SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Niche released its 2026 rankings for "Best Public High Schools in California" with five San Francisco Bay Area schools in the top 20. The annual rankings are based on Niche's analysis of several key factors, including U.S. Department of Education statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents.
Lowell High School in San Francisco earned the No. 7 spot. Its 2,540 students have a 98 percent graduation rate and 55 percent enrollment in AP courses.
An alumni wrote, "Lowell High School was a unique high school that held up a competitive environment like no other. The students were all motivated into getting top colleges which could be a driving factor for you or a pressure that weighs you down."
Lowell is the only high school in the San Francisco Unified School District with academic-based admissions criteria.
A Lowell senior wrote, "The oldest public high school west of the Mississippi, I was immediately intrigued by its allure. The academic rigor and student culture were just some factors that made me want to attend. When I had saw I gotten in, I had won the lottery."
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Two schools in the Palo Alto Unified School District, Henry Gunn High School and Palo Alto High School, ranked No. 9 and No. 10 on Niche's list.
As the highest-ranked public high school in Santa Clara County, Henry Gunn High School has a 97 percent graduation rate, 1,430 average SAT score, 40 percent AP enrollment, and a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Palo Alto High School is located across the street from prestigious Stanford University.
A junior wrote, "I love the resources available at Palo Alto High and the fact that Stanford University is right across the street which offers programs and internships for high school students."
Another student wrote, "I have mainly had amazing teachers, and I have received an amazing education so far. It can be overly competitive and not the right fit for every learner. Additionally, there is a heavy focus on STEM classes."
Rounding out the top 20, Saratoga High School ranked No. 16 and Los Altos High School ranked No. 18.
Saratoga High School has 1,198 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Students' average SAT score is 1,460 and 56 percent are enrolled in AP courses.
"Our math department is really strong, most students are taking math courses about 2-3 levels higher than what is required for their grade level," a Saratoga sophomore wrote.
A SHS parent wrote, "Classes are challenging, but there is a focus on strong well rounded students. The music program is nationally renowned, and STEM a strong focus."
Private high school in Oakland named among 10 best in USLos Altos High School has 2,114 students with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. Its students have an average SAT score of 1,380, and a 48 percent AP enrollment.
A junior wrote, "Los Altos High School is, overall, a great place. They pride themselves on their engineering and STEM classes with Advanced Science Investigation, Design and Prototyping, Design and Fabrication, Engineering 1 & 2, Robotics 1 & 2, Computer Science 1 & 2, and APs."
Niche's ranking factors included state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality.
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