2024 Best School Districts in California

Best districts

1-25 of 758 results

#1 Best School Districts in California.
Palo Alto Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
PALO ALTO, CA,
70 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Middle school student says I just finished my first year at one of the middle schools, JLS. The academics there have a very strong structure and nice ways to teach it. However, I come from a private school, so I have already....
Read 70 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 19,
Students: 11,395,
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#2 Best School Districts in California.
San Dieguito Union High School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
ENCINITAS, CA,
72 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says This school is welcoming and does its best to provide assistance for students. The counselors are extremely supportive and do their best to meet up with and help every student..
Read 72 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 10,
Students: 12,615,
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#3 Best School Districts in California.
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
LOS GATOS, CA,
37 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Incredible school for athletes but they should help kids more with the college recruiting process. Parents highly involved, supportive community but very wealthy and severe lack of diversity..
Read 37 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 2,
Students: 3,269,
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SponsoredOnline School
Silicon Valley High School
Online School·
LAS VEGAS, NV·
9-12
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Rating 4.71 out of 5 258
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Private School·
PALO ALTO, CA·
6-12
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St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
Private School·
ALEXANDRIA, VA·
PK, K-12
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Rating 4.38 out of 5 166
Alum: Overall, I would say I had a great experience. The resources available at Arcadia High School are truly unlike any other, and I am incredibly grateful for it. However, Arcadia High School is not always what it portrays itself as. Despite the multiple years of having a 100% graduation rate, having all spring sports win the league championships this year, and the extremely competitive teaching positions, the school district hides and covers up a lot from the public to maintain its reputation. The "100% graduation rate" comes from transferring students to Rancho Learning Center as soon as they start failing their classes. At least two of the sports teams on campus illegally bring in transfer students to make their teams better. Some of the teachers genuinely don't belong in the classroom anymore, and one mysteriously "retired" after being put on probation for an incident with a student. I just wish AHS would be more honest with it's students, parents, and the public about those matters.... Read 132 reviews
#4 Best School Districts in California.
Arcadia Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
ARCADIA, CA,
132 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I would say I had a great experience. The resources available at Arcadia High School are truly unlike any other, and I am incredibly grateful for it. However, Arcadia High School is not....
Read 132 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 11,
Students: 8,818,
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Parent: My wife and I have three children enrolled in Redondo Beach Unified School District at all levels - elementary school, middle school, and high school. As we look back at our children’s educational journey and our own experience in the last 11 years at all levels, we are comfortable with our high assessment of this school district. They truly care about the students first, our teachers are excellent, and the resources abundant. Bringing all students up is something very important here and it is evident to us and other parents in this school district.... Read 41 reviews
#5 Best School Districts in California.
Redondo Beach Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
REDONDO BEACH, CA,
41 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My wife and I have three children enrolled in Redondo Beach Unified School District at all levels - elementary school, middle school, and high school. As we look back at our children’s educational....
Read 41 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 13,
Students: 9,541,
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Parent: This district has a lot of wonderful schools, but more importantly they focus on the whole child. Academics are very important, but mental health is priority. The students are high achieving and happy. Sports events are well attended. Parents are highly involved. Staff is supportive and understands the stressors of being a student today. I am very impressed with this district. The school board is also for the most part very fair and helpful. They support the needs of all children- not just those that fit into a conventional box. They are understanding and encourage diversity, thought provoking topics and prioritize mental health and happiness of both students and staff... Read 81 reviews
#6 Best School Districts in California.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA,
81 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says This district has a lot of wonderful schools, but more importantly they focus on the whole child. Academics are very important, but mental health is priority. The students are high achieving and....
Read 81 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 18,
Students: 10,457,
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Alum: You’ll definitely be pushed academically at SMUSD. However, the district and city as a whole are very elitist. Most of my peers came from families that could afford tutors and college counselors outside of what SMUSD actually offers. As someone who didn’t move to SM until I was a teenager, I felt constantly underestimated, especially by the guidance counselor and administration at HMS, who disregarded my previous success as “well, this is San Marino, not ____.” This attitude was also reflected in the students. Another problem was the handling of funding. SMUSD laid off a ton of teachers in my time at SMHS, and cut a lot of funding to the arts. It was frustrating to see them force out so many wonderful, young teachers yet keep some older, lower quality teachers. While I am definitely benefiting from my SM education now that I’m in college, I wish the district would open itself to a more diverse pool of students and staff.... Read 35 reviews
#7 Best School Districts in California.
San Marino Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
SAN MARINO, CA,
35 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says You’ll definitely be pushed academically at SMUSD. However, the district and city as a whole are very elitist. Most of my peers came from families that could afford tutors and college counselors...Another problem was the handling of funding. SMUSD laid off a ton of teachers in my time at SMHS, and cut a lot of funding to the arts. It was frustrating to see them force out so many wonderful,...While I am definitely benefiting from my SM education now that I’m in college, I wish the district would open itself to a more diverse pool of students and staff..
Read 35 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 4,
Students: 2,751,
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Junior: FUHSD has a strong foundation and multiple resources for students and parents. I especially love the weekly emails with updates that the principal sends every monday morning. Overall, the staff and students bring value to each campus. I would say the only downfall is ASB. This student led organization has complete control over club decisions and club spending/funding. From my experience ASB is very biased and there have been cases of disorderly conduct.... Read 124 reviews
#8 Best School Districts in California.
Fremont Union High School District
School District,
SUNNYVALE, CA,
124 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says FUHSD has a strong foundation and multiple resources for students and parents. I especially love the weekly emails with updates that the principal sends every monday morning. Overall, the staff and....
Read 124 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 6,
Students: 10,019,
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#9 Best School Districts in California.
Tamalpais Union High School District
School District,
LARKSPUR, CA,
29 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Overall, a decent education and experience. The administration is terrible, but there are some great teachers. STEM isn't the strongest and there is a huge push to not take more than 1 or 2 AP....
Read 29 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 5,
Students: 4,837,
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Junior: I’m honestly not a huge fan of the students(maybe because I’m pretty introverted) but I love my small group of friends. A lot of my teachers the past three years have been really big and offer a lot of help. Facility is amazing. Our guards are tough but can be really nice and friendly to students. I would say that there is a lot of school spirit, assemblies are held every month and lots of activities are hosted throughout the school year. Something I don’t particularly like about the school is that it isn’t the cleanest. Sometimes food is left out in the hallways and stairwells for weeks with no one cleaning up. I do see some improvements in this though, like more trash cans being placed around the school. However, I don’t think the stairways are regularly checked because there’s always something new stinking up the hallway. Overall, I do really like this school but cleanliness could be better.... Read 22 reviews
#10 Best School Districts in California.
La Canada Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
LA CANADA, CA,
22 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says I’m honestly not a huge fan of the students(maybe because I’m pretty introverted) but I love my small group of friends. A lot of my teachers the past three years have been really big and offer a lot....
Read 22 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 4,
Students: 3,877,
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#11 Best School Districts in California.
Acalanes Union High School District
School District,
LAFAYETTE, CA,
35 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says The available classes cover a wide range of topics and study areas which is nice for someone like me who enjoys taking lots of different kinds of classes. The school gets everyone together through....
Read 35 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 5,
Students: 5,420,
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#12 Best School Districts in California.
Carmel Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
CARMEL, CA,
27 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Overall in flux at times, but hoping it will stabilize from now on with new implemented changes.In general, hoping for more resources for the school..
Read 27 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 9,
Students: 2,274,
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#13 Best School Districts in California.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
SANTA MONICA, CA,
70 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Santa Monica high school has many great resources and opportunities for students and families. It is an inclusive school, excellent STEM, theater, music, photography programs!.
Read 70 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 17,
Students: 8,820,
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Senior: My overall experience with Irvine Unified School District has been quite positive, although at times it can feel a bit dull. The facilities at the school are top-notch, with high-tech resources that are easily accessible to students. The district places a strong emphasis on STEM-related fields, making it a competitive environment for those interested in those areas. While there may not be much diversity among students and teachers, everyone is hardworking and friendly. I feel safe attending school in this district, which is important for my overall well-being. However, I do sometimes feel like I am not receiving as much individualized care from the school as I would like. Despite this, I am grateful for the numerous opportunities that Irvine Unified School District provides for its students, such as internships and summer programs. These experiences have helped me grow both academically and personally during my time in the district.... Read 224 reviews
#14 Best School Districts in California.
Irvine Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
IRVINE, CA,
224 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says My overall experience with Irvine Unified School District has been quite positive, although at times it can feel a bit dull. The facilities at the school are top-notch, with high-tech resources that...While there may not be much diversity among students and teachers, everyone is hardworking and friendly. I feel safe attending school in this district, which is important for my overall well-being....Despite this, I am grateful for the numerous opportunities that Irvine Unified School District provides for its students, such as internships and summer programs. These experiences have helped me....
Read 224 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 45,
Students: 36,542,
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Junior: Overall, Laguna Beach is a really nice school. This campus is always super clean, the staff is really nice, and the teachers really care about their students. I also like the FLEX tutorial that LBHS offers. This is a 30 minute time period between 5/6 period and 7/8. You can pick whichever class you want to go to. I like this format because it allows me and other students to pick classes we need help with or to make up tests. I also like how much our school tries to involve students. They always have something going on for students to participate in. I really appreciate the 8 period schedule that is new this year because it gives students flexibility within their days. For dislikes, I think the periods, 80 minutes, are a bit long. On Fridays, the all-8-period day only allows for 30 minutes in each class which seems a bit rushed at times. Since the school is relatively small, there are not that many teachers. This means you can get the same teacher in a row multiple years.... Read 22 reviews
#15 Best School Districts in California.
Laguna Beach Unified School District
School District,
LAGUNA BEACH, CA,
22 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Overall, Laguna Beach is a really nice school. This campus is always super clean, the staff is really nice, and the teachers really care about their students. I also like the FLEX tutorial that LBHS....
Read 22 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 4,
Students: 2,456,
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Senior: San Mateo High School is an amazing place to be, especially as a current senior. The school has a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. The teachers are supportive and always willing to help you succeed. The campus is beautiful, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities for learning and extracurricular activities. The student body is diverse, which allows you to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, making your high school experience enriching and educational. The community in San Mateo is also fantastic, with lots of local shops, restaurants, and parks to explore during your free time. Overall, San Mateo High School provides a safe and vibrant community where you can grow academically, socially, and personally.... Read 79 reviews
#16 Best School Districts in California.
San Mateo Union High School District
School District,
SAN MATEO, CA,
79 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says San Mateo High School is an amazing place to be, especially as a current senior. The school has a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. The teachers are supportive and always....
Read 79 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 7,
Students: 8,942,
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#17 Best School Districts in California.
Pleasanton Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
PLEASANTON, CA,
65 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Over has been a great experience and have had such amazing teachers a school administrators! Very privilaged to be here! Peers weren’t always the best but when you find a group it’s good. I would....
Read 65 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 17,
Students: 13,876,
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Senior: Going to Westview High School has challenged me in many ways. From the rigorous academics such as AP Calc and AP Physics to learning Spanish . Our school is devoted to preparing you for college by holding college fairs and preparing you for possible scholarship opportunities.Our school counselors are on top of you to make sure your on the right path. If I were able to change one thing I would probably change waiting a whole semester to take AP Calc bc after Calc ab. However the teachers really work with you if your struggling and offer wolverine time tutoring with whatever your struggling in . The school has a lot of school spirit but I wish it had more. For instance like all sports programs showing up to each others games more consistently .So that being said I would definitely try to do more in the school spirit area.... Read 195 reviews
#18 Best School Districts in California.
Poway Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
195 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Going to Westview High School has challenged me in many ways. From the rigorous academics such as AP Calc and AP Physics to learning Spanish . Our school is devoted to preparing you for college by....
Read 195 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 39,
Students: 34,900,
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#19 Best School Districts in California.
El Segundo Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
EL SEGUNDO, CA,
40 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says El Segundo school district is a district not big but cozy small-town feel makes a welcoming district to study and live. The low student and teacher ratio helps teachers more attentive and good....
Read 40 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 5,
Students: 3,508,
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Senior: My experience at Los Alamitos high school has been upbringing and prepared for the application process of colleges. However even though they have seminars to help families file fasfa and begin admission process its very general and not specific. However, the school spirit is here and have been nominated for best student section in OC for 4 years and going. The faculty are helpful, however there are a couple stragglers here and there, but thats normal. Overall, I would say my experience at los al has been eye opening about the world and what I can do with my life.... Read 111 reviews
#20 Best School Districts in California.
Los Alamitos Unified School District
School District,
LOS ALAMITOS, CA,
111 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says My experience at Los Alamitos high school has been upbringing and prepared for the application process of colleges. However even though they have seminars to help families file fasfa and begin....
Read 111 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 9,
Students: 8,934,
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Freshman: I joined when I was in 2nd grade just moving from LAUSD and I was instantly welcomed by my teacher and classmates. In 3rd grade, the 2018 Woolsey fire was just at my school and we were all sent home for about 3 days. Towards the end of 4th grade, Covid hit and we were all sent home to study online. Even though we were online we still had the resources to study and it was okay to be there. When I moved to middle school, it was a bit more difficult than I expected but then it got easier after 6th grade and then I started to get into the rhythm. Honestly, I did not apply for any clubs or sports teams in my middle school because I found most of them boring and there was no swim or Water Polo team. I did join the string orchestra during my time there and it was really fun because of the competitions we went to, the concerts, and the events. I am continuing it in high school as well as applying for the swim and water polo team. I love Oak Park and the teachers, many of my peers would agree.... Read 64 reviews
#21 Best School Districts in California.
Oak Park Unified School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
OAK PARK, CA,
64 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says I joined when I was in 2nd grade just moving from LAUSD and I was instantly welcomed by my teacher and classmates. In 3rd grade, the 2018 Woolsey fire was just at my school and we were all sent home....
Read 64 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 8,
Students: 4,236,
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#22 Best School Districts in California.
Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District
Blue checkmark.
School District,
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA,
38 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Overall an amazing experience. I recommend to upcoming freshmen’s. The whole campus is changing aswell, with new modern buildings!.
Read 38 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 3,
Students: 4,448,
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Review your school
Senior: I was able to go on a study abroad in Granada, Spain through my Spanish class. The experience was really immersive as I stayed with a host family, and was able to experience a new culture. I felt that I grew a lot as a person to be more aware, confident, and independent from this Granada experience. I also got to go SCUBA diving for an environmental science class, where I assisted in underwater field research. Never did I imagine being able to stand on the ocean floor in high school! Green Team has been one of my favorite things. I joined as a Freshman and served as Green Team club President for 2 years. In this club, I have managed our student-run aquaponic, and hydroponic systems to sell fresh produce to local restaurants. In addition, our Green Team has been able to do volunteer work with elementary school students and the local nature center. I just wish we had better teaching in the math and science department. I think students really struggle in these classes.... Read 188 reviews
#23 Best School Districts in California.
Huntington Beach Union High School District
School District,
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA,
188 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I was able to go on a study abroad in Granada, Spain through my Spanish class. The experience was really immersive as I stayed with a host family, and was able to experience a new culture. I felt....
Read 188 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 8,
Students: 14,522,
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Freshman: One of the best parts of Coronado Unified School District is the community. For example, I participated in The Portrait of a CUSD Graduate, an event where students, parents, and teachers collaborate and share ideas to improve our education. I enjoyed the event because students were able to contribute new perspectives that adults haven’t considered. Knowing that our viewpoints will advance our educational system exemplifies how involved the community is in our school district. Another part of my experience at CUSD is COSA, Coronado School of the Arts. COSA includes a variety of departments that allow students to explore their creativites while making new connections. For instance, woodworking, stage management, and teamwork are all new skills I have learned in the Technical Theater department. Something I would want to see change is having more art teachers. There is currently only one art teacher in my High School, but many full art class periods and students who want to take art.... Read 38 reviews
#24 Best School Districts in California.
Coronado Unified School District
School District,
CORONADO, CA,
38 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says One of the best parts of Coronado Unified School District is the community. For example, I participated in The Portrait of a CUSD Graduate, an event where students, parents, and teachers collaborate....
Read 38 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 5,
Students: 2,799,
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#25 Best School Districts in California.
Carlsbad Unified School District
School District,
CARLSBAD, CA,
58 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says The sports teams, coaches and loud crowd is the best part of CHS! The student body and teachers are inclusive..
Read 58 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Total Schools: 16,
Students: 10,981,
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SponsoredPrivate School
Templeton Academy DC
Private School·
WASHINGTON, DC·
6-12
·
Rating 4.13 out of 5 31
SponsoredPrivate School
Echo Horizon School
Private School·
CULVER CITY, CA·
PK, K-6
·
Rating 4.93 out of 5 15
SponsoredPrivate School
Westminster School
Private School·
ANNANDALE, VA·
PK, K-8
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Rating 4.36 out of 5 14

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2024 Best School Districts in California

Palo Alto Unified School District

Palo Alto Unified School District

San Dieguito Union High School District

San Dieguito Union High School District

Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District

Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District

Arcadia Unified School District

Arcadia Unified School District

Redondo Beach Unified School District

Redondo Beach Unified School District

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

San Marino Unified School District

San Marino Unified School District

Fremont Union High School District

Fremont Union High School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

La Canada Unified School District

La Canada Unified School District

Acalanes Union High School District

Acalanes Union High School District

Carmel Unified School District

Carmel Unified School District

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Irvine Unified School District

Irvine Unified School District

Laguna Beach Unified School District

Laguna Beach Unified School District

San Mateo Union High School District

San Mateo Union High School District

Pleasanton Unified School District

Pleasanton Unified School District

Poway Unified School District

Poway Unified School District

El Segundo Unified School District

El Segundo Unified School District

Los Alamitos Unified School District

Los Alamitos Unified School District

Oak Park Unified School District

Oak Park Unified School District

Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District

Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District

Huntington Beach Union High School District

Huntington Beach Union High School District

Coronado Unified School District

Coronado Unified School District

Carlsbad Unified School District

Carlsbad Unified School District

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