California’s public schools have had a lot to celebrate lately, from new statewide rankings of best-value universities to fresh recognition for K-12 campuses across the state. Now, one North Hollywood high school is adding to that momentum in a big way. Science Academy STEM Magnet landed at No. 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2026–27 Best High Schools ranking, placing it among the top 10 public high schools nationwide out of nearly 18,000 ranked schools.
U.S. News evaluated more than 27,000 public high schools across all 50 states, ranking nearly 18,000 schools nationally based on six factors tied to state assessment performance and college readiness. Science Academy STEM Magnet earned an overall score of 99.94 out of 100, just shy of the top-ranked school’s perfect 100. Along with its national placement, the school also claimed the No. 1 spot in California and No. 1 in the Los Angeles metro area. It was one of just four schools nationwide to newly break into the top 10 this year, climbing at least six spots from its previous ranking.
What makes the school stand out
Science Academy STEM Magnet serves grades 6 through 12 as part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, with a total enrollment of a few hundred students. According to U.S. News data, the school’s AP participation rate sits at 100%, with 36% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. Academic performance is notably strong: independent data from state assessments show the vast majority of students scoring proficient or above in both math and English language arts, well above district and statewide averages.
The school’s focus, as its name suggests, leans heavily into science, technology, engineering, and math. Students have represented the school in competitions such as the Ocean Sciences Bowl, and the campus has continued expanding its specialized offerings, including advanced biotechnology and robotics electives.
Where California stands in the ranking
The school was the only California school among the top 10, but four other California schools landed in the overall top 50:
- Whitney High School, Cerritos: #11
- Oxford Academy, Cypress: #17
- Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, Wilmington: Rank #24
- Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, Gilroy: #37
