For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 12,792 students in Irvine, CA. The top-ranked public high schools in Irvine, CA are Northwood High School, Portola High School and University High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Irvine, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Irvine have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public high schools.
Irvine, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 95%, which is more than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Northwood High School, with 98% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Irvine, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwood High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4515 Portola Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 936-7200
Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 936-7200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,244 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #22.
Portola High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1001 Cadence
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 936-8200
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 936-8200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,693 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #33.
University High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4771 Campus Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 936-7600
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 936-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 2,307 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Woodbridge High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2 Meadowbrook
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 786-1104
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 786-1104
Gr: 9-12 | 2,232 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Alternative Education-san Joaquin High School
Alternative School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3387 Barranca Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7440
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7440
Gr: K-12 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #66.
Irvine High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4321 Walnut Ave.
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 936-7000
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 936-7000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,964 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #77.
Excel Academy Charter
Charter School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Technology Dr., Bldg. I Ste.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 387-7822
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 387-7822
Gr: K-12 | 1,069 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #88.
Creekside High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3387 Barranca Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7400
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 936-7400
Gr: 9-12 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: n/an/a
Irvine Adult Transition Programs
Special Education School
311 West Yale Loop
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 936-7400
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 936-7400
Gr: 12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Irvine, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Irvine, CA include Northwood High School, Portola High School and University High School. Irvine has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public high schools are located in Irvine?
9 public high schools are located in Irvine.
What is the racial composition of students in Irvine?
Irvine public high schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Irvine are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Irvine include: Portola High School vs. Northwood High School, Northwood High School vs. Portola High School, University High School vs. Northwood High School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.