The Top 10 High School in San Diego

Finding a great high school for your child to attend can be a daunting task. Not only are you looking for the best possible education and learning opportunities, but also a safe, supportive environment that is going to propel them through their future.

We’re here today to help you narrow down your search by introducing you ten of San Diego’s best high schools! Here’s what our experts have determined are the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to secondary education in San Diego—stay tuned for our exclusive list!

The Top 10 High Schools in San Diego

San Diego High School

Address: 1405 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4 (65)
Phone: +1 619-560-4610
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

No. The last two years this school has been going down the drain. Closing down MVPA (aka. Arts) was the worse this they have ever done, along with encouraging the students of arts to just let it happen. My dreams and talents were crushed.

✭ By LeeAnne Mittelberg (6 years ago)

My son played football in 10th and 11th grades. As long as he was making touchdowns, everyone was happy to see him. I kept asking about a tutor for the players since they spend most of their time at the school, and the coaches promised to get one. It never happened. When the heat came down on the coaches about the players with low grades, they got rid of the players instead of getting a tutor.

My son fell further and further behind, and all they ever did was send him to summer school, which is a joke. If you show up, you pass. They gave him the opportunity to make up the credits through some online system. Great idea for some people, but newsflash: if he wasn’t able to keep up with a teacher in the classroom, what do you think will happen when there is no teacher? The school system is failing our children.

I know some would ask what am I doing to help? Why is your son having such a hard time? He has ADHD. A lot people think that people with ADHD are not smart. That’s not true. The problem is that some teachers don’t know how to teach students with learning disabilities. To teach only one way and expect students with different learning styles to be able to be successful doesn’t make sense to me. So many students fall through cracks as wide as the Grand Canyon.

I work at a community college. I get the opportunity to work with students fresh out of high school, some of them from San Diego High, so I get to work with some of the victims of this failed system. These students are bright. They are teachable. So why did they struggle in high school? Because the system is broken.

My daughters also went to San Diego High. They both complained that San Diego High cheated them. They both said they struggled in their freshman year of college because San Diego High School failed to prepare them for the experience. Don’t get me wrong, they enjoyed their high school experience, and they did learn something. But too many students are not testing into college level reading, writing, and math when they begin their college journey.

I’m confused about all the five star reviews here. It’s misleading to flood the system with fake reviews. There is a problem with this high school. I recently received an email from a teacher who admitted that she insulted my son in front of the entire class. The bigger issue is that she doesn’t see that she insulted him. She responded by saying, “I’m sorry if he took it that way.” That is not an apology. That statement implies that it is his problem for receiving her rude, disrespectful comment the way that it was delivered. Blaming the student is not the answer. Education professionals are supposed to be able to handle communicating with students and their parents. This particular teacher failed to impress me. And she’s not the only one from this school who has failed to impress me.

There are some passionate teachers at this school, but their efforts are overshadowed by the actions of some of the tenured teachers who have stopped caring.

✭ By Kiedra Taylor (6 years ago)

Good school teachers are nice and ik most of the reviews say that it was bad it’s cuz of some of the people that ‘used’ to go to this school

✭✭✭✭✭ By YoGirl Cedes (ChiefCedes) (5 years ago)

Go Cavers! From 5 Star Parties Photographer- Rogelio C. Magaña (Roger Cortez Jr.) San Diego High gave me two talents, computers and photography.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Roger Cortez (Quinceanera Photographer) (6 years ago)

Tub of Lard above is ugly ^

✭ By Fortnite Fan (2 years ago)

Lincoln Senior High School

Address: 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.9 (64)
Phone: +1 619-266-6500
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

Nice view.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Pedro T (4 years ago)

My daughter attended Lincoln HS for 1.5 years. She loved it. She was active in all the seasonal sports which she did not participate in previously at another school. Because of her sports, she had to maintain her grades…. This made her better in academics also. Her experience here was different from her experience in Nevada. She made friends and had access to a lot of resources for furthering her education. This school is in what one would call a slightly challenged neighborhood but like many other schools, school is what YOU make it. You have the tools to succeed but need to USE the tools. The teachers were great and always accessible for additional instruction and a after-school catch-up sessions.

✭✭✭ By Regina Johnson (9 years ago)

School policy is to PUT CELL PHONES AWAY IN CLASS. We were informed in high school that we would get them taken AWAY, and now some people let it slide in THIS school? Also, a TA WAS FIRED FROM HER THREE MONTHS OF WORK (that she NEEDS to live!) so that a girl in a classroom could get away with NOT paying attention and not learn! Her uncle could be anything in the school district….but, they aren’t lawyers!!!!! HOW DARE YOU! You are supposed to be professionals! And you’ll FIRE ANY TEACHER OVER A SPOILED, BRATTY CHILD? I’m a concerned parent now. My children are supposed to be safe and now we see some people in school districts will let anything slide. You took the word of a child who has nothing to lose and you took work from a lady who barely has anything.

✭ By Adela L. Ramirez (5 years ago)

All 4 of my kids have gone there. 2 have graduated and 1 graduates this coming year and then the last one the following year. We have had great expeiences here. Many helpful programs are available. You and your kids just have to want to stay busy and stay outof trouble. Thank you Lincoln High for doing what you do.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Amanda Mendez (6 years ago)

Have seen a few shows at Lincoln High with CCT. The theater and parking are really nice. There is not a bad seat in the house and the sound system is very clean and clear. I hope the student appreciate they have a top notch theater for a high school!

✭✭✭✭ By Dan Smith (8 years ago)

Mt. Carmel High School

Address: 9550 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.9 (45)
Phone: +1 858-484-1180
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Thursday: 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Friday: 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

MCHS is a horrible school to be honest with you. Administration sucks & are always trying to set kids up for trouble. Our whole football program sucks too. If your son is no where near to amazing at football then he ever sees playing time. Trust me, everyone says it. Not just me.

✭ By Mark Masangkay (6 years ago)

I totally agree with Max’s review. That bathrooms are so old and stinky. The lock on the stall door couldn’t close. They need to fix this and renovate this. But great school. Just super old

✭✭✭✭ By Alec Lozano (5 years ago)

One of the reasons why we moved to PQ in 1984 was because of the school system. It was fantastic (or so I heard!)

I went to MCHS and I have to say – I had a pretty great HS experience.

There are some fantastic teachers at this school and a world class band.

Harold Dorr, Lee Raskin, and others, were so helpful throughout my high school (and even college) times. Dorr made me LOVE science and Mr. Raskin opened his classroom up to kids during lunch time to read and hang out – a safe haven if you needed it.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Dawn Martin (7 years ago)

MCHS is by far the best high school in the PUSD. I recommend it to anyone looking to actually succeed in high school. Mount Carmel has bar none the best instructors, that will work with anyone in the pursuit of success. Plenty of extra-curricular activities at this school: clubs, sports, band, games, performances, etc. Good administration (best I’ve came across) I am set to graduate in June and MC has definatly made high school the time of my life. I see why this school at one point was top 3 in the nation. I don’t see why it isn’t today. By all means go here if you want success.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Tyler McCoy (10 years ago)

Born raised in Rancho Penasquitos. I had to make a decision between Westview and Mt. Carmel due to the new high school being built. Hell yea MC was my school! I never regret it for one moment! I built a family and a brotherhood. I would go back in time and live it all over if I could. #Sundevils08

✭✭✭✭✭ By Morgan Harpenau (8 years ago)

Westview High School

Address: 13500 Camino Del Sur, San Diego, CA 92129, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (43)
Phone: +1 858-780-2000
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

Honestly this school is good if you’re an academically or athletically driven person. Not sure if the few negative reviews are true. Personally though, I have not seen any intentionally offensive racism. Every school has its cliques, but this Westview doesn’t tolerate bullies. There’s a wide range of extracurricular activities and people who enjoy the same hobbies as you do. Seriously, the list of clubs is very long. This place literally prepares you for any future career. The counselors are also cool and genuinely care about your well being. School spirit and creativity is encouraged regularly throughout the year. The teachers seem to be skilled in their area of expertise and are serious about teaching (from my experience so far anyway). You have quite a lot of freedom, but this might be a bad aspect for procrastinators (like me). Some of the harder courses are fast paced and you are trusted to manage your time wisely and keep up… so unless you’re an organized person, it’s easy to be left behind. If you sign up for what you can handle though, high school’s a breeze. Lastly, it’s a school, not a restaurant. The reason why people don’t like it is because Westview promotes healthiness not junk food. Blue skies, palm trees, and seagulls flying around… overall, it’s a pretty open atmosphere.
– a student

✭✭✭✭ By Lee Bow (4 years ago)

Excellent high school! Teachers are, for the most part, very willing to help and great teachers. They really care about keeping programs going for the students. We struggled to keep the theater program afloat and now it’s head by the most awsome teacher- the speech and debate team is going stronger than ever- all because of a super principal,teachers and parents that care about extra-curricular activities. Academics get you ready to ace the AP tests and ACT/SAT tests. Colleges love Westview kids!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Evan Schlusselberg (5 years ago)

I had a really high level of education at Westview. The APs were great, the freedom in picking your schedule was awesome, the regular classes were very good, and there were so many sports and activities to choose from. Everything at Westview was high level. It is a peaceful and very safe campus. After I graduated they increased the class size and built the neighborhood across the street which has increased traffic a little bit. My counselors cared about me and I got to know a lot of staff who weren’t just my teachers. Friends of mine outside of San Diego who paid thousands of dollars to go to private schools are amazed at the public education I got in Poway Unified. Go Wolverines!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Soph Anya Lundeberg (5 years ago)

The food sucks, but then again it is a school so you can really take that into account. Overall as a school it is one of the best in the state in terms of academics and West View does have a good sports section especially when it comes to track.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Alex Rerecich (8 years ago)

A great school. They have really good academics and really cool courses. Though some teachers really don’t teach. But it is an amazing school.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Amin Shaik (5 years ago)

Clairemont High School

Address: 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego, CA 92117, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.8 (42)
Phone: +1 619-605-2600
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

I 100% hate the academies but overall a good school, they’re just not working. Might as well stop them now before you lose more students and incoming students. OH AND STOP CUTTING CLASSES WE ACTUALLY LIKE, Thank you. 🙂 Oh and Mark Colombo is an amazing teacher, give him a raise. #stoptheacademies

✭ By Kaela Estrada (5 years ago)

This school has been my home for the last 3 years and well not all my experiences have been good. In some cases I love my teachers like Mrs, Moore, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Riley and Mr. Ko. However I’ve had my fair share of teachers who ‘bully’ and disrespect their students. Two of my teachers have called our class stupid and our generation brain dead. One of my teachers also constantly yells at our class, saying how we want him fired and that we hate him and personally attack him. There are many good things about this school but also bad things. Also for example our school spends a huge amount of money on our football team but yet, we have NO pool and considering that water polo (CIF winners) and swim are 2/4 of the most successful sports at this school is really disappointing. As for the academies I don’t hate them but they aren’t fantastic I feel like if the teachers tried and actually listened to the students, the academies could improve. On the other hand I love how close I’ve gotten to the people in my academy and I actually really enjoy the 4-4 schedule, it lets me take a lot more classes. 🙂

✭✭✭ By Caroline Castro (4 years ago)

My son has done very well in the Four-by-Four system. For the past two years, he has been able to take Mesa College English and Mathematics classes for free. The academy system has provided positive mentors and real-life experiences in the field of engineering and business. Kudos to Mr. Colombo for his support and encourage of my son’s academic and personal success.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Suzanne Smith (4 years ago)

I have been going to this school for two years.They need to improve there staff.The attendance staff is NOT helpful. You walk in there is no greeting or asking if you need help with something. Also when there are things like spirit week they need to put it on the online calendar. Other than that the school is very good. Classes are Really good ,Electives are even better . Its a very good school.

✭✭✭✭ By Kiara Baeza (7 years ago)

The academies has ruined the school. Jennifer Roberson has said “….our academies provide a richer, more personalized learning environment where students will be motivated to graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career, and life.” I haven’t seen any of this. The academies are overrated and a waste of money. The school would be a little better if the academies were gone. #stoptheacademies

✭ By Julianna Lindsay (5 years ago)

Morse High School

Address: 6905 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.9 (41)

Patrick Henry High School

Address: 6702 Wandermere Dr, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.5 (41)

San Ysidro High School

Address: 5353 Airway Rd, San Diego, CA 92154, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (41)

Kearny High School

Address: 1954 Komet Way, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.8 (39)

Southwest High School

Address: 1685 Hollister St, San Diego, CA 92154, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (37)

Thank you for reading! We hope this list helps you find the best high schools in San Diego. If you have any additional information, please leave a comment below!