Best 10 High Schools in Orange County

High Schools in Orange County

Orange County, California has a wide range of high schools, including public, private, charter, coed, all-boys, all-girls, and independent schools. The high schools in Orange County are organized by school district (public schools) or affiliation (private schools) 1

There are over 100 high schools in Orange County, including charter, private, and public schools2. Some of the public high schools in Orange County are El Dorado High School, El Modena High School, and El Rancho Charter School3

All of the private and public high schools in Orange County, CA can be found in a complete list on Orange County Insiders4. The top-ranked public high schools in Orange County, CA are Oxford Academy, Troy High School, and Fountain Valley High School6.

Here is a list of high schools in Orange County, California, including public and private schools, arranged by ranking:

Top Ranked Public High Schools

  • Oxford Academy, Cypress15
  • Troy High School, Fullerton1
  • Fountain Valley High School, Fountain Valley1
  • Orlando Science Middle High Charter, Orlando, FL23
  • Legacy High Charter, Orlando, FL3
  • Flvs Full-time 9-12, Orlando, FL3
  • Winter Park High School, Winter Park, FL2
  • Timber Creek High School, Orlando, FL2
  • El Camino Real Continuation High School, Placentia1
  • Esperanza High School, Anaheim1

Top Ranked Private High Schools

  • Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, San Juan Capistrano6
  • Sage Hill School, Newport Coast6
  • Pacific Academy, Irvine6
  • Fairmont Preparatory Academy, Anaheim6
  • St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano6
  • Orange Lutheran High School, Orange6
  • Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School, Irvine6
  • Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana6
  • Rosary High School, Fullerton6
  • Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine6

Sources:

Best 10 High Schools in Orange County

  1. Oxford Academy
  • Public school in the Anaheim Union High School District
  • Ranked No. 1 in California and No. 16 nationally by U.S. News & World Report1
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation4
  • Contact information: https://oxford.auhsd.us/contact
  1. Troy High School
  • Public school in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District
  • Ranked No. 2 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://www.fjuhsd.org/troy
  1. Fountain Valley High School
  • Public school in the Huntington Beach Union High School District
  • Ranked No. 3 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://fvhs.com/contact
  1. Orange County School of the Arts
  • Public charter school in Santa Ana
  • Ranked No. 1 in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report2
  • Emphasis on arts education and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://www.ocsarts.net/about/contact
  1. Northwood High School
  • Public school in the Irvine Unified School District
  • Ranked No. 4 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://nhhs.iusd.org/contact
  1. University High School
  • Public school in the Irvine Unified School District
  • Ranked No. 5 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://uhs.iusd.org/contact
  1. Corona Del Mar High School
  • Public school in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District
  • Ranked No. 6 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://cdm.nmusd.us/contact
  1. Irvine High School
  • Public school in the Irvine Unified School District
  • Ranked No. 7 in Orange County by Niche.com2
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and college preparation2
  • Contact information: https://irvinehigh.iusd.org/contact
  1. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
  • Private school in San Juan Capistrano
  • Ranked No. 1 in Orange County by PrivateSchoolReview.com6
  • Emphasis on Christian education and college preparation6
  • Contact information: https://www.cvcs.org/about/contact-us
  1. Sage Hill School
related

what are the admission requirements for high schools in Orange County?

Admission requirements for high schools in Orange County, California vary depending on the type of school. Here are some examples of admission requirements for different types of high schools:Public Schools

  • Students in Orange County are zoned to attend a school based on their home address1.
  • To register a child to attend Orange County Public Schools, the following items are required: Official Birth Certificate OR Passport, Proof of immunizations on a Form 680, Verification of Academic History1.
  • Orange Unified School District requires a weighted GPA of 3.7 or above (or 3.5 or above and enrollment in 4 years of math) for college admission4.
  • Orange Unified School District requires age verification, such as a certified birth record, duly attested baptism certificate, passport, county registrar or recorder’s certificate, or other legal proof of age5.
  • Orange County Schools require student proof of age (students must turn 5 on or before August 31) 6.

Private Schools

  • Admission requirements for private schools in Orange County vary depending on the school. For example, Orange County School of the Arts requires applicants to participate in a Conservatory Placement Activity to demonstrate their art form2.

It is important to note that admission requirements may change over time and may vary depending on the school. It is recommended to check with the specific school for their current admission requirements.

what extracurricular activities are available at Orange County high schools?

There are a variety of extracurricular activities available at Orange County high schools, including:Orange County Public Schools

  • Athletics, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more1
  • Student organizations, such as National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Government1
  • Clubs, such as Debate Club, Robotics Club, and Chess Club1

Orange County Schools

  • Students are encouraged to participate in opportunities available at the school, including interscholastic athletics and student organizations2

Orange County High School

  • Clubs, such as Academic Team, African American Club, and Band Club3

Mater Dei High School

  • Extracurricular activities and events, such as leadership opportunities, faith-based activities, and shared interests5

OCDE

  • High quality charter schools that emphasize rigorous academic standards, innovative programs, and responsible education6

It is important to note that extracurricular activities may vary depending on the school and may change over time. It is recommended to check with the specific school for their current extracurricular activities.

how to find information about Orange County high schools’ academic programs?

To find information about Orange County high schools’ academic programs, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) website1. They offer a variety of academic paths for high school students, including AP, Dual-Enrollment, AICE, CTE, IB, Magnet, STEM, and VPA Paths1. After clicking on a school’s name, you will be directed to the school’s Report Card, where you can find more information about the magnet program(s) offered at that school1.
  2. Check the OCPS High School Magnet Programs page2. They offer Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) programs in Dance, Music, Television Production, Theatre, and Visual Art, with a strong emphasis on college preparation2.
  3. Explore the US News Best High Schools page for Orange County Public Schools District3. This page provides a list of schools in the district, including Orlando Science Middle High Charter, Winter Park High School, Timber Creek High School, and Lake Nona3.
  4. Visit the Orange County Public Schools (VA) website4. Although this is a different Orange County, it provides information about their schools, including Orange County High School4. You can find information about academics, curriculum, electives, ELL, and Gifted & Talented programs5.
  5. Check the Orange County Schools High School Curriculum and Registration Guide6. This guide contains information needed to register students for their courses in the upcoming school year, providing insights into the available academic programs and course offerings6.

By following these steps, you should be able to find information about the academic programs offered at Orange County high schools.

how to apply for AP, Dual-Enrollment, AICE, CTE, IB, Magnet, STEM, and VPA Paths in Orange County high schools?

To apply for AP, Dual-Enrollment, AICE, CTE, IB, Magnet, STEM, and VPA Paths in Orange County high schools, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) website1. They offer a variety of academic paths for high school students, including AP, Dual-Enrollment, AICE, CTE, IB, Magnet, STEM, and VPA Paths1. To apply for these programs, you must first register with Orange County Public Schools1.
  2. Check the OCPS High School Magnet Programs page2. They offer Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) programs in Dance, Music, Television Production, Theatre, and Visual Art, with a strong emphasis on college preparation2. To apply for these programs, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum 2.5 GPA2.
  3. Visit the Orange County Schools website4. They offer Partnership Academy, an alternative academic program for high school students in Orange County Schools who are having difficulties being successful in traditional high school settings4. To apply for this program, you can contact the school directly4.
  4. Check the Waldorf School of Orange County website5. They offer an academically challenging high school curriculum balanced by a program rich in music, drama, fine and applied arts, movement, and practical skills5. To apply for this program, you can contact the school directly5.
  5. Visit the Orange County Public Schools – Frontline Recruitment website6. They offer a variety of job opportunities for educators, including teaching positions in Orange County high schools6. To apply for these positions, you can create an account and submit an online application6.

By following these steps, you should be able to apply for AP, Dual-Enrollment, AICE, CTE, IB, Magnet, STEM, and VPA Paths in Orange County high schools.

What are the academic programs offered by the top-ranked Orange County schools?

Here are the academic programs offered by some of the top-ranked Orange County schools:Orange County Public Schools

  • Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered at every high school1.
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is offered at several high schools1.
  • Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school1.

Orlando Science Middle High Charter

  • Offers a STEM-focused curriculum, including courses in engineering, robotics, and computer science2.

Troy High School

  • Offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Art, AP Music Theory, and AP Computer Science4.

Fountain Valley High School

  • Offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Art History, AP Biology, and AP Psychology4.

Oxford Academy

  • Offers a rigorous academic program with a focus on college preparation4.
  • Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a variety of subjects, including AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, and AP English4.

Orange County School of the Arts

  • Offers a variety of arts programs, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts6.
  • Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a variety of subjects, including AP Art History, AP Music Theory, and AP Studio Art6.

Northwood High School

  • Offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Spanish4.

University High School

  • Offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, AP English, and AP Psychology4.

Corona Del Mar High School

  • Offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, and AP Statistics4.

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

  • Offers a college preparatory program with a focus on Christian education5.
  • Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a variety of subjects, including AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Psychology5.

Sage Hill School

  • Offers a college preparatory program with a focus on innovation and critical thinking5.
  • Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a variety of subjects, including AP Biology, AP English, and AP Psychology5.

Contact information for each school can be found on their respective websites.