5 Top High Schools in Riverside, CA
Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School is a highly rated private Catholic school located in Riverside CA. The high school has approximately 500 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Tuition is $8,500.00 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 96% of the students go on to attend a 4-year college. Norte Dame is ranked #50 of 112 best Catholic High Schools in California, #76 of 679 most diverse private High schools in California, and #153 best private high school in California of 376. The average graduation rate is 100%. 94% of the students agree that they like their school and feel happy attending school. Not only does Norte Dame have incredible statistics, but they also offer amazing clubs and activities. Based on a lot of the student’s reviews, you will see that the Students agree that Norte Dame has done well in developing their character as well as their leadership skills. My Fiancé, a graduate of Norte Dame, later became a Lawyer and is now serving our Country in the Army. He says that the school alongside his parents was a huge reason behind his decision to do what he now does.
Woodcrest Christian High School
Woodcrest High School is part of the Woodcrest Christian School system, which includes Woodcrest Christian Middle School and Woodcrest Day School. The school’s system was founded in 1948 with the Day School, grades (TK-6) and expanded in 1973 to include the High School. After graduation, 85% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college. Woodcrest strives to prepare each of the students on how to thrive in the world confidently using their God-given talents and knowledge. Woodcrest Christian School Ranking is as follows. #63 of 136 best Christian High schools in California, #95 of 160 best private schools in California, and #165 of 1,984 best high school sports in California. The average graduation rate is 100%, going on to attend popular universities such as California Baptist University and the University of Riverside. Reviews say that the quality of education is impressive and that the students are well prepared for college.
Martin Luther King Jr. High School
Martin Luther King Jr. High School has an impressive history behind it. It is a two-time California Distinguished School and is currently a part of the Big VIII League. It ranks amongst the best schools in Riverside and the surrounding area. Built in 1999, “King High” was the first high school to be built in the area since 1973. For the last 15 years, the school has hosted “King High Remembers” to honor local veterans. Interested in sports, no problem, King has you covered. They boast roughly 20 sports you can choose from, ranging from Soccer to Water Polo. Want to join the choir, perfect, there are 5 different choirs to choose from.
Polytechnic High School
Also known as “Poly High” is located on Victoria Ave in Riverside, California. It is the oldest high school in Riverside founded in 1887. In 1965, the school moved to its current location. Interesting fact, in 1916, Polytechnic started offering postgraduate classes, thus was born Riverside Junior College. In 1920, the Junior College moved to its own campus. At one point during its history, the school offered a separate campus for boys and girls, however, during World War I, things changed, and campuses were combined. Not all was lost though, as they repurposed the buildings to create a junior high campus. During WWII, many Poly girls worked with a federal government program called High School Victory Corps. The girls learned how to make bandages and other items needed. In 1944, the program was dissolved.
Another cool fact, Poly High School is home to one of the original, still active Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) units. It is the oldest program west of the Mississippi River and the second oldest in the United States. Polytech also has a great legacy of notable alumni to walk its halls. Greats such as Cheryl Miller, WNBA coach and College Basketball Hall of Fame; Reggie Miller, Professional Basketball player for the Indiana Pacers; Sharon Jordan, Actress; Lauren Potter, Actress and advocate for people with disabilities. You can see why this school is highly sought after by parents in and around the district.
John W. North High School
If you play sports or are the parent of an athlete in Southern California, chances are you have heard of “JW North”, especially in the track and field world. Their track and field team has won more CIF and State titles than any other school in the Inland Empire. In 2018, their softball team made the CIF finals for the first time in the school’s history.
Besides their sports achievements, the school has a fantastic marching band. The Blue Star Regiment is part of the school’s Instrumental Music and Dance Program and has approximately 140 members. Since the program was created in 1965, the program has performed on some prestigious stages, such as the Pasadena Rose Parade and the Fiesta Bowl.
JW North has a few notable alumni of its own. Natalie Duran, American Ninja Warrior; Chris Claiborne, NFL linebacker; Alvin Davis, MLB Baseball player and Rookie of the Year.
In 1987, JW North became the nineteenth California high school admitted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s one of the few schools in California that awards the IB diploma and certificate to students.
As you can see, J.W. North has a lot to offer families, from sport to academics and everything in between, making it one of the most sought-after schools in Riverside.
Making The Decision
As research shows, there are a lot of great options for your child(ren). Whether it be a religious school or public, you have some tough decisions to make. It's always a good idea to speak to your children and find out what they are looking for in a school. Some schools offer better arts and craft classes than others, while others offer a better athletic team. And of course, the main one is education. Riverside is a great city with a lot to offer. The next time you are looking for a house, check out the Riverside area. Our website not only offers listings of our properties on the market, but you will also be provided with a map of where the property lays along with shopping areas, recreations, and schools.
