Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to one of the most robust and high-performing charter school networks in the nation, offering families innovative public education options across the city . Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free, and operate with flexibility to implement specialized programs and teaching methods.
With the California Charter Schools Association identifying 201 charter schools in Los Angeles County that outperform regional averages on state assessments, families have exceptional options at every grade level . This guide highlights twenty of the best charter schools in Los Angeles, based on academic performance, state recognition, and unique program offerings.
Top 20 Charter Schools in Los Angeles
1. Granada Hills Charter
Granada Hills Charter is one of the largest and most successful charter schools in California, serving nearly 6,000 students in grades K-12 and ranking in the top 20% of all schools statewide . Math proficiency reaches 55% and reading proficiency an impressive 75%, placing it among the top 10% of California schools for literacy.
With a graduation rate of 94% and a 77% minority enrollment, Granada Hills has earned recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School and is ranked #3 among California charter elementary schools by Niche . The school consistently demonstrates that large-scale charter education can achieve exceptional student outcomes.
2. Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Network
The Alliance network is one of the nation’s largest and most successful nonprofit public charter school networks, operating 25 high-performing middle and high schools that educate nearly 13,000 scholars across Los Angeles.
Alliance schools boast a 96% high school graduation rate and a 97% college acceptance rate, with scholars graduating from college at 3.5 times the national average . U.S. News & World Report has recognized 17 Alliance high schools among the best in the nation, and all nine Alliance middle schools rank in the top 20% of California middle schools in math and reading performance. The network has earned numerous National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School honors.
3. Larchmont Charter School
Larchmont Charter School serves students across multiple campuses in Los Angeles and is ranked among the top charter schools in California by both U.S. News and Niche . The school is ranked #90 among California charter high schools by Niche and #17 among charter elementary schools in the state, reflecting its consistent excellence across grade levels.
Larchmont offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development. The school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and is a popular choice for families seeking a high-performing charter option in central Los Angeles.
4. Palisades Charter High School
Palisades Charter High School serves the Pacific Palisades community and ranks #93 among California charter high schools according to Niche. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities.
Palisades Charter is known for its strong academic performance, dedicated faculty, and active parent community, consistently producing graduates who are well-prepared for competitive college admissions. The school’s coastal location and sprawling campus provide a unique learning environment for students.
5. High Tech Los Angeles
Located in Lake Balboa, High Tech Los Angeles ranks #72 among California charter high schools by Niche and is part of the respected High Tech High network. The school emphasizes project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world applications of knowledge, preparing students for success in college and careers.
High Tech LA offers a personalized learning environment with small class sizes and strong student-teacher relationships. The school’s innovative approach to education has earned it recognition as a California Distinguished School and a reputation for developing critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
6. Da Vinci Science
Da Vinci Science, located in the South Bay area, ranks #42 among California charter high schools by Niche and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. The school offers a STEM-focused curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across all subject areas, preparing students for careers in these high-demand fields.
Da Vinci Science emphasizes hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and real-world problem-solving, helping students develop the skills needed for success in college and the 21st-century workforce. The school’s innovative programs have earned it statewide recognition.
7. Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School
Ranked #80 among California charter high schools by U.S. News and recognized as a California Distinguished School, Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School serves the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The school achieves strong reading proficiency scores, with 75-79% of students meeting or exceeding standards, and serves a 99% minority student population. With nearly 500 students and a 21:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides a personalized college-preparatory education. The school’s consistent recognition underscores its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
8. Rise Kohyang High School
Serving 470 students in grades 9-12 in the Westlake neighborhood, Rise Kohyang High School ranks in the top 20% of California schools with math proficiency of 40-44% and reading proficiency of 70-74%. The school has a 19:1 student-teacher ratio and a 99% minority enrollment, reflecting its commitment to serving a diverse student body. Rise Kohyang has earned recognition as a California Distinguished School and offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum designed to prepare students for success in higher education . The school’s strong academic performance has made it a popular choice for families in the area.
9. Alliance Patti And Peter Neuwirth Leadership Academy
This South Los Angeles charter high school serves 597 students and has earned California Distinguished School recognition. The school achieves math proficiency of 30-34% and reading proficiency of 65-69%, with a 20:1 student-teacher ratio and 99% minority enrollment. The school emphasizes leadership development and college readiness, preparing students to become community leaders and successful college students. Its strong academic performance and focus on developing leadership skills have earned it a reputation as one of the top charter schools in South Los Angeles.
10. Collegiate Charter High of Los Angeles
Collegiate Charter High of Los Angeles serves 174 students in grades 9-12 and is ranked #290 in California by U.S. News, with an impressive 98% Advanced Placement participation rate. The school has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and serves a 99% minority student population, with 94% of students economically disadvantaged. Reading proficiency reaches 53% and math proficiency 22%, with a graduation rate of 80% . Despite serving a high-needs population, Collegiate Charter High demonstrates a strong commitment to college readiness and academic preparation.
11. Westwood Charter Elementary School
Serving 662 students in grades K-5, Westwood Charter Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of California schools with math proficiency of 77% and reading proficiency of 78%. The school has a 25:1 student-teacher ratio and a 48% minority enrollment, reflecting the diverse Westwood community . Westwood Charter offers a strong academic foundation for elementary students, preparing them for success in middle school and beyond. The school’s exceptional test scores have earned it recognition as one of the top charter elementary schools in the Los Angeles area.
12. New West Charter
Serving 998 students in grades 6-12, New West Charter ranks in the top 20% of California schools with math proficiency of 48% and reading proficiency of 66%. The school has a 19:1 student-teacher ratio and a 47% minority enrollment, providing a diverse learning environment for students. New West Charter offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and student development. The school’s strong performance across both middle and high school grades makes it a popular choice for families seeking a long-term educational home.
13. Synergy Charter Academy
Synergy Charter Academy serves 322 students in grades K-5 in South Los Angeles, with math proficiency of 47% and reading proficiency of 42%. The school has a 25:1 student-teacher ratio and 95% of students are economically disadvantaged, yet the school achieves strong academic outcomes. Synergy Charter has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and is known for its commitment to serving a high-needs population . The school’s success demonstrates that high-quality education is possible regardless of students’ economic circumstances.
14. Camino Nuevo High #2
Serving 512 students in grades 9-12 in the Westlake area, Camino Nuevo High #2 has a 99% minority enrollment and achieves math proficiency of 25-29% and reading proficiency of 60-64% . The school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and offers a culturally responsive college-preparatory program. Camino Nuevo High #2 emphasizes biliteracy, critical thinking, and community engagement, preparing students for success in college and as active citizens. The school’s strong leadership and dedicated faculty have earned it recognition as one of the top charter schools in central Los Angeles.
15. Animo Jackie Robinson High School
Serving 604 students in South Los Angeles, Animo Jackie Robinson High School has a 99% minority enrollment and has earned California Distinguished School recognition. The school achieves math proficiency of 20-24% and reading proficiency of 50-54%, with a 19:1 student-teacher ratio. The school emphasizes academic rigor, character development, and college readiness, preparing students for success in higher education. Its consistent recognition by state and national organizations underscores its commitment to student achievement.
16. Alliance Marc & Eva Stern Math and Science
Ranked #98 among California charter high schools by U.S. News, Alliance Marc & Eva Stern Math and Science has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. The school emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, preparing students for careers in these high-demand fields. With a focus on rigorous academics and college preparation, the school has earned a reputation for developing students who are ready for the challenges of higher education. Its consistent recognition reflects its commitment to academic excellence.
17. Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High
This Alliance school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and offers a technology-focused college-preparatory curriculum. The school emphasizes the integration of technology across all subject areas, preparing students for success in the digital age. With a focus on rigorous academics and real-world skills, Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High has earned recognition as one of the top charter high schools in Los Angeles. Its commitment to innovation and student success has made it a popular choice for families.
18. Lashon Academy City
Lashon Academy City serves 107 students in grades K-6 in South Los Angeles, ranking in the top 30% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency of 40-59% and reading proficiency below 50%, with a 27:1 student-teacher ratio. Lashon Academy offers a unique educational program that emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, preparing students for success in middle school and beyond. The school’s commitment to serving a diverse student population has earned it recognition as a top charter option in South Los Angeles.
19. Citizens Of The World Charter School Silver Lake
Serving 718 students in grades K-8, Citizens Of The World Charter School Silver Lake achieves math proficiency of 33% and reading proficiency of 50%. The school has a 24:1 student-teacher ratio and an 82% minority enrollment, reflecting the diverse Silver Lake community. The school’s curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, project-based instruction, and academic excellence, preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Citizens Of The World has earned recognition as a strong charter option in the Silver Lake area.
20. Matrix For Success Academy
Serving 258 students in grades 9-12 in South Los Angeles, Matrix For Success Academy ranks in the top 30% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency below 50% and reading proficiency below 50%, with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and 98% minority enrollment. Matrix For Success Academy emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and college readiness, preparing students for success in higher education and meaningful careers. The school’s commitment to serving a high-needs population has earned it recognition as a strong charter option.
Comparison Table
| School | Grades Served | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granada Hills Charter | K–12 | Granada Hills | Top 20% statewide, 55% math, 75% reading |
| Alliance College-Ready | 6–12 | Various | 25 schools, 96% graduation, 97% college acceptance |
| Larchmont Charter | K–12 | Los Angeles | #90 HS, #17 elementary by Niche |
| Palisades Charter High | 9–12 | Pacific Palisades | #93 charter HS in CA by Niche |
| High Tech Los Angeles | 9–12 | Lake Balboa | #72 charter HS in CA by Niche |
| Da Vinci Science | 9–12 | El Segundo | #42 charter HS in CA by Niche |
| Alliance Ted K. Tajima High | 9–12 | Westlake | #80 charter HS in CA by U.S. News |
| Rise Kohyang High School | 9–12 | Westlake | Top 20% statewide, 99% minority |
| Alliance Neuwirth Leadership | 9–12 | South LA | California Distinguished School |
| Collegiate Charter High | 9–12 | Los Angeles | #290 in CA, 98% AP participation |
| Westwood Charter Elementary | K–5 | Westwood | Top 5% statewide, 77% math, 78% reading |
| New West Charter | 6–12 | West LA | Top 20% statewide, 48% math, 66% reading |
| Synergy Charter Academy | K–5 | South LA | 47% math, 42% reading, Distinguished |
| Camino Nuevo High #2 | 9–12 | Westlake | Distinguished, 99% minority |
| Animo Jackie Robinson High | 9–12 | South LA | Distinguished, 99% minority |
| Alliance Marc & Eva Stern | 9–12 | Los Angeles | #98 charter HS in CA, Distinguished |
| Alliance Judy Ivie Burton | 9–12 | Los Angeles | Technology focus, Distinguished |
| Lashon Academy City | K–6 | South LA | Top 30% statewide |
| Citizens Of The World | K–8 | Silver Lake | Social-emotional learning focus |
| Matrix For Success Academy | 9–12 | South LA | Top 30% statewide, 17:1 ratio |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Understanding Charter School Networks: Many of Los Angeles’s top charter schools operate as part of networks like Alliance College-Ready, which offers a consistent educational approach across multiple campuses. Applying to a network school can provide access to a proven curriculum and support system.
Application Processes: Charter schools are tuition-free public schools, but many require applications and may have waitlists due to high demand. It is advisable to research application deadlines and requirements for each school you are interested in.
Elementary vs. High School Focus: Some of the highest-performing charter schools, such as Westwood Charter Elementary and Granada Hills Charter, are elementary-focused institutions that provide a strong academic foundation. Others, like Alliance College-Ready schools, specialize in preparing students for college through rigorous high school and middle school programs.
California Distinguished Schools: Many Los Angeles charter schools, including several Alliance and Animo campuses, have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools, one of the state’s highest honors for exceptional student achievement. This designation is a strong indicator of a school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a wealth of exceptional charter schools, from the nationally recognized Alliance College-Ready Public Schools network and the top-performing Granada Hills Charter to specialized campuses like Da Vinci Science and High Tech Los Angeles.
Whether you are seeking a rigorous elementary education at Westwood Charter, a STEM-focused high school experience, or a college-preparatory program with proven results, the city’s charter schools provide outstanding opportunities for students to achieve academic success. With their commitment to innovation, personalized learning, and closing achievement gaps, Los Angeles charter schools continue to demonstrate that high-quality public education is accessible to every child.