Best High Schools
in Fresno, California
We ranked the 30 high schools in Fresno with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.3 and 8.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Fresno for 2026 are Clovis North High (8.7/10), University High (8.2/10), and Design Science Middle College High (8.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 30 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Fresno?
Every high school in Fresno is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Clovis North High
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
University High
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Design Science Middle College High
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Fresno's 29 ranked high schools span a meaningful range of quality, with a composite average of 6.7/10 — but the top of the list pulls well above that mark. Erma Duncan Polytechnical High leads at 8.8/10, followed closely by Career Technical Education Charter at 8.7 and Edison High at 8.5. Clovis West and Clovis North round out the top five, both scoring above 8.0. Nearly half the ranked schools — 13 in total — score 7.0 or higher, which signals a solid tier of strong options across the metro. Whether you're weighing academics, location, or school type, the table below gives you a full side-by-side look. Sort by score, name, or any other column to zero in on the schools that fit your priorities.
Clovis North High
University High
Design Science Middle College High
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Fresno's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 30 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clovis North High Clovis Unified | 8.7 |
| 2 | University High Charter University High District | 8.2 |
| 3 | Design Science Middle College High Fresno Unified | 8.2 |
| 4 | Washington High Washington Unified | 8.1 |
| 5 | Clovis West High Clovis Unified | 8.1 |
| 6 | Phillip J Patino School of Entrepreneurship Fresno Unified | 7.9 |
| 7 | Edison High Fresno Unified | 7.7 |
| 8 | Career Technical Education Charter Charter Career Technical Education Charter District | 7.6 |
| 9 | Erma Duncan Polytechnical High Fresno Unified | 7.4 |
| 10 | Roosevelt High Fresno Unified | 7.1 |
| 11 | Sunnyside High Fresno Unified | 6.9 |
| 12 | Dewolf Continuation High Fresno Unified | 6.8 |
| 13 | Fresno High Fresno Unified | 6.5 |
| 14 | Mclane High Fresno Unified | 6.5 |
| 15 | Carter G. Woodson Public Charter Charter Carter G. Woodson Public Charter District | 6.2 |
| 16 | Bullard High Fresno Unified | 6.2 |
| 17 | Aspen Ridge Public Charter Aspen Ridge Public District | 6.1 |
| 18 | Central East High Central Unified | 5.9 |
| 19 | Central High Central Unified | 5.7 |
| 20 | Herbert Hoover High Fresno Unified | 5.6 |
| 21 | Pershing Continuation High Central Unified | 5.5 |
| 22 | Phoenix Secondary Fresno Unified | 5.5 |
| 23 | San Joaquin Memorial High School | 5.5 |
| 24 | School of Unlimited Learning Charter School of Unlimited Learning District | 5.4 |
| 25 | Violet Heintz Education Academy Fresno County Office of Education | 5.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and California education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in California. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Fresno
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Fresno's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Fresno
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Fresno's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 52 schools spanning 30 school districts, plus 6 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Fresno, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Clovis North High is the top-rated high school in Fresno with a composite score of 8.7/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Fresno, California?
Fresno has 52 high schools, including 6 charter schools. Of these, 30 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Fresno?
The average composite score for Fresno high schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in California).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within California, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in California, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Fresno high school rankings?
Yes. Fresno has 6 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.