Best Preschool
The Sunshine School
The Sunshine School is no stranger to this list. It is a play-based preschool in south Laguna Beach and offers a comprehensive approach to kindergarten readiness and a unique social-emotional learning program. It additionally offers early drop-off, lunch programs and extended hours for children ages 3 to 5. The goal at The Sunshine School is to foster a lifelong love of learning and nurture a deep respect for every child who walks through its doors. It also has exceptionally low student-teacher ratios and includes programs for children from 2 1/2 to 5 years of age.
sunshineschoolreadiness.com | Laguna Beach
Best Multiple-Campus Private School, K-6
Anneliese Schools, Inc.
Making another appearance on this list is Anneliese Schools, Inc. Its curriculum focuses on nurturing all nine multifaceted components of your child’s intelligence, including logical, verbal, visual, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential. Another great thing about this school is that many of the teachers have been part of the school for over 20 years. It also offers multiple campuses with varying grade levels as well as an extensive curriculum. It even boasts a unique Farm-to-School Table Project that connects the garden to science, math, art, literature and anthropology.
annelieseschools.com | Multiple Locations
Best Multi-Campus Private School, K-12
Fairmont Schools
Since 1953, Fairmont Schools has focused on one thing: its students. Fairmont students range from preschool-aged to seniors in high school, and the school offers something for everyone — be it clubs, athletics, visual and performing arts or even summer programs. You can also choose between four different campuses throughout Orange County to make your commute more convenient. Students can also choose to take lessons in a different language, including Spanish or Mandarin.
fairmontschools.com | Multiple Locations
Best Single-Campus Private School
Oakridge Private School
Located in Orange, Oakridge Private School is a Judeo-Christian school that strives to keep students well educated in mind, developed soundly in body and inspired in spirit. Oakridge was founded 46 years ago by former public school teachers who recognized a growing need for the education they wanted to provide. This school offers enrollment from preschool through eighth grade and wholeheartedly believes that every child matters. Oakridge topped our list in 2024 and also has had 10 OC Top Teachers since 2014.
oakridgeschool.org | Orange
Best Public High School
Mission Viejo High School
Mission Viejo High School has been open since 1966 and prides itself on cultivating a student-centered, positive and balanced environment for all enrolled students. Every student will experience an inclusive and collaborative environment no matter what they choose to engage in. Mission Viejo High School is one of only a few high schools to earn the prestigious California Distinguished School designation six times and continues a legacy of sustained academic excellence. It also has nationally ranked athletic programs, boasts an outstanding International Baccalaureate (IB) program, nationally recognized Agriculture and FFA programs and award-winning performing arts.
svusd.org | Mission Viejo
Best Private High School
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Fairmont Preparatory Academy is no stranger to this list, having won multiple categories for years. Fairmont’s high school program is specifically for students in grades nine through 12 and excels in academics, including its excellent math and science curriculum, as well as athletics. Not to mention, 95 percent of students are admitted to a top 100 college or university. Fairmont is Orange County’s oldest and largest secular school and it boasts outstanding academic outcomes and offers Honors and AP classes.
fairmontschools.com | Multiple Locations
Best Public Elementary School
Foothill Ranch Elementary School
Making another appearance on our list is Foothill Elementary School. This school focuses on providing a positive experience for every student. One of the programs it supports is PAWS, which stands for positive, always kind, work hard and show respect. There is also an enriching music program, Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE) and a TLC childcare program offered for expanded learning. At Foothill Ranch Elementary School, every student is equipped with the necessary tools to be literate, ethical, technology-using citizens.
svusd.org | Foothill Ranch
Best North OC School District
Buena Park School District
Buena Park School District makes another appearance on our list with eight amazing, award-winning schools to choose from. Programs including dual-language immersion, college and career electives, readers and writers’ workshops and the highly esteemed International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme create a positive, successful environment. Both BPSD middle schools have been recognized as national models of excellence and best practices by National Forum: Schools to Watch, and the district holds two Golden Bell awards for STEM programs and a Golden Gavel award for Best School Board in California.
bpsd.us | Buena Park
Best South OC School District
Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Boasting schools that have also made our list, including Mission Viejo High School and Foothill Ranch Elementary School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District makes our list again. For four years running, the Saddleback Valley Unified School District is proud to be named Best South Orange County School District — recognition of its commitment to creating opportunities for every student to succeed. With programs like the Dual-Language Immersion program or the Career Technical Education, you can see why the district really stands out. Students can enroll at any of the district’s 34 school sites and see how it really puts them first.
svusd.org | Mission Viejo
Best Special Needs School
Esperanza Education Center
Offering a diverse and collaborative learning community for students with special needs, Esperanza Education Center is committed to the success of every single one of its students. This school focuses on creating a safe and supportive learning environment that prepares its students for adulthood. Some exceptional programs focus on functional academics, independent living, vocational, community and recreation skills. It even partners with its local community to provide its students with educational and work-experience opportunities. The Adult Transition Program helps adult students live independently and successfully.
svusd.org | Mission Viejo
Best Tutoring Service
Russian School of Mathematics
Everyone can become a math whiz at the Russian School of Mathematics. Offering programs for students in kindergarten through high school, the Russian School of Mathematics is a challenging, continuous math program that develops a deep mathematical foundation. This school was founded over 30 years ago and has since been featured in The Boston Globe, NPR and TED, to name a few. If you were wondering why the school is the “Russian” School of Mathematics, the founders came from the Soviet Union, were obsessed with creating a better life for their children and created this school in the process.
mathschool.com | Multiple Locations
Best Charter School
Oxford Preparatory Academy — South Orange County
This is not the first time we have seen Oxford Preparatory Academy on this list. This school serves kids from TK all the way up to eighth grade and offers a ton of programs for students to use. What’s nice is each student can pursue university-level academic studies that meet their individual intelligence needs. It is also a California PBIS Award School, recognized for fostering a positive, safe and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Oxford is committed to developing the whole child through rigorous academics, leadership opportunities and the Champion Profile, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and civic engagement.
opaschools.org | Multiple Locations
By Jessie Dax-Setkus, Shawn Price and Vanessa Siguenza
