News Summary
James C. Enochs High School has been recognized as the best public high school in Stanislaus County according to U.S. News & World Report’s recent rankings. The school is ranked No. 521 in California, showcasing its focus on academic excellence amidst a competitive environment. The evaluation considered key performance indicators such as state tests and graduation rates. Following Enochs, Waterford High School ranked second in the county, with additional schools contributing to the educational landscape of the area. These rankings highlight significant achievements in public education.
Modesto – U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2025-2026 Best Public High Schools rankings, highlighting James C. Enochs High School as the leading high school in Stanislaus County. Enochs High School is ranked No. 521 in California and No. 3,867 nationwide, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence amidst a competitive landscape.
U.S. News analyzed data from over 24,000 public high schools across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with nearly 18,000 schools making it into the rankings. The evaluation was based on several performance indicators, including state tests, graduation rates, and the availability of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Enochs High School boasts an enrollment of 2,368 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 23:1. The school has a notable participation rate in AP courses, with 38% of students taking these advanced classes. Furthermore, a diverse student body is evident, with 72% identifying as minorities and 41% coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, reflecting the school’s commitment to inclusivity and educational equity.
Following Enochs High, Waterford High School ranks as the second-best high school in Stanislaus County, placed at No. 567 in California and No. 4,293 nationally. It has 589 students enrolled and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 19:1. At Waterford High, 35% of students participate in AP classes, with 70% identifying as minorities. Furthermore, a significant 81% of its students come from low-income families, underscoring the challenges faced by many in the community.
Other notable high schools in Stanislaus County include Joseph A. Gregori High School, Whitmore Charter High School, and Central Valley High School, which also play vital roles in serving the educational needs of the area’s students. Each of these institutions seeks to provide quality education and gain accolades based on performance indicators measured by U.S. News.
California has been recognized as home to three of the nation’s top 25 public high schools. Whitney High School in Cerritos leads the state, ranked No. 16 nationally. This institution serves 691 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 26:1. Following Whitney, Oxford Academy in Cypress ranks No. 19, enrolling 831 students with a 25:1 student-teacher ratio. Additionally, the Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood ranks No. 20, catering to 226 students with a ratio of 24:1.
The top 10 public high schools in the United States for the 2025-26 school year feature institutions such as BASIS Tucson North, Signature School in Evansville, Indiana, and Central Magnet School in Tennessee, demonstrating a breadth of academic prowess across the nation.
The U.S. News rankings are an important resource for parents, students, and educators as they navigate the educational landscape and seek opportunities for academic achievement. As schools like Enochs High continue to strive for excellence, the rankings provide a useful benchmark to assess their progress and impact within the broader community.
With education facing many challenges, including varying rates of socioeconomic status and access to high-quality AP courses, these rankings not only highlight successful schools but also underscore the ongoing efforts necessary to ensure all students receive the best education possible.
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- Modesto Bee: High School Rankings
- Wikipedia: High School in the United States
- Turlock Journal: Dropout Program
- Google Search: High school education USA
- Modesto Bee: Local Teacher Recognition
- Google Scholar: Education Equity
- Ceres Courier: Teacher Achievements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher
- KCRA: Teacher Misconduct
- Google News: Education News
- Fox40: Power Shut Off
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.
