one of California’s top educationally advanced districts, and boasts a variety of exceptional programs available to students, including academic, enrichment, and sports programs
Mission: Promotes lifelong learning, personal integrity, social responsibility, and positive physical and mental health.
Total schools: 2
Number of Students Served: 3,175
Average graduation rate: 97%
Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
Average math proficiency score: 65%
Average reading proficiency score: 75%
Average SAT Score: 1380
Average ACT Score: 31
2. Palo Alto Unified School District
Website: https://www.pausd.org/
Location: 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94306-1099
Phone: 650-329-3700
The district is considered one of the most prestigious districts in the state. The high-achieving (AP) program and the comprehensive choices in challenging coursework create a “culture” of success for our students, along with exposure to various areas of study and career paths through positive role models.
Mission: Creating an environment for all learners.
Total schools: 21
Number of Students Served: 10,318
Average graduation rate: 97.7%
Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Average math proficiency score: 80%
Average reading proficiency score: 80%
Average SAT Score: 1400
Average ACT Score: 31
3. La Cañada Unified School District
Website: https://www.lcusd.net/
Location: 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Canada, CA 91011
Phone: 818-952-8300
This school district is known for its high level of achievement and also, the district has a reputation for being a very progressive (forward-thinking) district and has developed into a culturally and environmentally comfortable area to live in. It is situated in the residential community of La Cañada Flintridge.
Mission: A learning community committed to personal growth and academic excellence.
Total schools: 7
Number of Students Served: 4,000
Average graduation rate: 98.7%
Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
Average math proficiency score: 85%
Average reading proficiency score: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1360
Average ACT Score: 31
4. Mountain View Los Altos Union High School
Website: https://www.mvla.net/
Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: 650-940-4650
In this district, students receive a top-notch education, with the highest AP and SAT scores in California. The district is committed to nurturing each student and providing them with everything they need to reach their full academic and social potential.
Mission: Promote achievement of students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; support the well-being of students and staff; provide facilities that optimally enhance learning and maintain fiscal stability
Total schools: 3
Number of Students Served: 4,388
Average graduation rate: 93%
Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Average math proficiency score: 69%
Average reading proficiency score: 85%
Average SAT Score: 1360
Average ACT Score: 31
5. San Dieguito Union High School District
Website: https://www.sduhsd.net/
Location: 710 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6491
This popular school district covers the areas of Carmel Valley, Earl Warren, and Pacific Trails Middle Schools.
Mission: Students’ first philosophy.
Total schools: 5
Number of Students Served: 13177
Average graduation rate: 94%
Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
Average math proficiency score: 62%
Average reading proficiency score: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1330
Average ACT Score: 30
6. Carmel Unified School District
Website: https://www.carmelunified.org/
Location: 4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923
Phone: 831-624-1546
The enrollment process in the district includes all children residing in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and the surrounding areas. The academic programs available within the district include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, various elective options, and an abundance of opportunities for extracurricular activities.
Mission: Educates the whole student through partnerships to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.
Total schools: 8
Number of Students Served: 2335
Average graduation rate: 99%
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Average math proficiency score: 47%
Average reading proficiency score: 78%
Average SAT Score: 1290
Average ACT Score:29
7. San Marino Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District is academically one of the top-performing public school districts in the state of California.
Mission: To provide safe, supportive environments and innovative opportunities for student learning, promotes individual student excellence, invite collaboration and discovery, and challenge students to take responsibility as members of a diverse, global community.
Total schools: 4
Number of Students Served: 2,933
Average graduation rate: 99.5%
Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Average math proficiency score: 86%
Average reading proficiency score: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1370
Average ACT Score: 31
8. Acalanes Union High School District
Website: https://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/
Location: 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette, Ca 94549
Phone: 925-280-3900
Canyon, Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek are located within the district boundaries. The District’s main focus is to prepare students for their futures (both college and career), while at the same time ensuring that the District provides all students with a learning environment that meets their social-emotional needs.
Mission: To educate every student to excel and contribute to a global society.
Total schools: 5
Number of Students Served: 5,389
Average graduation rate: 95%
Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Average math proficiency score: 69%
Average reading proficiency score: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1330
Average ACT Score: 30
9. The Arcadia Unified School District
This district has gained widespread recognition, having been named a US News and World Report Gold Medal School on three occasions, featured on Newsweek’s list of Top Public High Schools in America, and ranked in the top two percent of high schools nationwide.
Mission: To champion students and staff to Imagine, Inquire, and Inspire.
Total schools: 13
Number of Students Served: 9500
Average graduation rate: 97.2%
Student-teacher ratio: 26:1
Average math proficiency score: 65%
Average reading proficiency score: 73%
Average SAT Score: 1360
Average ACT Score: 31
10. Fremont Union High School District
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One of the key highlights of this school district is its commitment to providing students with opportunities to participate in a diverse range of activities, such as leadership, athletics, and speech and debate.
Mission: To help students explore their interests and support them on their pathway to success
Total schools: 6
Number of Students Served: 9,606
Average graduation rate: 88%
Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
Average math proficiency score: 73%
Average reading proficiency score: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1400
Average ACT Score: 32
These 10 school districts are one of the best and top-notch places to study. Our list will help parents in deciding which schools they want their children to attend from the above list in order to be academically successful.
Here a Pro Tips for Parents
If you live in California or a nearby state and have kids between the ages of 5 and 10, here’s a bonus tip: here are the best elementary schools in California that have outstanding academic records, low student-teacher ratios, and high graduation rates.
1. Merritt Trace Elementary School
2. Francophone Charter School Of Oakland
3. Malloch Elementary School
4. Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School
5. Wonderland Avenue Elementary School
6. Clover Avenue Elementary School
7. Millikin Elementary School
8. Montclair Elementary School
9. Clara Barton Elementary School
10. Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
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Your comprehensive blog on best district school in San Jose really helped me in making decision for my daughter’s admission. This list of the top school districts in California is invaluable and I am recommending it to my friend. Moonpreneur’s mention and commitment to unleashing children’s potential through robotics education is inspiring.
I would like to inquire about the involvement and support of the school administration in the top-ranked school districts mentioned in the blog. How do they actively contribute to the academic and personal growth of students, and what measures do they take to ensure a positive and nurturing learning environment?
Sufficient information about the school administration’s leadership style, communication effectiveness, and accountability is missing from the blog, which are essential factors in evaluating the overall quality of a school district.
What about Irvine Unified School District, any recommendations?
Some schools in this district like Cypress and Portola have really bad teachers that create a difficult environment for the students to learn in. So please be careful while choosing the right school for your child.
I am more concerned about the placement courses provided by schools as my daughter will enroll in high school next year. So tell me the one with this facility.
If you are looking for advanced placement courses then go for San Marino Unified School District, located in Los Angeles.
1. What factors do you think parents should consider when choosing a school district for their children?
Alongside academic performance, parents should also consider factors like proximity to home, availability of extracurricular activities, the diversity of the student body, quality of teachers, and the overall school culture
Have you had any personal experiences with the school districts listed? Recommendations will be appreciated.
I enrolled my daughter in San Marino Unified School District school and teacher’s behavior was exceptional
What role do extracurricular activities play in a student’s overall educational experience
Extracurricular activities are crucial for holistic development. They promote teamwork, leadership, and personal growth, complementing academic learning.To learn more about this kindly refer: