Ross School makes list of top California public schools

By Angela Rodriguez

California has some of the nation’s top public schools, according to Niche, a ranking and review site.

The site recently released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation. Niche then graded schools on a scale of A+ through D- on these factors.

“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make,” Luke Skurman, founder and chief executive of Niche, said in a statement. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators.”

The top public schools in California include elementary, middle and high schools in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles, according to Niche.

The K-8 Ross School in Marin made the top 10 public elementary schools list, with a No. 9 ranking, and the middle schools list at No. 10.

“We are proud of our school’s success, made possible by dedicated teachers and staff, engaged families and a supportive community,” said David Rice, superintendent of the Ross School District. “Together, we foster a culture of continuous growth, striving to enhance student learning and help each child reach their full potential.”

Each school earned an overall Niche grade of A+, reflecting excellence in academics, resources, extracurriculars and more.

“Families can search, filter, and compare schools based on what matters most to them — from academics and extracurriculars to location and community fit,” Niche said in its statement.

The top 10 public elementary schools in California for 2026, according to Niche:

1. Montecito Union in Santa Barbara
2. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
3. La Cañada Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
4. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
5. Palm Crest Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
6. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
7. Valentine Elementary School in San Marino
8. Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
9. Ross School in Ross
10. Soleado Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes

The top 10 public middle schools:

1. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
2. The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood
3. Riverside STEM Academy in Riverside
4. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
5. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
6. The Preuss School UC San Diego in La Jolla
7. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
8. Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto
9. Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
10. Ross School in Ross

The top 10 public high schools in California in 2026, according to Niche:

1. California Academy of Mathematics & Science in Carson
2. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
3. California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley in Duarte
4. Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana
5. Troy High School in Fullerton
6. Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego
7. Lowell High School in San Francisco
8. Academy of the Canyons in Santa Clarita
9. Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto
10. Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto

Niche based its rankings on the most recent data available from public sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census Bureau combined with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.

“Key factors include academics, teachers, resources, facilities, extracurriculars and more,” Niche said.

The Independent Journal contributed to this report. Distributed by Tribune News Service.