Best High Schools
in Los Angeles, California
We ranked all 261 high schools in Los Angeles. The top 25 scored between 8.5 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Los Angeles spans 143 ranked high schools, giving families one of the largest public school pools in the country to choose from. The average composite score sits at 7.1 out of 10, and 57% of schools — 81 in total — clear that same threshold, signaling a broad tier of solid performers rather than a few outliers propping up the numbers. At the top, Boyle Heights Science Technology Engineering and Math Magnet leads all high schools with a 9.5/10, followed closely by Eagle Rock High, Abraham Lincoln Senior High, Middle College High, and Soc Just Leadership Academy at Torres High #5, each scoring 9.3. The spread across all 143 schools reflects genuine variation in academics, environment, and outcomes. Sort and filter the table below by the metrics that matter most to your family — whether that's test scores, graduation rates, or another factor — to find the best fit.
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet
Eagle Rock High
Abraham Lincoln Senior High
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Los Angeles's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet Los Angeles Unified | 9.5 |
| 2 | Eagle Rock High Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 3 | Abraham Lincoln Senior High Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 4 | Middle College High Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 5 | Soc Just Leadership Acad at Esteban E. Torres High #5 Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 6 | Girls Academic Leadership Acad Dr. Michelle King Sch STEM Los Angeles Unified | 9.2 |
| 7 | Valor Academy High Charter Valor Academy High District | 9.1 |
| 8 | Woodrow Wilson Senior High Los Angeles Unified | 9.1 |
| 9 | School of Business and Tourism at Contreras Learning Complex Los Angeles Unified | 9.1 |
| 10 | Downtown Business High Los Angeles Unified | 8.9 |
| 11 | Los Angeles High School of the Arts Los Angeles Unified | 8.9 |
| 12 | Magnolia Science Academy 4 Charter Magnolia Science Academy 4 District | 8.8 |
| 13 | Alliance Susan and Eric Smidt Technology High Charter Alliance Susan and Eric Smidt Technology High District | 8.8 |
| 14 | Alliance Morgan McKinzie High Charter Alliance Morgan McKinzie High District | 8.8 |
| 15 | King/Drew Medical Magnet High Los Angeles Unified | 8.8 |
| 16 | Animo Leadership High Charter Animo Leadership High District | 8.7 |
| 17 | Animo Inglewood Charter High Charter Animo Inglewood Charter High District | 8.7 |
| 18 | Hollywood Senior High Los Angeles Unified | 8.7 |
| 19 | Alliance Leichtman-Levine FAM Foundation Env Sci High Charter Alliance Leichtman-Levine FAM Foundation Env Sci High DIST | 8.6 |
| 20 | Ednovate - Brio College Prep Charter Ednovate - Brio College Prep District | 8.6 |
| 21 | University Preparatory Value High Charter University Preparatory Value High District | 8.6 |
| 22 | Alexander Hamilton Senior High Los Angeles Unified | 8.6 |
| 23 | John Marshall Senior High Los Angeles Unified | 8.6 |
| 24 | Camino Nuevo High #2 Charter Camino Nuevo High #2 District | 8.5 |
| 25 | Animo South Los Angeles Charter Charter Animo South Los Angeles Charter District | 8.5 |
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 Los Angeles
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Los Angeles's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Los Angeles
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Los Angeles's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 261 schools spanning 174 school districts, plus 58 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 Los Angeles, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet is the top-rated high school in Los Angeles with a composite score of 9.5/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Los Angeles, California?
Los Angeles has 261 high schools, including 58 charter schools. Of these, 178 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Los Angeles?
The average composite score for Los Angeles high schools is 7.0/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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 Los Angeles high school rankings?
Yes. Los Angeles has 58 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.