Hello and welcome to Tigerjek If you’re searching for the Best High Schools in San Jose, this guide will help you discover the top options. San Jose, is called the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” it is one of the most dynamic and diverse city of California. It is located in the heart of Santa Clara County, the third-largest city of California and the tenth-largest in the United States. Known for its strong tech-driven economy, San Jose is home to major global companies and startups that continue to shape the future of innovation. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area is ranked #2 among U.S. metro areas in Wallet Hub’s list of the most educated cities.
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Challenger School – Berryessa
In Barbara’s first class, there were only six paying students. Her intention to teach half a day did not last long, however. Two years later, as fascinated parents witnessed their children singing songs and bubbling with excitement about learning, the tiny preschool had grown to 100 half-day preschool students with 100 students waiting for admission.
Challenger has expanded slowly in order to maintain high standards. Challenger now has 27 campuses in five western states, serving more than 10,000 preschool through eighth grade students annually.
Barbara was the very active and involved CEO of Challenger School until she passed away in 2012 at age 81. Her example continues to inspire employees to achieve Challenger’s mission.
The National Blue Ribbon School award acknowledges and validates the hard work of Challenger students—who must consistently rank in the top 15% across multiple academic subjects—and educators for attaining exemplary achievement. The award recognizes Challenger as a model for effective school practices in curriculum and instruction, student and family engagement, school leadership, and academic success.
The fundamental difference is this: private schools depend upon the funding they generate (typically from tuition), while public schools (including charter schools) are created, funded, and maintained by public funds (money provided by the government).
Charter schools may give parents a sense of local control. But in the end, charter schools, because they receive state funding, are subject to the same public school mandates that often lead to poor academic performance (as demonstrated in standardized assessments). We prefer to teach children how to think rather than what to think.
There are a few private schools, like Challenger, that are committed to functioning in a free market and, as a result, refuse all sources of public funds. Challenger prefers the freedom of innovating and working independently of government programs. This freedom allows us to deliver the exceptional and unique education that our customers expect and value. Challenger parents choose to pay us to educate their children the way they prefer. We acknowledge their commitment and our responsibility to deliver.
Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet School
Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet, a California Distinguished School, is recognized for its strong commitment to teaching students how to explore and understand the natural world. The school features a unique one-acre outdoor classroom with California native plants and pond ecosystems, providing students with hands-on learning experiences. All students receive science instruction from both a resource teacher and their classroom teachers, participating in indoor and outdoor lab lessons as well as computer-based training. In addition to its academic focus, the school offers a well-rounded music program that enriches student learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on literacy, with a goal of ensuring all students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Through data-driven instruction and professional development, staff members work to close achievement gaps among student groups. Diversity is celebrated as a strength, contributing to the school’s welcoming and inclusive culture. Parents and guardians are encouraged to play an active role in their children’s education through school committees and connected organizations.
Hacienda supports student success with robust literacy and math programs that incorporate Blended Learning platforms such as Lexia, DreamBox, and Achieve3000. Gifted students are integrated into the regular program and provided with additional enrichment opportunities. The school also ensures that the needs of students requiring specialized support are met through services offered by Resource Specialist Program teachers (RSP), Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), an Occupational Therapist (OT), a school Counselor, and trained academic intervention staff.
Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet continues to build a collaborative partnership between staff, students, and families to create an environment where all children can thrive.
KIPP Public Schools Northern California partners with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—whether college, career, or beyond. The mission is to help students lead fulfilling lives while contributing to a more just world. Since the first school opened in 2002, KIPP has expanded to 23 schools across Northern California, each one serving as a vibrant, diverse community where students’ unique backgrounds and experiences are celebrated.
The network now operates schools in East Palo Alto, Oakland, Redwood City, San Francisco, San José, San Lorenzo, and Stockton. The Stockton expansion began in 2021 with the opening of the first KIPP school in the city, and the community will soon welcome its fifth campus, KIPP Stockton High School. Families in these communities have access to free public charter schools that focus on academic excellence and student well-being.
KIPP Northern California provides strong support systems tailored to meet the needs of every student. For students with disabilities, individualized education programs ensure they can participate fully in their school communities and prepare for a successful future. The network also prioritizes mental health, offering free, culturally responsive services to all students regardless of insurance status. These services are designed to reduce barriers, challenge stigma, and meet students where they are. In addition, KIPP is committed to affirming LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families by creating inclusive environments where every individual can feel safe, respected, and empowered.
What makes KIPP stand out is its belief that every child deserves the freedom to shape their future. The schools emphasize a sense of belonging, academic excellence, strong family partnerships, and ongoing college and career guidance. Social-emotional learning is a key component across all campuses, and every school provides access to mental health clinicians and comprehensive supports.
KIPP’s community is strengthened by its staff, many of whom share similar identities and experiences with their students. This representation helps affirm students’ identities and fosters an authentic sense of connection. Students are supported not only academically but also personally, from elementary school through high school. Even after graduation, alumni continue to receive guidance through the KIPP Forward program, which helps them pursue their goals in college, careers, and beyond.
Evergreen Valley High School
Evergreen Valley High School, located on Quimby Road in San José, California, is part of the East Side Union High School District and has been serving the community since 2002. Known for its Cougar pride and the motto “ROAR,” the school has quickly built a reputation for academic excellence, equity, and a welcoming campus culture where every student is encouraged to thrive.
The school offers a wide range of academic opportunities, from rigorous college preparatory courses to 19 Advanced Placement classes. Evergreen Valley also provides career-focused pathways through the Silicon Valley Career and Technical Education Center, as well as its own Computer Science Academy, which prepares students for future careers in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and web design. With a focus on challenging students academically while supporting their individual goals, Evergreen Valley stands out as a school where learning is both ambitious and meaningful.
Home to nearly 2,800 students, Evergreen Valley boasts an impressive graduation rate of around 97–98%. Student performance consistently ranks well above state averages, with high levels of proficiency in both English and math. The school also emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded experience, offering over 100 clubs, award-winning arts and music programs, and a competitive athletics department that has earned multiple CCS championships across different sports.
More than just academics and extracurriculars, Evergreen Valley is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging for every student. With its diverse student body, dedicated staff, and active community partnerships, the school continues to provide a supportive environment that equips young people with the skills, confidence, and values needed to succeed in college, career, and life beyond high school.
Piedmont Hills High School
Piedmont Hills High School, located in San José’s Berryessa neighborhood, has been a part of the East Side Union High School District since it first opened its doors in 1965. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, the school has grown into a diverse and vibrant community of nearly 2,000 students. With more than 95% of its population coming from minority backgrounds, the campus reflects the rich cultural mix of the area and fosters an inclusive environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging.
The school has earned recognition as one of the top public high schools in California, consistently performing above state averages in academics. Students show high proficiency in English and solid performance in math and science, while the graduation rate hovers around an impressive 94–95%. Piedmont Hills also has a strong Advanced Placement program, with more than half of its students taking AP exams each year.
Beyond academics, the school offers a wide range of opportunities designed to prepare students for future careers. Its Business Magnet program introduces students to marketing and entrepreneurship, while career pathways in areas like advanced manufacturing, computer applications, and building trades connect students to real-world skills and internships across Silicon Valley. A modern Science and Life Skills Complex further enriches the learning environment by combining state-of-the-art facilities with hands-on, practical instruction.
At its core, Piedmont Hills focuses not only on academic achievement but also on shaping responsible, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. The school’s mission emphasizes diversity, self-esteem, cooperation, and integrity, ensuring that students leave with both the knowledge and character needed to succeed in college, careers, and life. Recognized as a California Distinguished School, Piedmont Hills continues to uphold a tradition of excellence while evolving to meet the needs of its community.
Northwood Elementary School
Northwood Elementary School, located in the Berryessa community of San José, serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of about 450 students, the school is known for its academic excellence and welcoming environment. Families are drawn to Northwood not only for its strong academic programs but also for its sense of community and diversity.
Students at Northwood consistently perform above state averages. Roughly three-quarters of the student body meet or exceed grade-level expectations in math, and nearly 80 percent do the same in reading and language arts. Science scores are also strong, placing the school among the top performing elementary schools in California. Teachers and staff emphasize a balance of high expectations and supportive instruction, ensuring that all students are given opportunities to succeed.
The school’s community is culturally diverse, with more than 90 percent of students coming from minority backgrounds, most of whom are Asian, alongside Hispanic, White, and other groups. About 15 percent of the student population is economically disadvantaged, yet the school continues to close achievement gaps and provide equitable access to quality education.
Ranked among the top 5 percent of elementary schools in the state, Northwood Elementary stands out as a place where young learners build a solid foundation for middle school and beyond. Its strong academic results, dedicated staff, and diverse community make it a valued part of the Berryessa Union School District.
Merryhill Elementary School
At Merryhill San Jose, we inspire students to be their best selves by embracing the Dragon S.P.I.R.I.T. — being Strong, Persistent, Inclusive, Resilient, Innovative, and Trustworthy. Our school community starts each day with morning meetings where students exchange greetings, share personal stories, and learn about one another, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Every two weeks, our Character Development program brings the entire school together to explore and celebrate the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, reinforcing values that shape compassionate and confident leaders.
Dragon Spirit is also a tangible part of our school culture, radiating through our hallways and in every interaction. This school pride fuels our students’ motivation to excel, knowing they are supported by a close-knit community.
Merryhill San Jose is more than just a private elementary school – it’s also a family. Our students, staff, and parents are intertwined with the many amazing events we have to offer at our school in addition to academics and extracurriculars. We include families in fun activities such as our Trunk or Treat, Holiday in the Parking Lot, Coffee Chats, and Carnivals. Families are also involved in educational activities such as our Tech Challenge, Spelling Bee, Speech Competition, Math Competitions, and Maker Faire. It is important to us to build a strong relationship with our students and their families so that they love coming to school and always feel included.
Carlton Elementary School – Best Schools in San Jose
Carlton Avenue School serves approximately 700 students in grades TK through 5. We’re located in San Jose, CA, and serve students from both San Jose and neighboring Los Gatos. Carlton Ave. was built in 1956 and is one of the six elementary schools that, along with the two middle schools, comprise the Union School District. Our best resources for student learning and literacy are teachers, school staff, parents, and community members. Through a skilled staff and a strong tie to the community, the school does all it can to nurture parent and community partnerships.
Carlton Elementary School community is devoted to providing quality education and a nurturing environment for all students. By teaching rigorous content in the core academic areas and valuing visual and performing arts and technology, we are ensuring our children become confident, competent, 21st-century learners.
Parents at Carlton Elementary School are a very active and integral part of the education process at Carlton Ave. Their involvement and a firm commitment to the pursuit of excellence in education is an essential element that adds to our success. Parent run organizations benefit the school with proceeds from various fundraisers. Parent volunteers are plentiful, and their contributions include assisting in the classrooms, taking an active role in school committees and organizations, fundraising, chaperoning field trips, maintenance/beautification projects, and more.
Their dedicated teaching staff brings vast experience, creativity, and genuine commitment to providing a quality education for students. Students’ needs and interests are the highest priority of the staff. They recognize the educational challenges of maximizing the potential of every student; that is to meet all students as they come to us and to guide them to higher levels of achievement.
Finally, they strive to create a supportive climate in which every child’s talents and interests are nurtured. We are proud to participate in the Project Cornerstone ABC Reader program, which utilizes parent volunteers to present monthly character lessons to classes.
They provide support for students struggling with social difficulties through our various social thinking support groups and the Big Buddy/Little Buddy program, as well as offer students opportunities to develop leadership skills through serving as a Recess Leader or becoming a member of Expect Respect or Safety Patrol. All Carlton Ave. students are encouraged to follow our school acronym PAWS: personal best, act responsibly, work and play safely, and show respect! We strive to recognize their positive efforts through Caught Ya’ Being Good tickets and monthly principal pizza lunches.
Simonds Elementary School – Best High Schools in San Jose
Simonds Elementary has served the community of San José, California for over 57 years. Our team of over 55 employees serve nearly 500 students in grades TK-5.
At Simonds Elementary, parents and staff work together to ensure that each student receives a rigorous and comprehensive education in a safe, caring environment. All students have the opportunity to think critically, work both independently and collaboratively, take risks, and be creative. Students are at the core of all decisions and our team is committed to helping students become lifelong learners and preparing them to be the thinkers, leaders, and creators of tomorrow.
San José Unified uses multiple sources of information to monitor student achievement and growth, including assessments, classroom work, grades, teacher evaluations, and other test results. We regularly collect information and analyze results to make data-informed, student-centered decisions.
Assessments are used for a variety of purposes, including placement in advanced math pathways in middle school and to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy. Students who opt out of the state assessment exams will limit access to these programs.
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