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Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood ranks as the top public high school in California for 2026.

Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood is the only California public high school to break into the nation's top 10 in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings. The publication ranked nearly 18,000 public high schools across the 50 states, evaluating schools based on factors such as college readiness, graduation rates, and student achievement. While Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood held the No. 10 spot, other high-ranking California schools included Whitney High School in Cerritos at No. 11 and Oxford Academy in Cypress at No. 17. The rankings highlight significant improvements for several Bay Area schools, including Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, which jumped from No. 64 to No. 37. LaMont Jones Jr. noted that the rankings serve as a useful starting point for families. He emphasized that high-ranking public schools are successful because they educate students effectively regardless of socioeconomic status.

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