LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Unified is proud to announce that two of its schools have earned top honors in U.S. News & World Report's newly released 2026–2027 Best High Schools rankings, reflecting the District's continued commitment to academic excellence and rigorous, student-centered instruction.
The Science Academy STEM Magnet ranked #1 among California high schools (#10 nationally), proving LAUSD schools belong to the nation’s elite. Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy also earned distinguished recognition, ranking #4 among California high schools and #24 nationally.
"These rankings reflect the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students, teachers, and school communities," Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. "I’m proud of how the Science Academy STEM Magnet, Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, and all of our schools exemplify what is possible when we invest in rigorous instruction and give students access to specialized, high-quality academic programs."
“Congratulations to the Science Academy STEM Magnet on this incredible achievement!” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “This well-deserved recognition reflects the rigorous, high-quality instruction of the Science Academy, particularly in the STEM subjects, as well as the dedication of the school educators and staff in meeting the needs of students and families. The commitment and hard work of the entire school community made this possible.”
“Congratulations to one of my BD7 schools, Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Prep for being ranked among the top four high schools in California in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026–2027 Best High Schools rankings,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “This incredible achievement reflects the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of our students, educators, staff, and families. I am so proud of your excellence and the commitment you continue to show in helping our students prepare for college, career, and life!”
The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings evaluate public high schools nationwide based on several key performance indicators, including student achievement on state assessments, graduation rates, college readiness, and student participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. This year's rankings, developed in partnership with research firm RTI International, evaluated approximately 27,000 eligible public high schools across the country, with close to 18,000 ultimately ranked.