News Summary
Riverside Stem Academy has been recognized as the top high school in California according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. This achievement highlights the school’s commitment to college readiness, exceptional performance in assessments, and impressive graduation rates. With a favorable student-to-teacher ratio and a robust Advanced Placement program, the academy stands out among California’s educational institutions. The rankings also place Riverside Stem Academy ahead of last year’s top school in the state, showcasing the growth of academic excellence in the region.
Riverside, California – Riverside Stem Academy has been designated as the best high school in California according to the newly released U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2024. This prestigious recognition comes after analyzing approximately 25,000 public high schools across the United States, with nearly 17,660 of them ranked. The school was recognized for its exceptional focus on college readiness, performance in state assessments, breadth of college curriculum, and graduation rates, among other criteria.
Performance Highlights
Riverside Stem Academy stood out among California’s educational institutions, which is home to a total of 1,646 high schools. In fact, California boasts the highest number of high schools ranked nationally, with 115 schools (representing 7%) making it into the nation’s top 5%, and 245 schools (14.9%) listed in the top 10%. Furthermore, 580 high schools (35.2%) ranked in the top 25% across the country, indicating a strong performance from the state’s education system.
This year’s top high school nationally is BASIS Tucson North in Arizona, but Riverside Stem Academy has set itself apart within California by emphasizing Advanced Placement (AP) courses designed to prepare students for college-level academics. The academy’s commitment to academic excellence is complemented by a favorable student-to-teacher ratio, which averages around 25:1 in top-ranked schools.
Statewide Rankings
In comparison, last year’s top school in California, Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, has been surpassed by Riverside Stem Academy, dropping to No. 16 nationwide with a score of 99.91/100. The second-best high school in California is Oxford Academy in Cypress, ranked No. 19 nationally, also scoring an impressive 99.89/100. Following closely is Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood, which is ranked third in the state and No. 20 in the nation, sharing the same score.
Additionally, the Los Angeles metro area features two other high schools within the national top 20 rankings, highlighting a densely concentrated area of academic excellence. In terms of geographical performance, the Silicon Valley area leads with 59% of its schools placed in the top 25% nationally, while the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area follows with 51% of schools achieving similar accolades.
Academic Proficiency
The U.S. News report provides a comprehensive look at student performance, revealing that 43% of students in California are at or above proficient levels in reading, whereas only 33% have reached similar proficiency in math. In contrast, the top-performing schools typically exhibit proficiency rates of 90% or higher, demonstrating the quality of education and support provided to students at Riverside Stem Academy and other highly ranked schools.
The rankings also take into account vital factors like enrollment numbers, student demographics, and socioeconomic status, which contribute to a holistic understanding of school performance across the state.
Riverside Stem Academy’s achievement as California’s best high school underscores the strength of its academic programs and the dedication of its faculty and student body. Parents, educators, and community members can view the full rankings, along with detailed evaluations of the methodologies used by the publication, on the organization’s official website.
Thus, as the quest for academic excellence continues across California, Riverside Stem Academy sets a benchmark for other schools to aspire to, enhancing the educational landscape of the state.
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Additional Resources
- VC Star: Cupertino Elementary School Tops California List
- Wikipedia: California
- Desert Sun: Best High Schools in California for 2024
- Google Search: California high schools
- Patch: Top 25 High Schools in California 2025-26
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California education
- Daily News: Cypress and Cerritos High Schools Top Rankings
- Google News: California high school rankings
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
