The 30 Best High Schools in Southern California: A Comprehensive Rankings Guide
Southern California hosts some of the nation’s most academically distinguished high schools, with institutions consistently ranking among the top performers statewide.
These schools demonstrate excellence through rigorous academic programs, exceptional college preparation, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings that prepare students for competitive higher education opportunities.
This comprehensive ranking evaluates 30 outstanding high schools across Southern California based on academic performance, graduation rates, college readiness metrics, and overall educational quality.
The selected schools span from coastal communities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach to inland areas including Diamond Bar and Rancho Cucamonga, representing diverse geographic regions throughout the southern portion of the state.
Each institution featured has established a track record of academic achievement while fostering environments that support both intellectual growth and personal development through varied campus life opportunities.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Southern California:
1. Whitney High School, Cerritos
Whitney High School stands as California’s top-ranked public high school according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 rankings. The school earned the 16th position nationally among all high schools.
Located in Cerritos, Whitney serves students in grades 7-12 as part of the ABC Unified School District. The institution operates as a public school with specialized academic programs.
Whitney offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. These academic offerings support the school’s high-achieving student population.
The school’s recognition comes from comprehensive evaluation criteria used by U.S. News. Nearly 1,700 California high schools were included in the state rankings for comparison.
Whitney High School’s consistent academic excellence has established its reputation among Southern California’s educational institutions.
2. Troy High School, Fullerton
Troy High School stands as one of Southern California’s premier public institutions. The school serves 2,761 students in grades 9-12 within the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
Located adjacent to California State University, Fullerton, Troy benefits from unique educational partnerships. This proximity provides students access to advanced learning opportunities typically unavailable at the high school level.
The school operates as a magnet institution with specialized programs. Troy Tech, the school’s prestigious STEM magnet program, attracts high-achieving students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Troy also offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program. Students can choose from numerous Advanced Placement courses to earn college credit while in high school.
The athletic program includes 23 different sports teams. Troy consistently ranks among California’s top public high schools in state and national rankings.
3. Northwood High School, Irvine
Northwood High School opened in 1999 in the Orchard Hills neighborhood of Irvine. The school graduated its first class in 2002.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. It also provides a Gifted and Talented program for students.
Northwood consistently ranks among California’s top high schools. In 2016, Newsweek ranked it 25th nationally among public high schools.
The school is part of the Irvine Unified School District, which operates nine high schools. All five IUSD high schools have earned top national rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Northwood maintains a strong academic reputation with high performance on state assessments. The school regularly appears in various ranking systems that evaluate college readiness and student achievement.
Students at Northwood benefit from comprehensive programs designed to prepare them for higher education and career success.
4. Diamond Bar High School, Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar High School consistently ranks among the top 4% of high schools in California. The school serves over 2,500 students in the Walnut Valley Unified School District.
Recent rankings place the school 427th nationally and 62nd statewide according to U.S. News & World Report. This recognition puts Diamond Bar High School in the top 2% of schools nationwide.
The school offers more than 80 clubs and diverse course opportunities. Students benefit from a comprehensive program built on four foundations: Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics.
Diamond Bar High School maintains impressive graduation rates and serves a diverse student population. The school’s success stems from collaboration between students, staff, parents, and community members.
Located at 21400 Pathfinder Road, the school provides exceptional educational opportunities in the Diamond Bar area.
5. Westview High School, San Diego
Westview High School stands as one of San Diego’s premier public educational institutions. Located in Rancho Peñasquitos, the school serves students in northern San Diego County.
Established in 2002, Westview quickly developed a reputation for academic excellence. The school operates under the Poway Unified School District, which manages seven high schools across the region.
Students have access to Advanced Placement courses and the Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school also offers a Gifted and Talented program for high-achieving students.
Westview consistently ranks among California’s top public high schools. The institution focuses on college preparation and provides students with comprehensive academic resources.
The school’s location in zip code 92129 places it alongside other high-performing institutions. Westview’s rigorous academic standards attract families seeking quality public education in San Diego County.
6. Los Altos High School, Hacienda Heights
Los Altos High School serves students in grades 9-12 in Hacienda Heights, California. The school operates within the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District with an enrollment of approximately 1,734 students.
The student body consists of 54.8% Hispanic students, 25.3% Asian students, and 14.3% White students. This diversity creates a multicultural learning environment.
Los Altos offers more than 35 Honors and Advanced Placement courses for college-bound students. The school provides specialized programs including the Los Altos Academy of Engineering and Los Altos Performing Arts Academy.
The AVID program at Los Altos maintains a 100% college acceptance rate for participating students. Health and Medical Technology courses are also available for career preparation.
Students can participate in 25 different sports programs. The school includes a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced students.
7. Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach
Newport Harbor High School serves 2,217 students in grades 9-12 within the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. The school ranks in the top 50% of all public schools in California.
Students can access Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs. The school also offers a Gifted and Talented program for high-achieving students.
Newport Harbor High is one of eight high schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. The school provides comprehensive educational opportunities in Newport Beach’s prestigious coastal community.
The campus attracts families seeking quality public education in Orange County. Newport Beach’s reputation as a desirable residential area contributes to the school’s appeal among parents and students.
Academic programs prepare students for college admission and career readiness. The school maintains competitive standing among Southern California high schools through its diverse course offerings and educational resources.
8. Oxford Academy, Cypress
Oxford Academy ranks as the #2 high school in California according to U.S. News & World Report. The public magnet school serves 1,293 students in grades 7-12 within the Anaheim Union High School District.
Located in Cypress, the school consistently places in the top 1% of all California public schools. Oxford Academy holds the #22 position nationally among U.S. high schools.
The institution offers an intensive honors curriculum with Advanced Placement courses. Students can also access the Project Lead The Way curriculum and participate in Gifted & Talented programs.
Oxford Academy maintains a student-teacher ratio of 25.3 to 1. The school stands out as an exceptional academic institution that attracts high-achieving students from across Orange County.
9. Laguna Beach High School, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach High School serves as the primary public high school in the Laguna Beach Unified School District. The school sits in a scenic coastal location surrounded by trees and natural beauty.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program for high-achieving students. These academic options provide college-level coursework and specialized learning opportunities.
Laguna Beach High School consistently ranks among the top high schools in Orange County and California. The school earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 Best High Schools rankings.
The Laguna Beach Unified School District ranks better than 97.3% of districts statewide in California. This district performance reflects the strong academic standards maintained across local schools.
The school features well-maintained facilities and grounds that create an appealing learning environment. Students benefit from the small community atmosphere typical of Laguna Beach’s intimate setting.
10. University High School, Irvine
University High School stands among California’s elite public institutions. The school ranks within the top 5% of all California high schools according to U.S. News & World Report.
Located in Irvine, the school operates within the highly regarded Irvine Unified School District. This district consistently maintains its position among California’s top-performing educational systems.
Students access numerous Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs. The school offers Project Lead The Way curriculum and maintains a dedicated Gifted & Talented program.
University High School joins four other IUSD comprehensive high schools in achieving exceptional statewide recognition. Out of 2,586 California high schools, only about 130 schools earned placement in the top tier rankings.
The institution demonstrates strong academic performance through high graduation rates and impressive standardized test scores. These metrics contribute to its reputation as one of Orange County’s premier educational destinations.
11. Capistrano Valley High School, Mission Viejo
Capistrano Valley High School sits on a bluff overlooking Mission Viejo and serves students from Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano. The school enrolls 2,915 students in grades 9-12 and operates under the Capistrano Unified School District.
U.S. News has recognized the school as one of the nation’s top-performing high schools. The institution consistently ranks among the best public high schools in both Mission Viejo and Orange County for academic achievement.
The school’s mission focuses on ensuring all students learn at high levels and graduate college and career ready. Students have access to comprehensive academic programs alongside athletic and extracurricular opportunities.
The campus is located at 26301 Via Escolar in Mission Viejo. The community places strong emphasis on educational excellence and maintains high expectations for student performance across all school programs.
12. Tustin High School, Tustin
Tustin High School ranks 516th within California and operates as part of the Tustin Unified School District. The school has earned recognition as a former California Distinguished School and received the 2015 California Gold Ribbon School award.
Students can access Advanced Placement coursework and exams to enhance their academic preparation. The school maintains an average GPA of 3.51 across its student body.
GreatSchools rates Tustin High School 7 out of 10, indicating above-average performance compared to other California public and charter schools. The institution also holds a Niche grade of B+.
Tustin High School performs above the state average for schools serving similar grade levels. The campus provides standard high school programming within the Tustin community.
The school offers typical high school amenities including lunch programs, enrollment services, and academic calendars for student families.
13. Dana Hills High School, Dana Point
Dana Hills High School serves 1,805 students in grades 9-12 in Dana Point, California. The school ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in California and operates as part of the Capistrano Unified School District.
The school maintains strong academic performance with 73% of students achieving proficiency in reading and 42% in mathematics. Dana Hills offers Advanced Placement courses and operates a Gifted & Talented program for high-achieving students.
With a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1, the school provides reasonable class sizes for effective instruction. The institution focuses on preparing students for both college and career pathways in what administrators describe as a safe and inclusive environment.
As the sole public high school serving Dana Point, Dana Hills High School plays a central role in the community’s educational landscape.
14. El Toro High School, Lake Forest
El Toro High School serves 1,972 students in grades 9-12 in Lake Forest, California. The school operates as part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
The institution ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in California. This positioning reflects strong academic performance among the state’s high schools.
El Toro functions as a magnet school offering Advanced Placement courses and a Gifted & Talented program. These specialized programs provide enhanced learning opportunities for high-achieving students.
The school’s mascot is the Toro, representing the institution’s identity within the community. Students can access various academic pathways designed to prepare them for college and career success.
Located at 25255 Toledo Way, El Toro High School maintains its status as one of 10 high schools within the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
15. Foothill High School, Bakersfield
Foothill High School serves grades 9-12 as part of the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California. The school is located at 501 Park Drive in the 93306 zip code area.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and participates in the Project Lead The Way curriculum program. Students can also access a Gifted and Talented program for enhanced academic opportunities.
Foothill High School has achieved notable success in competitive academics. Their speech and debate team won the State Championship in the small schools division in 2004.
The school’s “We The People” team reached the state level for the first time in 2010. Unit 4 of their team received recognition among the final seven schools competing.
Foothill High School celebrated its fiftieth commencement ceremony in May 2013. The school is one of 26 high schools operating within the Kern Union High School District.
16. Corona del Mar High School, Newport Beach
Corona del Mar High School serves 2,042 students in grades 7-12 in Newport Beach. The school operates within the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and ranks among the top 20% of all public schools in California.
The campus maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.2 to 1, providing students with reasonable access to individual attention. This ratio compares favorably to many larger public schools in the region.
Corona del Mar High School has a relatively low rate of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at 19.96%. This demographic indicator often correlates with available community resources and family support systems.
The school offers comprehensive programming for both middle and high school students. Students have access to college and career planning resources, including organized fairs and counseling services to help prepare for post-graduation opportunities.
17. Mission Viejo High School, Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo High School serves grades 9-12 as part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The school’s mascot is the Diablo.
Located in Mission Viejo, California, this comprehensive public high school has established itself among the area’s notable educational institutions. The school operates as a four-year program serving the local community.
Mission Viejo High School consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the region. The institution has earned recognition in various state and national school ranking systems for 2025-26.
The school serves students in Orange County’s Mission Viejo area. It competes with other highly-ranked local institutions like Capistrano Valley High School and Trabuco Hills High School.
Students at Mission Viejo High School benefit from comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare them for college and career success.
18. Etiwanda High School, Rancho Cucamonga
Etiwanda High School ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in California. The school serves 3,540 students in grades 9-12 in Rancho Cucamonga.
The institution operates as part of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1.
According to state test scores, 42% of students demonstrate proficiency in math while 75% show proficiency in reading. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and a Gifted & Talented program.
Etiwanda High School consistently earns recognition as one of the highest performing schools in the Inland Empire. The institution has maintained a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger over three consecutive years.
The school ranks in the top 11.5% of all California high schools. It stands among the top-rated public high schools in Rancho Cucamonga alongside Los Osos High School and Alta Loma High School.
19. Sonora High School, La Habra
Sonora High School stands as a top-performing magnet school in La Habra, California. The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in California and earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Located at 401 South Palm Street, Sonora serves 1,707 students in grades 9-12. The school operates within the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
Academic excellence defines Sonora’s reputation. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses and honors classes.
Students can participate in dual enrollment programs, earning college credits while completing high school. This opportunity allows students to transfer credits to UC, CSU, and private institutions.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.1 to 1. Sonora also provides 24 different sports programs for student athletes.
Sonora significantly outperforms both district and state averages in academic subjects, with 75.71% of 11th graders meeting proficiency standards.
20. La Quinta High School, Westminster
La Quinta High School serves 2,065 students in grades 9-12 in Westminster, California. The school operates as part of the Garden Grove Unified School District.
The school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in California. U.S. News & World Report has placed La Quinta among the top 200 schools statewide.
La Quinta offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. The school also provides Project Lead The Way curriculum for students interested in engineering and technology pathways.
The campus serves the West Orange County area and consistently receives recognition for graduation rates and college readiness metrics. These factors contribute to its strong academic reputation in the region.
La Quinta High School recently received recognition as a T-Mobile grant winner, advancing to national competition for stadium improvements.
21. Bonita High School, La Verne
Bonita High School stands as one of California’s top-performing public high schools. The school consistently ranks in the top 20% of California high schools and has earned recognition in the top 10% of all public schools statewide.
Located in La Verne, the school serves 1,866 students in grades 9-12. Bonita High opened in 1903 as the first high school in the Bonita Unified School District.
Students at Bonita High consistently outperform district and state averages in English language arts, math, and science proficiency. The school maintains an impressive 97.4% graduation rate.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Bonita High among the top 16% of public high schools nationwide in 2025. The school offers Advanced Placement courses to support college readiness and academic excellence.
22. South Pasadena High School, South Pasadena
South Pasadena High School serves grades 9-12 as the sole high school in the South Pasadena Unified School District. The school consistently ranks among the top 5% of high schools in California.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the school #58 in California and #434 nationally in 2021. It also earned the #25 position in the LA County Metro area.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum to its students. This comprehensive academic program supports diverse learning needs and college preparation.
South Pasadena High School maintains strong academic performance through rigorous coursework and dedicated faculty. The institution has built a reputation for excellence within the competitive Southern California education landscape.
Students benefit from the school’s location in South Pasadena, which provides access to cultural and educational resources throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
23. Irvine High School, Irvine
Irvine High School stands as one of seven public high schools in Irvine, serving grades 9-12 within the high-performing Irvine Unified School District. The school operates in a city renowned for educational excellence.
The institution benefits from being part of a district that consistently ranks among California’s top performers. Students have access to comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare them for college and career success.
Located in Orange County, the school serves a diverse student population with various academic and extracurricular opportunities. The campus provides modern facilities that support both traditional coursework and innovative learning approaches.
Irvine High School maintains strong community connections and parental involvement. The school emphasizes academic achievement while fostering student development across multiple areas including arts, athletics, and leadership programs.
24. Canyon High School, Anaheim
Canyon High School serves approximately 2,200 students in grades 9-12 on a 40-acre campus in Anaheim Hills. The school operates as part of the Orange Unified School District.
The institution holds International Baccalaureate status and offers Advanced Placement courses. Students can participate in 23 different sports programs.
Canyon High ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in California. The school consistently places among the top 10% of California high schools according to state rankings.
Student demographics show 57% minority enrollment with 30% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. The campus sits on Imperial Highway between Santa Ana Canyon Road and Nohl Ranch Road.
Graduates frequently attend prestigious colleges and universities after completing their studies. The school serves students primarily from Anaheim Hills and portions of neighboring Yorba Linda.
25. Glendora High School, Glendora
Glendora High School ranks 313 out of 2,335 California high schools and holds a 4-star rating. The school serves 2,151 students in grades 9-12.
The school maintains a strong 98% four-year graduation rate. Its dropout rate stays low at 0.9%.
Glendora High operates within the top 30% of all public schools in California. The diverse student population consistently outperforms both district and state averages on standardized tests.
Students benefit from the school’s location in Glendora, which provides access to educational resources and community support. The school stands as the top performer among Glendora-area high schools.
The combination of high graduation rates, low dropout rates, and strong academic performance makes Glendora High School a notable institution in Southern California.
26. San Juan Hills High School, San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Hills High School opened in 2007 as the sixth comprehensive high school in the Capistrano Unified School District. The school serves students from San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, and Capistrano Beach.
The school enrolls approximately 2,768 students in grades 9-12. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1.
Academic performance shows 48% of students achieving proficiency in math and 80% in reading on state assessments. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program.
San Juan Hills provides 27 different sports programs for student athletes. The school also offers various extracurricular activities beyond athletics.
The campus is located at 29211 Vista Montana in San Juan Capistrano. Students come from suburban communities throughout southern Orange County, including parts of San Clemente and Ladera Ranch.
27. Vista del Lago High School, Folsom
Vista del Lago High School serves 1,750 students in grades 9-12 in Folsom, California. The school operates within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
The school ranks among the top 10% of all public schools in California. It received a statewide ranking of 92 out of 2,323 schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
SchoolDigger awarded Vista del Lago High School a 5-star rating. The school consistently maintains its position among California’s top-performing high schools.
Vista del Lago offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school also provides a Gifted and Talented program for students.
The campus is located at 1970 Broadstone Parkway in Folsom. Vista del Lago High School is one of 11 high schools in the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.
28. Rim of the World High School, Lake Arrowhead
Rim of the World High School sits atop the mountains overlooking the San Bernardino Valley in Lake Arrowhead, California. The school serves as the only comprehensive 9-12 high school within the Rim of the World Unified School District.
The campus enrolls approximately 1,550 students across grades 9-12. Students can access Advanced Placement courses and participate in a Gifted & Talented program.
The school ranks 852nd out of 2,599 California schools for students receiving lunch assistance. About 57.5% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch programs, which is slightly below the state average of 61%.
Rim of the World High School operates as a public institution located at 27400 Highway 18. The school maintains coeducational enrollment and provides comprehensive secondary education to the Lake Arrowhead mountain community.
29. Laguna Hills High School, Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills High School serves grades 9-12 in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The school consistently ranks in the top 20% of California high schools based on academic performance metrics.
Located at 25401 Paseo de Valencia, the campus maintains an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students. This smaller size creates a more personalized learning environment compared to larger district schools.
The school operates with the Hawk as its mascot. Students benefit from close teacher-student relationships fostered by the intimate campus setting.
Laguna Hills High offers a Dual Language Immersion program. This program allows students to develop fluency in both Spanish and English while completing their high school requirements.
The school emphasizes mutual respect and intercultural understanding throughout its curriculum. Academic programs are designed to be both rigorous and accessible to the diverse student population.
30. Woodbridge High School, Irvine
Woodbridge High School serves 2,224 students in grades 9-12 in Irvine, California. The school operates within the Irvine Unified School District alongside eight other high schools.
The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in California. It earned recognition as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School and received the 2019 California Distinguished School award.
Woodbridge offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program for high-achieving students. The school consistently performs well on state testing assessments.
The Irvine Unified School District includes six high-performing high schools that rank among California’s top institutions. Woodbridge joins Portola High, Northwood High, University High, Irvine High, and Creekside High in this academically strong district.
Students benefit from the school’s comprehensive academic programs and strong graduation rates. The institution maintains its reputation through consistent academic performance and standardized test scores.
Defining Academic Excellence in Southern California
Academic excellence in Southern California high schools centers on rigorous coursework and qualified educators who provide comprehensive student support. Top-performing schools distinguish themselves through extensive Advanced Placement programs and faculty with advanced degrees and specialized training.
Curriculum Rigor and Advanced Placement Offerings
Southern California’s premier high schools offer 20-30 Advanced Placement courses across core subjects and specialized fields. These schools maintain AP participation rates exceeding 70% of their student bodies.
Top institutions provide dual enrollment opportunities with nearby universities like UCLA, USC, and Cal Tech. Students can earn college credit while completing high school requirements.
Key curriculum features include:
- STEM academies with laboratory research components
- International Baccalaureate programs
- Career pathway programs in technology and healthcare
- Honors-level courses in all core subjects
Elite schools report AP exam pass rates of 85-95% compared to the national average of 60%. Math and science programs often include calculus-based courses and advanced laboratory experiences that mirror university-level work.
Faculty Qualifications and Student Support
Distinguished Southern California high schools employ teachers with master’s degrees or higher at rates of 75-85%. Many faculty members hold advanced degrees in their subject areas and maintain current professional certifications.
Student-to-counselor ratios at top schools average 250:1 or better, enabling personalized academic planning and college preparation. These schools provide dedicated college counselors separate from general guidance staff.
Support services include:
- Academic tutoring centers staffed by credentialed teachers
- Mental health counselors and social workers
- Career guidance specialists
- English Language Learner support programs
Faculty professional development focuses on research-based teaching methods and technology integration. Teachers participate in summer institutes and ongoing training to maintain instructional excellence.
Beyond Academics: Campus Life and Extracurricular Opportunities
Southern California’s top high schools distinguish themselves through comprehensive athletic programs and diverse extracurricular offerings. These schools provide students with opportunities to excel in competitive sports while fostering creativity through robust arts programs and specialized student organizations.
Athletic Programs and Achievements
Many premier high schools in Southern California compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) divisions. Schools like Mater Dei High School and St. John Bosco have earned national recognition in football and basketball.
Championship Programs include swimming, tennis, track and field, and soccer across both public and private institutions. Schools such as Loyola High School and Harvard-Westlake maintain strong traditions in multiple sports.
Student-athletes benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including competition pools, synthetic turf fields, and modern weight training centers. Many programs emphasize both athletic excellence and college recruitment opportunities.
Schools like Palos Verdes Peninsula High School and Newport Harbor High School offer marine sports programs including sailing and water polo. Desert-adjacent schools often feature strong golf and cross-country programs.
Arts, Clubs, and Student Organizations
Theater departments at schools like Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and Orange County School of the Arts produce award-winning productions. These programs often feature professional-grade auditoriums and technical equipment.
Visual Arts Programs encompass photography, digital media, ceramics, and traditional fine arts. Many schools maintain dedicated art studios and offer Advanced Placement courses in various artistic disciplines.
Student government organizations provide leadership experience through school policy participation and event planning. Academic clubs include debate teams, Model United Nations, and subject-specific honor societies.
STEM-focused clubs such as robotics teams, coding clubs, and engineering societies compete in regional and national competitions. Many schools also offer community service organizations and cultural affinity groups that reflect Southern California’s diverse population.