Navigator Schools earn top rankings in latest U.S. News & World Report list

Navigator Schools continues to stand out among California’s highest-performing public schools, with three campuses recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary and Middle School Rankings.

Three Navigator campuses — Watsonville Prep, Gilroy Prep and Hollister Prep — ranked as the #1 elementary schools in their respective communities, underscoring Navigator’s consistent record of excellence for students.

• Watsonville Prep ranked #1 in elementary schools in Watsonville and among the Top 250 charter elementary schools statewide, continuing to outperform its surrounding district schools.
• Gilroy Prep ranked #1 in both elementary and middle schools in Gilroy, and placed #27 among California’s 881 charter middle schools and #107 among 849 charter elementary schools statewide.

• Hollister Prep ranked #1 in elementary and #2 in middle schools in Hollister, while earning a Top 60 placement among California charter elementary schools.

“This recognition is not the finish line but an exciting reminder of what’s possible,” said Dr. Caprice Young, CEO and Superintendent of Navigator Schools. “Our mission is to keep pushing forward so that every student at Navigator leaves our schools ready to lead and make a difference.”

Designed to close opportunity gaps and cultivate leadership, Navigator’s model combines academic excellence with social-emotional growth to help every student thrive. Through its Squads model — where students take the lead on instruction as teachers become facilitators — Navigator Schools empowers young learners to lead their own academic growth.

Nearly 47,000 elementary schools and more than 23,000 middle schools nationwide are listed in the 2026 U.S. News & World Best Elementary and Middle School Rankings. Among the 81,046 public schools with elementary and/or middle school grades, 64,915 – or about 80% – were ranked in either the elementary or middle schools ranking. These include 5,411 schools ranked in both.

For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students proficient or above proficient in their reading/language arts and math state assessments. Half of the formula only assessed test scores, and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. (Full methodology can be found here.)

If you are interested in learning more about Navigator or connecting with their enrollment team, visit navigatorschools.org.

About Navigator Schools

Since 2011, Navigator Schools has been a transformative force in public education. The growing network of four public charter schools serves over 1,800 students, primarily from agricultural communities. Navigator Schools has helped more than 700 graduates reach new heights, preparing them for high school, college, and beyond. By focusing on academic excellence and leadership, Navigator Schools drives change and equity in education, exceeding expectations and helping students achieve their dreams. The school network operates Gilroy Prep, Hayward Collegiate, Hollister Prep, Watsonville Prep – with new schools opening soon in Orange County.