9 Best High Schools in Orange County: Top Picks for Education
Orange County is not only well known for being sunny and having beaches but also for being the home of some of California's most esteemed public schools. The well-known school rankings consistently place both the public magnet schools and the neighborhood public schools here among the very best in the state. These schools have what every school should possess: a solid pathway to college and career success for each of their students.
If you’re a parent picking a school for your child, a student investigating your choices, or a family relocating to the area, finding the right high school demands sleuthing. In this guide, we’ve highlighted the best high schools in Orange County, using academic metrics as our main selection criterion, but also considering unique programs, the overall student experience, and the reported high school-teacher ratio.
Equally important, we will offer practical advice on how to pull together applications, including one small detail that often escapes families until the last minute: having a clear, recent photo ready to go that can be used for school IDs, applications, and yearbooks.
How We Selected These Schools
Our selections are made based on several factors, which include the following:
Rankings from reliable resources such as the U.S. News & World Report and Niche
Participation and academic achievement in AP courses and IB programs.
The rates of graduation and the level of preparedness for college
Prominent activities and programs outside of class.
Comments and responses from parents and students
The 9 Best High Schools in Orange County
| School Name | Location | Grades | Enrollment | Rank (National/State) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Academy | Cypress, CA | 7–12 | ~1,200 | #22 / #4 California |
| University High School | Irvine, CA | 9–12 | ~2,200 | #356 / #48 California |
| Northwood High School | Irvine, CA | 9–12 | ~2,300 | #372 / #51 California |
| Portola High School | Irvine, CA | 9–12 | ~2,500 | #402 / #55 California |
| Arnold O. Beckman High School | Tustin, CA | 9–12 | ~2,800 | #652 / #84 California |
| La Quinta High School | Westminster, CA | 9–12 | ~2,100 | #674 / #88 California |
| Fountain Valley High School | Fountain Valley, CA | 9–12 | ~3,200 | #701 / #90 California |
| Sunny Hills High School | Fullerton, CA | 9–12 | ~2,300 | #740 / #98 California |
| Irvine High School | Irvine, CA | 9–12 | ~1,800 | #822 / #114 California |
Why It Stands Out: Currently holds the #22 rank at the national level and #4 rank within California. Demands a minimum of four AP classes to achieve graduation, with specialized academic pathways in areas like biomedical science and engineering, business, and software systems development. Enjoys a not-too-shabby 95%+ proficiency rate across the curricular areas of math and reading, coupled with a 100% graduation rate, and presents a pretty good semblance of a cross-section of American life with its culturally diverse student body.
Insider Tip: Exam for entrance; applications typically due in late autumn. Academic clubs, such as Science Olympiad and robotics, are very strong.
University High School – Irvine, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,200 students
Why It Stands Out: Nationally ranked #356 and #48 in California. Provides an Engineering and Design Academy, with a significant enrollment in AP and IB courses, and flaunts a 98% graduation rate. The campus also boasts a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, clubs, and leadership opportunities.
Insider Tip: The enrollment for Irvine USD is based on residency. Applications for transfer students are due in early spring. The speech and debate team at the school is exceptionally strong.
Northwood High School – Irvine, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,300 students
Why It Stands Out: National rank #372; California rank #51. Visual and performing arts specialization, as well as AP offerings. 97% graduation rate. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and leadership opportunities, ensuring students develop both academically and personally.
Insider Tip: Enrollment for the winter term is open. Not-only-that, its award-winning music and sports programs that attract the most students.
Arnold O. Beckman High School – Tustin, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,800 students
Why It Stands Out: Nationally ranked at #652 and #84 in California. Programs related to biomedical science and engineering, in addition to a robust collection of AP and honors classes.
Insider Tip: Applications for transfer open early each year. Distinguished for its military band and programs in student leadership.
Portola High School – Irvine, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,500 students
Why It Stands Out: Ranked #402 in the nation and #55 in California. Focus on STEM and global studies; new, modern facilities; 96% graduation rate. The school features new, modern facilities that support innovative teaching and hands-on learning experiences.
Insider Tip: Transfer students are evaluated year-round, and our robotics and e-sports teams are exceptional.
La Quinta High School – Westminster, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,100 students
Why It Stands Out: Achieved national ranking of #674 while attaining statewide California ranking of #88. Nationally recognized for having an AVID program. Very high statewide ranking for being an AP school.
Insider Tip: The period of open enrollment concludes in February. It provides profound and vibrant cultural interactions with the local Vietnamese-American community.
Fountain Valley High School – Fountain Valley, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~3,200 students
Why It Stands Out: Ranked #701 in the country and #90 in California. Renowned for its performing arts conservatory and "vibrant school spirit." Fountain Valley High offers a diverse selection of academic programs, along with a commitment to fostering creativity, leadership, and personal growth.
Insider Tip: By coastlines that allow a beach culture; with a strong theater and surfing culture.
Sunny Hills High School – Fullerton, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~2,300 students
Why It Stands Out: Rated #740 in the entire nation and #98 in the Golden State. Provides an International Baccalaureate program and a number of career academies.
Insider Tip: Famous debate and orchestra programs; near Disneyland and Cal State Fullerton.
Irvine High School – Irvine, CA
Quick Snapshot:
Public,
Grades 9–12,
~1,800 students
Why It Stands Out: Ranked #822 in the nation and #114 in the state of California, with a nearly equal focus on academic and arts education. Almost all students (97%) graduate from this school.
Insider Tip: Programs in competitive jazz, marching band, and athletics, and a bike-friendly town.
How to Choose the Right High School
Here is how to choose the one for you among the best high schools in Orange County. You might favor the academic focus: AP, IB, STEM, the arts, or something else. If there is a pathway (rigorous academic, service, or leadership) that the applicant has followed, this is the section to describe it.
Location: Being near to home and having a low commute time.
School size: Small, medium, or large enrollment.
Cultural Aspect: Eagerly competitive, working well in collaboration, or pursuing a path of harmonious balance in most situations.
Culture: Competitive, collaborative, or balanced environment
Programs with a special focus: Magnet academies, dual enrollment, and career pathways.
Preparing for the Application Process
Start early. Some schools accept applications 6–12 months prior to the academic year.
Gather key documents. Transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
Prepare for interviews or auditions. Especially for programs in the arts and other specialized fields.
Don’t forget your application photo! Numerous educational institutions demand that applicants submit a current, high-quality photo. These attempts at self-presentation can backfire in terms of intimidation if the student is already nervous about the application process.
That’s why a lot of local future students and parents are using Studio Pod. It’s over in Aliso Viejo, and it’s not some stiff photo shoot. No photographer, no weird studio vibes. You just walk in, it’s a sleek little booth, professional lighting already set up, you take a few shots, pick your favorite, and you’re out. The whole thing takes maybe 15 minutes. Super easy, and the photos actually look good.
Tips for a Smooth High School Transition
Participate in initiation activities.
Become a member of at least one club or activity during the first month.
Create a homework schedule before the start of the school year.
Ensure all vital papers, including an updated photo of your student ID, remain at your fingertips. Make them accessible in the way only you can, as if your life depends on it. Because in a way, it really does.
Final Thoughts on Best High Schools in Orange County
Selecting the ideal school is quite an undertaking, but it is one you can manage if you break it down into research and preparation. Orange County has great options for nearly every conceivable type of learner, right through to kids like mine who need extra help.
The schools here range from those that are fully STEM-focused, like my son's school, to others like the one my daughter attends, which is on the cutting edge of performing arts. Start the process early, stay organized, and remember: even small details can matter.
Joseph West
Photographer, CEO of Studio Pod
Joseph is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and creativity. He has initiated and expanded multiple ventures, leveraging AI for multiple photography applications.
