Best High Schools
in Sacramento, California
We ranked all 71 high schools in Sacramento. The top 25 scored between 5.7 and 8.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Sacramento's 43 ranked high schools span a wide range of quality, with composite scores running from well below average up to West Campus at 8.4 out of 10 — the metro's top performer by a clear margin. The district average sits at 5.8, meaning strong options exist but require some searching. Only 5 schools, or about 12% of the ranked pool, clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, so the gap between the top tier and the middle of the pack is real and worth paying attention to. West Campus leads the list, followed by Umoja International Academy, Luther Burbank High, and Mira Loma High. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit for your student. Use the filters to narrow by location or performance range and zero in on schools that match your priorities.
West Campus
Umoja International Academy
Luther Burbank High
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Sacramento'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 | West Campus Sacramento City Unified | 8.4 |
| 2 | Umoja International Academy Sacramento City Unified | 7.4 |
| 3 | Luther Burbank High Sacramento City Unified | 7.3 |
| 4 | Mira Loma High San Juan Unified | 7.3 |
| 5 | Laurel Ruff Transition San Juan Unified | 7.1 |
| 6 | SIERRA SCHOOL | 7.1 |
| 7 | SIERRA UPPER SCHOOL OF SACRAMENT0 | 7.1 |
| 8 | American Legion High (Continuation) Sacramento City Unified | 6.9 |
| 9 | Natomas High Natomas Unified | 6.8 |
| 10 | Palmiter Special Education Sacramento County Office of Education | 6.8 |
| 11 | Inderkum High Natomas Unified | 6.6 |
| 12 | SAVA - Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy - SCUSD Charter SAVA - Sacramento ACAD and Vocational Acad - SCUSD DIST | 6.5 |
| 13 | New Technology High Charter Sacramento City Unified | 6.5 |
| 14 | Rio Cazadero High (Continuation) Elk Grove Unified | 6.4 |
| 15 | Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High Sacramento City Unified | 6.4 |
| 16 | The MET Charter Sacramento City Unified | 6.4 |
| 17 | Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Charter Natomas Unified | 6.3 |
| 18 | San Juan Choices Charter Charter San Juan Unified | 6.3 |
| 19 | North Area Community Sacramento County Office of Education | 6.3 |
| 20 | Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High Sacramento County Office of Education | 6.2 |
| 21 | ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 6.2 |
| 22 | John F. Kennedy High Sacramento City Unified | 6.1 |
| 23 | Rio Americano High San Juan Unified | 6.1 |
| 24 | Calvine High Elk Grove Unified | 6.0 |
| 25 | Discovery High Natomas Unified | 5.7 |
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 Sacramento
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Sacramento's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Sacramento
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Sacramento's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 71 schools spanning 32 school districts, plus 10 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 Sacramento, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, West Campus is the top-rated high school in Sacramento with a composite score of 8.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Sacramento, California?
Sacramento has 71 high schools, including 10 charter schools. Of these, 48 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Sacramento?
The average composite score for Sacramento high schools is 5.9/10. 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 Sacramento high school rankings?
Yes. Sacramento has 10 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.