OCSA Named Top Charter High School Los Angeles Metro Area in Latest US News Rankings

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is among the top 1% of high schools nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best High Schools. The school earned the honor of being Los Angeles metro’s top charter as well. OCSA students are proficient in reading at nearly double the statewide rate, a key driver behind this year’s ranking.

The recognition arrives as OCSA celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

"These rankings are a reflection of the educators, artists and families who believe academic and artistic excellence can thrive together," said Teren Shaffer, president and CEO of Orange County School of the Arts. "I'm proud of where OCSA stands today, but what matters most is what happens in our classrooms and studios every day: students being challenged, genuinely supported and given the chance to discover who they can become. This achievement belongs to the faculty and staff who make that possible."

Rankings at a glance:

• Top charter high school in the LA metro area
• 239th nationally out of 24,146 high schools (top 1%)
• 32nd out of 2,727 California high schools (top 1.2%)
• 6th out of 601 California charter schools (top 1%)
• 11th out of 697 LA metro-area high schools, all types (top 1.6%)
• 53rd out of 3,342 charter schools nationally (top 1.6%)

The gains mark a rise across multiple ranking categories from 2025, even as U.S. News expanded its ranked pool by more than 6,000 schools. This year, OCSA climbed 42 spots nationally and 11 spots among charter schools nationwide. OCSA also moved up one spot each among California charters and all California high schools

According to U.S. News & World Report, OCSA students scored in the 96.9th percentile statewide on the Smarter Balanced Assessment and California Science Test. Statistics included:

• 88% of students proficient in reading, 38 percentage points above the state average of 50%
• 66% of students proficient in math, 36 percentage points above the state average of 30%
• 69% of students proficient in science, 39 percentage points above the state average of 30%

Additionally, 83% of OCSA students took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, with 73% passing with a score of 3 or higher.

Forty years in, OCSA students are reading, testing and ranking above the state averages across the board. That is the record the school is building on as it enters its next 40 years.

About Orange County School of the Arts
The nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse student body with a passion for the arts. Founded in 1987, OCSA currently serves approximately 2,450 gifted students in grades seven through 12 from more than 100 cities throughout California. In addition to a college-preparatory academic program, OCSA offers pre-professional arts training in 17 conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music and Theatre. The nonprofit public charter school relies solely on private donations, totaling approximately $15 million annually, to fund the arts training programs. Currently led by president and CEO Teren Shaffer, OCSA has received recognitions for its programs locally, regionally and nationally. OCSA recently received the California Exemplary Arts Education Award by the California Department of Education. For additional information, visit www.ocsarts.net.