For the 2025-26 school year, there are 940 alternative public high schools serving 131,425 students in California.
The top ranked alternative public high schools in California are Science Academy Stem Magnet, Mt. Everest Academy and Technology High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
California alternative public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 51% statewide average).
California alternative public high school have a Graduation Rate of 69%, which is less than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Alternative ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø High Schools in California (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Science Academy Stem Magnet
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5525 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 753-4470
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 753-4470
Gr: 6-12 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Mt. Everest Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4350 Mt. Everest Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 605-8700
San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 605-8700
Gr: K-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Technology High School
Alternative School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
550 Bonnie Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 792-4825
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 792-4825
Gr: 9-12 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #44.
Alameda Science And Technology Institute
Alternative School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial P
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 748-4021
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 748-4021
Gr: 9-12 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Academy Of The Redwoods
Alternative School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7351 Tompkins Hill Rd.
Fortuna, CA 95540
(707) 476-4203
Fortuna, CA 95540
(707) 476-4203
Gr: 9-12 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Middle College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1260 West Esperanza St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
(909) 888-4041
San Bernardino, CA 92410
(909) 888-4041
Gr: 9-12 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Soar High (Students On Academic Rise)
Alternative School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-6509
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-6509
Gr: 9-12 | 646 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Early College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2990 Mesa Verde Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 424-7990
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 424-7990
Gr: 9-12 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
William & Marian Ghidotti High School
Alternative School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
250 Sierra College Dr.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-5270
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-5270
Gr: 9-12 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1010.
John F. Kennedy High School
Alternative School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1951 Third St.
Norco, CA 92860
(951) 738-2200
Norco, CA 92860
(951) 738-2200
Gr: 9-12 | 689 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1111.
Mt. Sac Early College Academy At West Covina
Alternative School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2226 East Rio Verde Dr.
West Covina, CA 91791
(626) 332-7217
West Covina, CA 91791
(626) 332-7217
Gr: 9-12 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1212.
Middle College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1530 West 17th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 953-3900
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 953-3900
Gr: 9-12 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1313.
Mission Vista High School
Alternative School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1306 Melrose Dr.
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 758-6800
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 758-6800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,662 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #1414.
Asawa (Ruth) Sf Sch Of The Arts A ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School
Alternative School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
555 Portola Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 695-5700
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 695-5700
Gr: 9-12 | 680 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1515.
International Polytechnic High School
Alternative School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3851 West Temple Ave. Bldg. 12
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 839-2320
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 839-2320
Gr: 9-12 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1616.
Oxnard Middle College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4000 South Rose Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 278-5521
Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 278-5521
Gr: 9-12 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1717.
Parkview
Alternative School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2189 North Kraemer Blvd.
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 986-7050
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 986-7050
Gr: K-12 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1818.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Safety Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
230 Atlantic Ave.
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 421-3933
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 421-3933
Gr: 5-12 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1919.
Alternative Education-san Joaquin High School
Alternative School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3387 Barranca Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7440
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7440
Gr: K-12 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #2020.
Meraki High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10700 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 971-5001
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 971-5001
Gr: 8-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #2121.
Design Science Middle College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1101 E University Ave
Fresno, CA 93741
(559) 489-2270
Fresno, CA 93741
(559) 489-2270
Gr: 9-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2222.
Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1200 North Cornwell St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 227-4400
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 227-4400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,562 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #2323.
El Camino High School
Alternative School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
61 Day Rd.
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 289-7955
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 289-7955
Gr: 9-12 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #2424.
Grossmont Middle College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8800 Grossmont College Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 644-7524
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 644-7524
Gr: 11-12 | 51 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2525.
Temple City Alternative
Alternative School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9501 Lemon Ave.
Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 548-5243
Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 548-5243
Gr: K-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2626.
Downtown Business High School
Alternative School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1200 West Colton St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 481-0371
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 481-0371
Gr: 9-12 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #2727.
Davis School For Independent Study
Alternative School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
526 B St.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 757-5333
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 757-5333
Gr: K-12 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #2828.
Mission Early College High School
Alternative School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3000 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 855-5532
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 855-5532
Gr: 9-12 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #2929.
Palos Verdes Distance Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
38 Crest Rd. West
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Gr: K-12 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Carlsbad Seaside Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3557 Monroe St.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 331-5299
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 331-5299
Gr: K-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies
Alternative School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
18605 Erwin St.
Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 758-5600
Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 758-5600
Gr: 4-12 | 1,784 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #3232.
Mountain Valley Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1010 Ramona St.
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 787-3600
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 787-3600
Gr: K-12 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #3333.
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr And Math Magnet
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2550 East 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
(323) 268-1031
Los Angeles, CA 90023
(323) 268-1031
Gr: 9-12 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #3434.
Venture (Alternative)
Alternative School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10540 Albion Rd.
San Ramon, CA 94582
(925) 479-1200
San Ramon, CA 94582
(925) 479-1200
Gr: K-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #3535.
Culver City Unified School District Iacademy
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4601 Elenda St. Cp Annex
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 842-4200
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 842-4200
Gr: K-12
Show 100 more Alternative public schools in California (out of 940 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked alternative public high schools in California?
The top ranked alternative public high schools in California include Science Academy Stem Magnet, Mt. Everest Academy and Technology High School.
How many alternative public high schools are located in California?
940 alternative public high schools are located in California.
What is the racial composition of students in California?
California alternative public high schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
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