RSM Schools Rank On National List Of Best Schools

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Several schools in California are among America’s best, according to rankings released Tuesday by the education platform Niche.

The new 2023 Best Schools and Districts rankings provide insight for parents on 92,743 public schools, 30,112 private schools and 11,820 school districts nationwide.

According to the ranking, the Capistrano Unified School District ranked 12th out of 441 for Best School Districts for Athletes, and 43rd out of 440 for Best School Districts in California.

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District, also serving the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, placed 18th out of 441 for Best School Districts for Athletes, and 77th out of 440 for Best School Districts in California.

Tesoro High School ranked #77 on the list for its fantastic academics, college prep, teachers and diversity. The average graduation rate at Tesoro High School is 96 percent, with average SAT scores coming out to 1280 and average ACT scores coming out to 29.

Trabuco Hills High School ranked #164 on the list for its exemplary college prep, teachers, academics and diversity. The average graduation rate at Trabuco Hills High School is 97 percent, with average SAT scores coming out to 1270 and average ACT stores coming out to 27.

Las Flores Middle School ranked #109 out of 2,701 for Best Public Middle Schools in California.

Arroyo Vista Middle School ranked #90 out of 2,701 for Best Public Middle Schools in California.

Niche said its rankings differ from others that rely almost exclusively on test scores and academic performance in that it also includes input from students, alumni and parents, as well as quantitative data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities.

Niche said its rankings were created to provide families with valuable information — both quantitative and qualitative — on schools in their area or in a neighborhood they’re not familiar with yet.

As in previous years, the Best Schools rankings include categories for boarding, charter and magnet schools as well as schools for STEM and the arts among many others.

To read Niche's full 2023 ranking, click here.