These are the top public schools in Stanislaus County. Did yours make the list?
Stanislaus County is home to some of the best public schools in California, according to Niche.
The ranking and review site recently released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.
Each school received an overall grade ranging from A+ to D-.
“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make,” Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said in a news release on Sept. 29. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators.”
Gratton Charter School in Denair claimed the top spot on Niche’s 2026 Best Schools in Stanislaus County list, ranking No. 1 among the county’s top 10 public schools.
The charter school also led Niche’s list of the best public elementary and middle schools in Stanislaus County.
Among the best private schools in Stanislaus County, Niche ranked Central Catholic High School in Modesto first, followed by Central Valley Christian Academy in Ceres.
Here’s a look at the top public elementary, middle and high schools in Stanislaus County for 2026, as ranked by Niche:
What are the best elementary schools in Stanislaus County?
These were the top 10 best public elementary schools in Stanislaus County for 2026, according to Niche:
1. Gratton Charter School in Denair
2. Sierra View Elementary School in Oakdale
3. Agnes M. Baptist Elementary School in Modesto
4. Walnut Elementary Education Center in Turlock
5. Fair Oaks Elementary School in Oakdale
6. Hickman Elementary School in Hickman
7. Connecting Waters Charter School in Modesto
8. Paradise Elementary School in Modesto
9. Cloverland Elementary School in Oakdale
10. Hart-Ransom Elementary School in Modesto
What are the best middle schools in Stanislaus County?
Here are the top 10 public middle schools in Stanislaus County for 2026, Niche said:
1. Gratton Charter School in Denair
2. Hickman Middle School in Hickman
3. Elizabeth Ustach Middle School in Modesto
4. Connecting Waters Charter School in Modesto
5. Paradise Elementary School in Modesto
6. Hart-Ransom Elementary School in Modesto
7. Roberts Ferry Charter School Academy in Waterford
8. Keyes to Learning Charter School in Keyes
9. Shiloh Charter School in Modesto
10. Roberts Ferry Union Elementary School in Waterford
What are the best high schools in Stanislaus County?
Here are the top 10 public high schools in Stanislaus County in 2026, according to Niche:
1. James C. Enochs High School in Modesto
2. Whitmore Charter High School in Ceres
3. John H. Pitman High School in Turlock
4. Joseph A. Gregori High School in Modesto
5. Oakdale High School in Oakdale
6. Connecting Waters Charter School in Modesto
7. Central Valley High School in Ceres
8. Hughson High School in Hughson
9. Keyes to Learning Charter School in Keyes
10. Oakdale Charter School in Oakdale
How did Niche come up with its findings?
Niche based its rankings on the most recent data available from public sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census Bureau combined with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.
“Key factors include academics, teachers, resources, facilities, extracurriculars, and more,” Niche said.
