Best Schools in Lancaster, California
71 schools · 32 Elementary · 8 Middle · 22 High · 9 Other
Choosing a school in Lancaster?
Use this page to compare every school in Lancaster by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies
Elementary · Lancaster Elementary. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Mission Academy
High · Mission Academy District. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Nancy Cory Elementary
Elementary · Lancaster Elementary. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Lancaster for 2026 are Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies (8.2/10), Mission Academy (6.9/10), and Nancy Cory Elementary (6.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 47 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
71
49 public · 22 private
Avg Score
5.1
out of 10
Median Home
$387,000
home value · ACS
Districts
15
serving the city
Schools
71
49 public · 22 private
Avg Score
5.1
out of 10
Median Home
$387,000
home value · ACS
Districts
15
serving the city
Rates 8.2/10 despite 94% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.3 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Lancaster schools.
STAAR proficiency rose +11.1 points from 2022 to 2024. That's the biggest jump among Lancaster schools across the two most recent comparable testing years.
Top-Rated Schools in Lancaster
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 47 rated schools; 71 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies | 8.2 / 10 |
| 2 | Mission Academy | 6.9 / 10 |
| 3 | Nancy Cory Elementary | 6.9 / 10 |
| 4 | Phoenix High Community Day | 6.2 / 10 |
| 5 | Desert Sands Charter | 6.0 / 10 |
| 6 | Soar High (students on Academic Rise) | 6.0 / 10 |
| 7 | Paseo Grande Charter | 5.9 / 10 |
| 8 | Eastside High | 5.9 / 10 |
| 9 | Monte Vista Elementary | 5.8 / 10 |
| 10 | Sundown Elementary | 5.8 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.1/10
- Median household income
- $75,936
- Median home value
- $387,000
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 19%
- Avg commute
- 32 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 57%
2% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Lancaster compares
California rank
#568 of 599
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-1.2
below California avg (6.3)
Median household income
$76k
76% of California median
Schools in this city
56
Education Snapshot
Lancaster, CaliforniaLancaster's public school landscape spans 76 schools across 15 districts, enrolling approximately 40,819 students in a mix of 36 elementary, 9 middle, and 26 high schools. The city's average MySchoolScout composite rating of 4.6/10 — drawn from 55 scored schools — falls 1.7 points below California's state average of 6.3/10. That performance gap aligns with Lancaster's economic profile: the median household income of $76,075 is 28% below the California state median of $105,206, and just 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ten charter schools operate citywide, representing roughly one in eight schools and offering structured alternatives for families. Fifteen separate districts governing 76 schools in one city creates a fragmented structure that can produce sharp rating differences across neighborhoods — making individual school comparisons, not district affiliation, the more reliable lens here.
15 districts draw attendance lines through Lancaster
Lancaster is not one school system. 15 districts cut across the city limits, and the largest still holds only 45% of the public campuses.
Lancaster Elementary is the largest slice at 22 of 49 public schools — not a majority. Choosing a Lancaster address is choosing a district first.
Among 47 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 3.1 to 8.2 — the spread is inside Lancaster, not a citywide average.
10 of the 49 public schools are charters (20%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Lancaster Elementary22 public · 45%
- Antelope Valley Union High6 public · 12%
- Eastside Union Elementary6 public · 12%
- Westside Union Elementary4 public · 8%
- Antelope Valley Learning Academy District1 public · 2%
About Schools in Lancaster, California
Lancaster, California has 47 ranked public schools, giving families a broad field to evaluate. Performance spans a wide range, with an average score of 5.2 out of 10 across the city. That middle-of-the-road average signals real variation between schools — some significantly outperform the city norm, while others fall well below it. Parents benefit from comparing individual schools carefully rather than relying on citywide impressions.
The strongest performers are concentrated at the elementary level. Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies leads all ranked schools with a 7.7 out of 10, and John and Jacquelyn Miller Elementary and Lincoln Elementary follow at 7.4 and 7.1 respectively. Eastside Elementary also clears the 7.0 mark. Only 5 schools — 11% of Lancaster's ranked public schools — score 7 or above, which means high-performing options are available but limited. Antelope Valley High is the standout at the secondary level, earning a 7.0 and representing one of the few upper-grade options matching the city's top elementary tier.
The gap between Lancaster's best and its average matters practically. A score of 7.7 at Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies places it well above the 5.2 city average, but families considering that school should note its alternative and virtual model, which suits some learners more than others. For parents prioritizing a traditional classroom setting, Miller Elementary and Lincoln Elementary offer strong scores without that structural trade-off. At the high school level, options with scores comparable to the top elementary schools are scarce, so families planning ahead should factor in that transition early.
Parents researching Lancaster should shortlist the five schools scoring 7 or above, then filter by school type, location, and enrollment requirements. The city's 47 ranked schools provide enough choice to find a fit, but the concentration of high performers in the lower grades means elementary placement decisions carry extra weight. Using individual school scores rather than the city average as a benchmark will give the most accurate picture of what Lancaster's public schools actually offer.
Elementary Schools
32 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 263 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 715 students · Kindergarten–5th | 6.9 |
| 3 | 792 students · Kindergarten–5th | 5.8 |
| 4 | 889 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.8 |
| 5 | 678 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.7 |
| 6 | 718 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.5 |
| 7 | 504 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.5 |
| 8 | 682 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.4 |
| 9 | 445 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.3 |
| 10 | 668 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.3 |
Show all 32 elementary schools in Lancaster
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
8 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 954 students · 6th–8th | 5.4 |
| 2 | 767 students · 6th–8th | 5.3 |
| 3 | 818 students · 6th–8th | 4.8 |
| 4 | 687 students · 7th–8th | 4.7 |
| 5 | 553 students · 5th–8th | 4.5 |
| 6 | 938 students · 6th–8th | 4.4 |
| 7 | 419 students · 6th–8th | 4.3 |
| 8 | 780 students · 6th–8th | 3.7 |
High Schools
22 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 557 students · 6th–12th | 6.9 |
| 2 | 43 students · 9th–12th | 6.2 |
| 3 | 690 students · 8th–12th | 6.0 |
| 4 | 646 students · 9th–12th | 6.0 |
| 5 | 2,592 students · 9th–12th | 5.9 |
| 6 | 84 students · 9th–12th | 5.7 |
| 7 | 1,512 students · 9th–12th | 5.7 |
| 8 | 261 students · 8th–12th | 5.3 |
| 9 | 2,697 students · 9th–12th | 5.0 |
| 10 | 1,327 students · 9th–12th | 4.4 |
Show all 22 high schools in Lancaster
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
9 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 89 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.9 | ||
| 2 | 1,057 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.2 | ||
Private Schools7 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 53 students · Kindergarten–9th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | Lancaster Baptist SchoolPrivate 386 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 3 | Desert Christian SchoolsPrivate 1,084 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 4 | Stanza International AcademyPrivate 60 students · 3rd–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 5 | 29 students · 2nd–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 6 | 27 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 7 | Stanza International AcademyPrivate 13 students · 3rd–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Lancaster
Lancaster, California · 71 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 3 ZIP codes
Median Income
$75,936
Median Home Value
$387,000
Median Rent
$1,703/mo
Population
194,781
College Educated
19%
Homeownership
57%
Avg Commute
32 min
Poverty Rate
15.9%
Community Profile
Lancaster has a median household income of $75,936. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $387,000, with a median rent of $1,703/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.9%. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- California
- Elementary
- 32
- Middle
- 8
- High
- 22
- Other
- 9
Resources
School Districts (15)
Mission View Public District
1 school · 261 students
Mission Academy District
1 school · 557 students
Desert Sands Charter District
1 school · 690 students
Antelope Valley Learning Academy District
1 school · 1,057 students
Empower Generations District
1 school · 84 students
iLEAD Lancaster Charter District
1 school · 795 students
Paseo Grande Charter District
1 school · 89 students
Life Source International Charter District
1 school · 210 students
Assurance Learning Academy District
1 school · 3,111 students
Vista Real Charter High District
1 school · 1,327 students
Antelope Valley Union High
13 schools · 21,737 students
Eastside Union Elementary
6 schools · 3,114 students
Lancaster Elementary
24 schools · 13,832 students
Westside Union Elementary
12 schools · 9,138 students
Wilsona Elementary
3 schools · 1,257 students
Other Major Cities in California
Top metros statewide by school count.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Lancaster, California
How many schools are in Lancaster, California?
Lancaster has 71 schools, including 49 public and 22 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Lancaster, California?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Lancaster is 5.1 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Lancaster, California?
The top-ranked school in Lancaster on MySchoolScout is Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best elementary school in Lancaster, California?
The top-ranked elementary school in Lancaster on MySchoolScout is Lancaster Alternative and Virtual Academies with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Lancaster, California?
The top-ranked middle school in Lancaster on MySchoolScout is Amargosa Creek Middle with a composite score of 5.4/10.
What is the best high school in Lancaster, California?
The top-ranked high school in Lancaster on MySchoolScout is Mission Academy with a composite score of 6.9/10.
How many school districts serve Lancaster, California?
Lancaster is served by 15 school districts: Mission View Public District, Mission Academy District, Desert Sands Charter District, Antelope Valley Learning Academy District, Empower Generations District, Ilead Lancaster Charter District, Paseo Grande Charter District, Life Source International Charter District, Assurance Learning Academy District, Vista Real Charter High District, Antelope Valley Union High, Eastside Union Elementary, Lancaster Elementary, Westside Union Elementary, Wilsona Elementary.
What is the education level in Lancaster, California?
According to Census data, 19% of adults in Lancaster have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Lancaster, California?
The median household income in Lancaster is approximately $75,936 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Lancaster, California?
Yes, Lancaster has 22 private schools alongside 49 public schools. The top-rated private school is Antelope Valley Adventist School with a score of 6.7/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Lancaster, California?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Lancaster is 20.0:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Lancaster, California?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
Related reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Moving before 2027? The federal school choice tax credit follows the state, not youschool choice
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, California Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.