These are the 10 best public high schools in Stanislaus County, new ranking says
How good are schools in Stanislaus County?
According to a new report by U.S. News & World Report, California is home to three of the nation’s top 25 public high schools.
To rank the best public schools in the United States, U.S. News analyzed data from over 24,000 public high schools across all 50 states and Washington D.C.
“The best public high schools can help students nurture their passions and reach their college or career aspirations,” U.S. News said in its Aug. 18 report.
Here’s where to find the best high schools in Stanislaus County:
What makes California high schools the best in the US?
U.S. News reviewed public schools in every state and Washington, D.C., for its 2025-2026 Best Public High Schools rankings.
Out of more than 24,000 schools U.S. News evaluated, nearly 18,000 made the list.
“These 25 schools scored the highest based on their performance on various ranking indicators, including state tests and graduation rates,”
Whitney High School in Cerritos was the highest ranking California school, landing at No. 16 on the national list.
The public high school in Los Angeles County has a total of 691 students enrolled in grades ninth through 12th and a student-teacher ratio of 26 to one, according to U.S. News.
Oxford Academy in Cypress was the 19th best public high school in the United States, U.S. News said, with 831 students and a student-teacher ratio of 25 to one at its Orange County campus.O
The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood, which placed at No. 20 nationwide, enrolls 226 students with a 24-to- one student-teacher ratio. The school is in Los Angeles County.
“Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college,” U.S. News & World Report said.
Where are top 10 public high schools in the country?
According to U.S. News, there were the top 10 public high schools in the United States for the 2025-26 school year:
1. BASIS Tucson North in Tucson, Arizona
2. Signature School in Evansville, Indiana
3. Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
4. Davidson Academy in Reno, Nevada
5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia
6. Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico
7. Haas Hall Bentonville in Bentonville, Arkansas
8. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School in Philadelphia
9. The School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas
10. Aiken Scholars Academy in Aiken, South Carolina
What are the best high schools in Stanislaus County?
According to U.S. News & World Report, James C. Enochs High School in Modesto is the best in Stanislaus County.
Enochs High ranked No. 521 in California and No. 3,867 nationwide.
According to U.S. News, 38% of students at the Modesto high school participate in Advanced Placement courses and exams.
About 72% of students enrolled at the school identify as minorities, U.S. News said, and 41% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The public high school has a total of 2,368 students enrolled in grades ninth through 12th and a student-teacher ratio of 23 to one, according to U.S. News.
Waterford High School in Waterford ranked second-best in Stanislaus County.
While Waterford High ranked No. 567 in California, it ranked at No. 4,293 nationwide.
At Waterford High, 35% of students take Advanced Placement classes and exams, U.S. News said.
About 70% of the student body are minorities and 81% come from low-income households.
The high school has a total of 589 students enrolled in grades ninth through 12th and a student-teacher ratio of 19 to one, according to U.S. News.
According to U.S. News, there were the top 10 public high schools in Stanislaus County for the 2025-26 school year:
1. James C. Enochs High School in Modesto
2. Waterford High School in Waterford
3. Joseph A. Gregori High School in Modesto
4. Whitmore Charter High School in Ceres
5. Central Valley High School in Ceres
6. Ceres High School in Ceres
7. Fred C. Beyer High School in Modesto
8. John H. Pitman High School in Turlock
9. Orestimba High School in Newman
10. Turlock High School in Turlock
What are the best high schools in California?
According to U.S. News, these are the top 10 public high schools in California:
1. Whitney High School in Cerritos
2. Oxford Academy in Cypress
3. Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood
4. Dr. Richard A. Valdovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington
5. California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson
6. Riverside Stem Academy in Riverside
7. University High School in Fresno
8. Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy in Gilroy
9. Pacific Collegiate Charter in Santa Cruz
10. Lynbrook High School in San Jose
How did U.S. News come up with its rankings?
To rank the nation’s best public high schools, U.S. News analyzed data from more than 24,000 schools across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Nearly 18,000 schools earned a spot on the “2025-2026 Best Public High Schools” list.
The top 25 stood out for their strong performance on measures such as state test scores and graduation rates.
