Best Charter Schools in San Diego: Compare Ratings, Hours and Deadlines (2027–28)

Bri StanbackFounder, SchoolScope

Published October 27, 202610 min read

On the latest Scope Scores, San Diego County's top charter is San Diego Global Vision Academy for elementary school, College Preparatory Middle in Spring Valley for middle school and Helix High in La Mesa for high school. Each scores above at least 95 of every 100 California schools at its level. Which one fits your child depends on the grade they'll enter, your part of the county and the school day your family needs. The county's charters run from near the bottom of California to near the top at every level, and the same school can rank very differently in its elementary and middle lists. The leader also changes by area: the City of San Diego, North County, or South Bay and East County. Past the scores, fit comes down to what each school's own site says about before- and after-school programs, school hours, TK (transitional kindergarten), uniforms and how it teaches. How applications and lotteries work is in our guide to getting into a California charter school.

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Best Charter Schools in San Diego: Compare Ratings, Hours and Deadlines (2027–28)Which San Diego charters fit your family?How do San Diego's charter schools compare at each level?Does a K–8 or K–12 charter score the same in every grade?Is it a daily campus or mostly home study?Which schools fit our school day: care, hours and TK?How do these schools say they teach?When are the 2027–28 application dates?What can't this list tell you?

116 charter schools in San Diego County · 93 of their websites read October 2026

Which San Diego charters fit your family?

Each level's list keeps its Scope Score order, area by area, with what each school says it is about and who goes there. Every tag links to the page it came from; tick Compare on two to four schools to see them side by side.

Choose your child's level

Choose your area

What does your family need?

After-school programBefore-school careTK offeredStates a uniform policy

Kind of school

Our labels for how each school's own site describes its teaching.

77 charters in San Diego County teach elementary grades.

Open the full table (all three levels)

Which San Diego charters fit your family?
Level (score year)	School	Area	Percentile, band, Scope Score	Its site states	Posted 2027–28 dates
Elementary (2025–26)	San Diego Global Vision Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	97th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 81	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	Lottery applications due: Feb 26, 2027; Lottery: Mar 4, 2027, 9 am
Elementary (2025–26)	Elevate	City of San Diego: San Diego	94th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 72	TK offered, Uniforms required	Lottery applications due: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	Discovery Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	87th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 61	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Dual Language Immersion North County	North County: Vista	86th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 61	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Coastal Academy Charter	North County: Oceanside	84th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 58	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Heritage K-8 Charter	North County: Escondido	82nd percentile · Strong · Scope Score 56	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Arroyo Vista Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	80th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 54	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Chula Vista Learning Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	78th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 52	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	JCS - Mountain Oaks	North County: Encinitas	78th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 52	TK offered, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Nestor Language Academy Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	77th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 51	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Community Montessori	North County: Escondido	77th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 51	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	The Heights Charter	South Bay and East County: Alpine	76th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 50	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Old Town Academy K-8 Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	75th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 49	Uniform policy, School day 8:00–3:00	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Classical Academy Vista	North County: Vista	74th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 49	TK offered, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Kavod Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	74th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 49	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	JCS - Cedar Cove	North County: Encinitas	73rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 48	After-school program, TK offered, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Classical Academy	North County: Escondido	72nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 48	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Cabrillo Point Academy	North County: Poway	70th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 46	TK offered The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Kidinnu Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	66th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 44	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Literacy First Charter	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	65th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 44	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	JCS - Manzanita	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	64th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 43	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Barona Charter	South Bay and East County: Lakeside	64th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	San Diego Cooperative Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	59th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 40	After-school program, TK offered	Lottery applications due: Feb 28, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	Albert Einstein Academies	City of San Diego: San Diego	58th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 40	After-school program, TK offered, Uniforms required	Lottery: Dec 16, 2026, 6 pm
Elementary (2025–26)	The O'Farrell Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	57th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 39	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Bella Mente Montessori Academy	North County: Vista	57th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 39	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Scholarship Prep - Oceanside	North County: Oceanside	55th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 38	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Julian Charter	South Bay and East County: Julian	55th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 38	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Mueller Charter (Robert L.)	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	54th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	The Learning Choice Academy - East County	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Innovations Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Keiller Leadership Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Pacific Springs Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Greater San Diego Academy	South Bay and East County: Jamul	52nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 37	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Dimensions Collaborative	North County: Escondido	52nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 36	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Museum	City of San Diego: San Diego	51st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 36	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Baypoint Preparatory Academy - San Diego	North County: San Marcos	51st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 36	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	High Tech Elementary Explorer	City of San Diego: San Diego	51st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 36	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	Leonardo da Vinci Health Sciences Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	49th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	After-school program, TK offered, Uniforms optional	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Pacific Coast Academy	North County: Poway	49th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	TK offered The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Imperial Beach Charter	South Bay and East County: Imperial Beach	49th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Learning Choice Academy - Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	47th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 34	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Learning Choice Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	46th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 34	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Sparrow Academy	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	43rd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 32	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Empower Language Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	42nd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 32	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered, Uniform policy	Enrollment window closes: Jan 15, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	Vista Springs Charter	North County: Vista	42nd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 32	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Darnall Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	40th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 32	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Brookfield Engineering Science Technology Academy	South Bay and East County: Julian	36th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 30	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Howard Gardner Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	34th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 29	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered, Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	High Tech Elementary	City of San Diego: San Diego	28th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 27	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	EJE Elementary Academy Charter	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	26th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 26	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	JCS - Pine Valley	South Bay and East County: Pine Valley	26th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 26	TK offered, School hours	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Integrity Charter	South Bay and East County: National City	24th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 25	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Bostonia Global	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	24th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 25	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	King-Chavez Academy of Excellence	City of San Diego: San Diego	23rd percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 25	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Guajome Park Academy Charter	North County: Vista	22nd percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 24	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Holly Drive Leadership Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	21st percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 24	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Feaster (Mae L.) Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	21st percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 24	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Iftin Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	18th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 23	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Hawking S.T.E.A.M. Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	16th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 22	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Urban Discovery Academy Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	12th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 20	After-school program, Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	McGill School of Success	City of San Diego: San Diego	8th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 17	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	All Tribes Elementary Charter	North County: Valley Center	6th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 16	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Vivian Banks Charter	North County: Pala	5th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 15	After-school program, TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Harriet Tubman Village Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	4th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 15	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered, School day 8:30–3:00	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	America's Finest Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	2nd percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 12	TK offered	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	King-Chavez Community Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	1st percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 11	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Altus Schools Coastal	North County: Oceanside	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Guajome Learning Centers	North County: Vista	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	High Tech Elementary Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	High Tech Elementary Mesa	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care, TK offered	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	High Tech Elementary North County	North County: San Marcos	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Elementary (2025–26)	Method Summit Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Motivated Youth Academy	North County: Escondido	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Pivot Charter School - San Diego II	North County: San Marcos	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, TK or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Elementary (2025–26)	Altus Schools Audeo	City of San Diego: San Diego	50th percentile among California alternative elementary schools · Solid · Scope Score 32 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative elementary schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Elementary (2025–26)	Pacific View Charter	North County: Oceanside	30th percentile among California alternative elementary schools · Developing · Scope Score 26 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative elementary schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	College Preparatory Middle	South Bay and East County: Spring Valley	97th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 81	Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Elevate	City of San Diego: San Diego	96th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 76	Uniforms required	Lottery applications due: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	Magnolia Science Academy San Diego	City of San Diego: San Diego	90th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 65	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	San Diego Global Vision Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	89th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 63	After-school program, Before-school care	Lottery applications due: Feb 26, 2027; Lottery: Mar 4, 2027, 9 am
Middle (2025–26)	Innovations Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	86th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 60	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Kavod Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	86th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 60	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	The Heights Charter	South Bay and East County: Alpine	84th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 58	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Arroyo Vista Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	84th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 57	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Coastal Academy Charter	North County: Oceanside	83rd percentile · Strong · Scope Score 57	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Heritage K-8 Charter	North County: Escondido	80th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 54	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Dual Language Immersion North County	North County: Vista	79th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 53	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Cabrillo Point Academy	North County: Poway	79th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 53	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Old Town Academy K-8 Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	77th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 52	Uniform policy, School day 8:00–3:00	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Classical Academy	North County: Escondido	76th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 51	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Feaster (Mae L.) Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	75th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 50	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Pacific Coast Academy	North County: Poway	75th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 50	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Scholarship Prep - Oceanside	North County: Oceanside	73rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 49	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Classical Academy Vista	North County: Vista	73rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 49	School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Nestor Language Academy Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	71st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 48	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Preuss School UCSD	City of San Diego: La Jolla	71st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 48	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Application deadline: Dec 18, 2026, 11 pm
Middle (2025–26)	Community Montessori	North County: Escondido	70th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 47	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Greater San Diego Academy	South Bay and East County: Jamul	70th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 47	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	San Diego Cooperative Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	68th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 46	After-school program	Lottery applications due: Feb 28, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	Literacy First Charter	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	66th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 45	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Julian Charter	South Bay and East County: Julian	66th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 45	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Learning Choice Academy - Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	66th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 45	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Chula Vista Learning Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	63rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 44	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Mueller Charter (Robert L.)	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	63rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 43	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Baypoint Preparatory Academy - San Diego	North County: San Marcos	61st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 43	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Pacific Springs Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	61st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 43	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Learning Choice Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	60th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Dimensions Collaborative	North County: Escondido	59th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Kidinnu Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	59th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	The O'Farrell Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	59th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Vista Springs Charter	North County: Vista	59th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 42	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	JCS - Manzanita	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	55th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 40	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Museum	City of San Diego: San Diego	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 39	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Iftin Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	53rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 39	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Bella Mente Montessori Academy	North County: Vista	51st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 39	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Hawking S.T.E.A.M. Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	47th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 37	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Holly Drive Leadership Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	45th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 36	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	The Learning Choice Academy - East County	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	44th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 36	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Brookfield Engineering Science Technology Academy	South Bay and East County: Julian	43rd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	High Tech Middle	City of San Diego: San Diego	43rd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	EJE Middle Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	41st percentile · Developing · Scope Score 35	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Barona Charter	South Bay and East County: Lakeside	39th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 34	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	High Tech Middle Media Arts	City of San Diego: San Diego	38th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 33	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	JCS - Pine Valley	South Bay and East County: Pine Valley	35th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 32	School hours	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Integrity Charter	South Bay and East County: National City	33rd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 31	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	City Heights Preparatory Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	33rd percentile · Developing · Scope Score 31	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	King-Chavez Academy of Excellence	City of San Diego: San Diego	31st percentile · Developing · Scope Score 30	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Harriet Tubman Village Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	29th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 30	After-school program, Before-school care, School day 8:30–3:00	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Gompers Preparatory Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	28th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 29	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Keiller Leadership Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	27th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 29	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Albert Einstein Academies	City of San Diego: San Diego	27th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 29	After-school program, Uniforms required	Lottery: Dec 16, 2026, 6 pm
Middle (2025–26)	Bostonia Global	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	25th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 28	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Guajome Park Academy Charter	North County: Vista	18th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 26	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Howard Gardner Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	18th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 25	After-school program, Before-school care, Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	12th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 23	After-school program	Lottery application deadline, before 4 pm: Feb 12, 2027; KIPP SoCal lottery: Feb 27, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	Imperial Beach Charter	South Bay and East County: Imperial Beach	11th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 23	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Urban Discovery Academy Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	6th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 20	After-school program, Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Method Summit Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	6th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 19	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	All Tribes Charter	North County: Valley Center	2nd percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 17	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	King-Chavez Community Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	1st percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 15	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	America's Finest Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	1st percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 14	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Guajome Learning Centers	North County: Vista	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	High Tech Middle Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	High Tech Middle Mesa	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	High Tech Middle North County	North County: San Marcos	No Scope Score at this level The state published this campus's 2025–26 test results. An error in our import left them unscored, and we're fixing it.	After-school program, Before-school care	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
Middle (2025–26)	JCS - Cedar Cove	North County: Encinitas	No Scope Score at this level	After-school program, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Pivot Charter School - San Diego II	North County: San Marcos	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
Middle (2025–26)	Altus Schools Audeo	City of San Diego: San Diego	91st percentile among California alternative middle schools · Strong · Scope Score 39 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Altus Schools Coastal	North County: Oceanside	76th percentile among California alternative middle schools · Strong · Scope Score 30 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	San Diego Mission Academy	North County: San Marcos	73rd percentile among California alternative middle schools · Solid · Scope Score 28 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Altus Schools North County	North County: Escondido	58th percentile among California alternative middle schools · Solid · Scope Score 27 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Pacific View Charter	North County: Oceanside	50th percentile among California alternative middle schools · Solid · Scope Score 26 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego	City of San Diego: San Diego	44th percentile among California alternative middle schools · Developing · Scope Score 25 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Motivated Youth Academy	North County: Escondido	41st percentile among California alternative middle schools · Developing · Scope Score 25 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
Middle (2025–26)	Ingenuity Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	20th percentile among California alternative middle schools · Needs Support · Scope Score 21 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative middle schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Helix High	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	95th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 82	After-school program	Enrollment closes: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	Preuss School UCSD	City of San Diego: La Jolla	91st percentile · Strong · Scope Score 77	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Application deadline: Dec 18, 2026, 11 pm
High (2024–25)	High Tech High Mesa	City of San Diego: San Diego	91st percentile · Strong · Scope Score 76	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	Chula Vista Learning Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	90th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 76	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	River Valley Charter	South Bay and East County: Lakeside	88th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 74	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	High Tech High International	City of San Diego: San Diego	87th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 73	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	Escondido Charter High	North County: Escondido	86th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 72	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	School for Entrepreneurship and Technology	City of San Diego: San Diego	85th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 72	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	High Tech High North County	North County: San Marcos	85th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 72	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	Classical Academy High	North County: Escondido	84th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 71	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Literacy First Charter	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	82nd percentile · Strong · Scope Score 70	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	The O'Farrell Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	79th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 68	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Steele Canyon High	South Bay and East County: Spring Valley	78th percentile · Strong · Scope Score 67	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Cabrillo Point Academy	North County: Poway	72nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 64	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Gompers Preparatory Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	72nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 64	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Pacific Coast Academy	North County: Poway	72nd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 64	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Learning Choice Academy - Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	71st percentile · Solid · Scope Score 64	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	High Tech High Chula Vista	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	70th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 63	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	High Tech High	City of San Diego: San Diego	68th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 62	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	Guajome Park Academy Charter	North County: Vista	63rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 61	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Mueller Charter (Robert L.)	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	63rd percentile · Solid · Scope Score 61	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Coastal Academy Charter	North County: Oceanside	57th percentile · Solid · Scope Score 58	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Dimensions Collaborative	North County: Escondido	46th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 54	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Health Sciences High and Middle College	City of San Diego: San Diego	45th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 54	After-school program, Before-school care	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	e3 Civic High	City of San Diego: San Diego	38th percentile · Developing · Scope Score 52	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Lottery: Mar 18, 2027
High (2024–25)	The Learning Choice Academy - East County	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	18th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 45	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	High Tech High Media Arts	City of San Diego: San Diego	16th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 44	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	Open enrollment ends: Feb 15, 2027; Lottery: Mar 1, 2027
High (2024–25)	King-Chavez Community High	City of San Diego: San Diego	13th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 43	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Brookfield Engineering Science Technology Academy	South Bay and East County: Julian	5th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 36	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Bostonia Global	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	4th percentile · Needs Support · Scope Score 34	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	All Tribes Charter	North County: Valley Center	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools Coastal	North County: Oceanside	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	America's Finest Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	City Heights Preparatory Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Greater San Diego Academy	South Bay and East County: Jamul	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Guajome Learning Centers	North County: Vista	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Hawking S.T.E.A.M. Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	No Scope Score at this level	After-school program	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	JCS - Cedar Cove	North County: Encinitas	No Scope Score at this level	After-school program, School hours by grade	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	JCS - Manzanita	South Bay and East County: La Mesa	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	JCS - Pine Valley	South Bay and East County: Pine Valley	No Scope Score at this level	School hours	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Julian Charter	South Bay and East County: Julian	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Learning Choice Academy	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Method Summit Academy	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	No Scope Score at this level	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Pacific Springs Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school, uniform or teaching-approach details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Pivot Charter School - San Diego II	North County: San Marcos	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026. The state lists it as primarily virtual	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Urban Discovery Academy Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	No Scope Score at this level	After-school program, Uniform policy	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Vista Springs Charter	North County: Vista	No Scope Score at this level	We didn't find before- or after-school or uniform details on its site in October 2026.	No 2027–28 date on its site when we read it in October 2026.
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools Audeo	City of San Diego: San Diego	94th percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 50 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	San Diego Virtual	City of San Diego: San Diego	89th percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 46 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools South Bay	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	83rd percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 38 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	North County Trade Tech High	North County: Vista	82nd percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 37 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego	City of San Diego: San Diego	78th percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 33 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools East County	South Bay and East County: El Cajon	77th percentile among California alternative high schools · Strong · Scope Score 33 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Altus Schools North County	North County: Escondido	74th percentile among California alternative high schools · Solid · Scope Score 30 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Pacific View Charter	North County: Oceanside	63rd percentile among California alternative high schools · Solid · Scope Score 25 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	San Diego Mission Academy	North County: San Marcos	62nd percentile among California alternative high schools · Solid · Scope Score 24 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as exclusively virtual	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Ingenuity Charter	City of San Diego: San Diego	46th percentile among California alternative high schools · Developing · Scope Score 19 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	Motivated Youth Academy	North County: Escondido	45th percentile among California alternative high schools · Developing · Scope Score 19 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates. The state lists it as primarily virtual	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	MAAC Community Charter	South Bay and East County: Chula Vista	41st percentile among California alternative high schools · Developing · Scope Score 18 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	SIATech	North County: Oceanside	23rd percentile among California alternative high schools · Needs Support · Scope Score 13 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet
High (2024–25)	San Diego Workforce Innovation High	South Bay and East County: National City	19th percentile among California alternative high schools · Needs Support · Scope Score 12 Alternative school: students are enrolled through a placement, application, or referral process specific to the program. Scored, but ranked against California alternative high schools rather than comprehensive ones.	We haven't read this school's site yet, for its details or its 2027–28 dates.	Site not read yet

How do San Diego's charter schools compare at each level?

Most schools in the list have a Scope Score, our 0–100 summary of a school's state test results, chronic absence, suspensions and English learners' progress. High schools also count graduation and college readiness. Beside the score is a percentile: out of every 100 California schools at the same level, about how many this one scored above. The band word, Strong, Solid, Developing or Needs Support, puts that percentile in plain words. How the score works has the details.

Elementary, middle and high school are separate lists because their scores come from different grades. High schools also add measures the others don't have, and their scores are a year older. They need graduation and college-readiness records, which come out a year after test results. Each list names its own school year.

Which charter scores highest in each part of San Diego County? In SchoolScope's Scope Scores, built from California Department of Education data, these lead their area at each level. Elementary, from 2025–26 tests: San Diego Global Vision Academy in the City of San Diego (81, 97th percentile), Dual Language Immersion North County in Vista (61, 86th) and Discovery Charter in Chula Vista (61, 87th). Middle, from 2025–26 tests: Elevate in San Diego (76, 96th), Coastal Academy Charter in Oceanside (57, 83rd) and College Preparatory Middle in Spring Valley (81, 97th). High school, from 2024–25 records: Preuss School UCSD in La Jolla (77, 91st), Escondido Charter High (72, 86th) and Helix High in La Mesa (82, 95th). All nine are in our Strong band. Each percentile compares the school with every California school at its level, not only charters.

In the elementary list, the city's second school outscores the leaders of the other two areas. Elevate's elementary grades (72, 94th) sit second in the City of San Diego, ahead of both the North County and the South Bay leaders. A school a few rows down your area's list can still be among the strongest in the county.

Does a K–8 or K–12 charter score the same in every grade?

Often it doesn't, so read the score for the grade your child will enter. A K–8 sits in both the elementary and the middle list, and the two places can be far apart. At Feaster (Mae L.) Charter in Chula Vista, the elementary grades scored 24, at the 21st percentile, on 2025–26 tests. The middle grades scored 50, at the 75th percentile, the same spring.

Those are two different groups of children tested in the same year. The gap can't tell you whether a child who starts kindergarten there will be doing better by eighth grade. It only tells you that, this year, the school's younger and older students landed in different places.

Gaps like this run both ways, and they're common. Of the 54 charters outside the alternative-school group that are ranked at both elementary and middle, 25 land in a different band at each level. At Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, the elementary grades sit at the 58th percentile and the middle grades at the 27th.

If you're choosing a kindergarten, start with the elementary list. Keep the middle score as a question for your tour: how are the upper grades taught? If your child is starting sixth grade, the middle list describes the grades they'll be in.

Is it a daily campus or mostly home study?

The list also puts very different school days side by side. The two largest charters on it are Pacific Coast Academy and Cabrillo Point Academy, both based in Poway. They enrolled 8,109 and 6,477 students in the state's 2025–26 count. The California Department of Education (CDE) lists both as "Primarily Virtual." Its definition: the school "focuses on a systematic program of virtual instruction but includes some physical meetings among students or with teachers."

Nine of the 116 charters on our list carry one of CDE's two codes for schools that teach mainly online, primarily or exclusively virtual. Together they enroll about 1 in 5 of these charters' students (17,030 of 81,272). The list marks each one with CDE's label. Their scores come from the same state records as any other school's. Both large Poway charters are ranked against the other scored California schools at their level, campus schools included: Pacific Coast Academy's middle grades rank at the 75th percentile. That number can't tell you whether your child would be in a classroom five days a week.

We tried to sort every charter into daily campus or home study from public data, and couldn't. CDE's code covers online instruction as each school reports it, and home study can look different. JCS - Pine Valley's home-study page says "students work primarily at home under the guidance of their parents." Older students check in online each week. CDE lists the school as "Not Virtual." Its grades 6–12 academy meets in class up to four days a week, so one school can offer either kind of day. How many of those days your child would spend on campus is a question for the school.

Which schools fit our school day: care, hours and TK?

For a campus school, the next question is what happens around the bell. Tick a box above and the list keeps only the schools whose own site says they offer it. Each one links to the page that says so. We read the sites of 93 of the 116 charters in October 2026. We haven't read the other 23 yet, and their rows say so. Of the 93, we found an after-school program on 35 schools' sites or their network's, before-school care on 19 and TK on 34. Ten of those care listings are one line in High Tech High's FAQ: "We do provide before and after care in grades K-8," on a sliding-scale fee.

A school that drops out when you tick a box didn't mention it on its site, or we haven't read its site yet, so call before you cross it off.

An after-school program can mean care until 6 p.m. or a room for drop-in homework help. At Albert Einstein Academies, the elementary AfterStein program is open "from dismissal to 6:00 PM" on regular school days (AfterStein page). Helix High in La Mesa lists two. ASPIRE runs grant-funded enrichment, sports and academics. The DEN is a drop-in tutoring room, open 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday (Helix's academic support page). So the same label can cover care you could plan a workday around, or an hour of homework help.

School hours are posted less often. We found bell times on 7 schools' sites, and the list links each one as a school-hours chip. One of those pages is still headed 2022–23, so check the date on it. For the other schools, the office can tell you when the day starts and ends.

TK, or transitional kindergarten, is the free public school year before kindergarten, for children who turn 4 by September 1. The list says only "TK offered," because some schools' pages still describe an older age rule. Check the birthday cutoff with the school, and see our TK guide for how TK compares with preschool. The TK box works only in the elementary list.

The uniform box finds schools that state a policy. We found one on 4 sites. Two require uniforms, one says they're optional, and one describes its uniform shirts without saying whether they're required. There's no "no uniform" box, because a site that says nothing about uniforms hasn't told you either way.

How do these schools say they teach?

The last filter is about how each school says it teaches. The teaching-approach menu sorts each school's own description into a broad label. Project-based learning is the most common: 21 charters on our list describe it. Next come a social-emotional focus (17 schools), college prep (13) and dual language (7). A school can carry more than one label. When a school's description fits none of them, its row shows "Its own approach," linked to the school's words.

Elevate, for example, says its teachers "provide rigorous, standards aligned lessons through an inquiry-based model of learning," and describes problem-based projects too. It appears under both inquiry-based and project-based.

We didn't test whether any approach goes with higher scores, and the labels only sort what schools say about themselves. Two schools that both say "project-based" can run very different classrooms.

When are the 2027–28 application dates?

Once you have a shortlist, the calendar decides what to do first. The earliest dates are in December. Albert Einstein Academies holds its lottery on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Preuss School UCSD takes applications until Friday, December 18, at 11 p.m. Check two things before you count on it. Preuss describes itself as a school "for low-income scholars who strive to become the first in their families to graduate from college," and every applicant for 7th grade and up starts on its waitlist.

When we read the sites in late October, 25 of the 93 charters we read had posted a 2027–28 date. Sixteen of them are High Tech High campuses, which share one calendar. Applications sent by February 15 go into a public lottery on March 1, 2027. High Tech High still takes later applications, but they don't get priority in that lottery.

25 of the 93 charters whose sites we read had posted a date · read October 2026

The 2027–28 dates San Diego charters have posted

Earliest first. Each date links to the school's own page. A school that isn't here may still post one, so check its site again in January.

December 2026

Albert Einstein AcademiesLottery, 6:00 pm, Dec 16, 2026City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Preuss School UCSDApplication deadline, 11 pm, Dec 18, 2026City of San Diego · Grades 6–12The school describes itself as for low-income students aiming to be first in their family to finish college; grades 7–12 start on the waitlist

January 2027

Empower Language AcademyEnrollment window closes, Jan 15, 2027City of San Diego · Grades K–6Later applications are taken first come, first served

February 2027

KIPP Adelante Preparatory AcademyLottery application deadline, before 4 pm, Feb 12, 2027City of San Diego · Grades 5–8
High Tech High: all 16 campusesOpen enrollment ends, Feb 15, 2027City of San Diego, South Bay and East County, North CountyLater applications lose lottery priority
San Diego Global Vision AcademyLottery applications due, Feb 26, 2027City of San Diego · Grades K–8Later applications go to the waitlist
KIPP Adelante Preparatory AcademyKIPP SoCal lottery, Feb 27, 2027City of San Diego · Grades 5–8The network's lotteries run February 27 and 28
San Diego Cooperative CharterLottery applications due, Feb 28, 2027City of San Diego · Grades K–8Later applications go to the waitlist

March 2027

ElevateLottery applications due, Mar 1, 2027City of San Diego · Grades K–8Later applications go to the waitlist
Helix HighEnrollment closes, Mar 1, 2027South Bay and East County · Grades 9–12Opens January 4; later applications go to the waitlist
High Tech High: all 16 campusesLottery, Mar 1, 2027City of San Diego, South Bay and East County, North County
San Diego Global Vision AcademyLottery, 9 am, Mar 4, 2027City of San Diego · Grades K–8
e3 Civic HighLottery, Mar 18, 2027City of San Diego · Grades 9–12

Open the dates as a table

The 2027–28 dates San Diego charters have posted
Date	School	What the school posted	Area
Dec 16, 2026	Albert Einstein Academies	Lottery, 6:00 pm	City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Dec 18, 2026	Preuss School UCSD	Application deadline, 11 pm (the school describes itself as for low-income students aiming to be first in their family to finish college; grades 7–12 start on the waitlist)	City of San Diego · Grades 6–12
Jan 15, 2027	Empower Language Academy	Enrollment window closes (later applications are taken first come, first served)	City of San Diego · Grades K–6
Feb 12, 2027	KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy	Lottery application deadline, before 4 pm	City of San Diego · Grades 5–8
Feb 15, 2027	High Tech High: all 16 campuses	Open enrollment ends (later applications lose lottery priority)	City of San Diego, South Bay and East County, North County
Feb 26, 2027	San Diego Global Vision Academy	Lottery applications due (later applications go to the waitlist)	City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Feb 27, 2027	KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy	KIPP SoCal lottery (the network's lotteries run February 27 and 28)	City of San Diego · Grades 5–8
Feb 28, 2027	San Diego Cooperative Charter	Lottery applications due (later applications go to the waitlist)	City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Mar 1, 2027	Elevate	Lottery applications due (later applications go to the waitlist)	City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Mar 1, 2027	Helix High	Enrollment closes (opens January 4; later applications go to the waitlist)	South Bay and East County · Grades 9–12
Mar 1, 2027	High Tech High: all 16 campuses	Lottery	City of San Diego, South Bay and East County, North County
Mar 4, 2027	San Diego Global Vision Academy	Lottery, 9 am	City of San Diego · Grades K–8
Mar 18, 2027	e3 Civic High	Lottery	City of San Diego · Grades 9–12

California law sets the basic rule. When more students apply than a charter has room for, it fills the seats by "a public random drawing" (Education Code 47605(e)(2)(B)). Current students and children who live in the school district get preference. A school can add others, such as siblings, if the agency that approved its charter agrees.

Most of the county's charters hadn't posted a date when we checked. A school missing from the calendar may simply not have updated its page yet.

Put the December dates on your calendar now, and check the other schools' sites again in January.

What can't this list tell you?

Scores, facts and dates still leave out most of what a school is like. We can't tell from test scores whether a teacher will notice a quiet kid or whether a school feels calm or tense. They don't show how the front office treats you when you call.

Some schools teach your child's grades but have no Scope Score at that level. The figure says so, and gives a reason only when we know it. Six High Tech High elementary and middle campuses are in that group because of us. CDE published their latest results, and an error in our import left them unscored. We're fixing it.

Alternative charters, such as the Altus campuses and four of the online charters, enroll students through a placement, application or referral process of their own. We rank them only against other California alternative schools. So they sit in their own group, and their percentiles don't compare with the schools above them.

The list also leaves some schools out. Private schools aren't charters, so none are here. Ten charters carry a San Diego County school code but have addresses in other counties. CDE lists nine of them as online, and we left all ten out.

Use the list to choose which schools to visit, then let the visit decide. On each one, ask to watch a class at work and to see some finished student projects. Open the profiles of two or three schools on your shortlist to see the full record behind each score. To weigh them against the schools near your home, explore every school near an address.

Keep reading

How to apply, then three guides that help you read the list once you've built your shortlist.

Useful resources

Explore California schoolsEvery public and charter school near an address, by level

Sources

16 sources · 3 government · 1 law · 11 organizations · 1 SchoolScope

Claims in this post were checked against their original sources on Oct 27, 2026.

Government data

Law and regulation

California Education Code § 47605 — charter admission and the public random drawingleginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Subdivision (e)(2)(B): a public random drawing when applicants exceed capacity, and the preferences allowed · accessed Oct 27, 2026

Organizations

SchoolScope analysis

Scope Score methodology

Scope Scores are SchoolScope’s analysis of public data, not official ratings. They are one way of reading the numbers and shouldn’t be the only thing a school decision rests on. Scores quoted in the text are a snapshot from October 27, 2026 and move when the data or the method does; any live table on this page is drawn fresh from the same source.

Published Oct 27, 2026 · Analysis by Bri Stanback, SchoolScope · Report a data issue

Cite this guide

Stanback, Bri. “Best Charter Schools in San Diego: Compare Ratings, Hours and Deadlines (2027–28).” SchoolScope, October 27, 2026. https://schoolscope.co/blog/best-charter-schools-san-diego

Best Charter Schools in San Diego: Compare Ratings, Hours and Deadlines (2027–28)

Which San Diego charters fit your family?

City of San Diego

North County

South Bay and East County

City of San Diego

North County

South Bay and East County

City of San Diego

North County

South Bay and East County

How do San Diego's charter schools compare at each level?

Does a K–8 or K–12 charter score the same in every grade?

Is it a daily campus or mostly home study?

Which schools fit our school day: care, hours and TK?

How do these schools say they teach?

When are the 2027–28 application dates?

The 2027–28 dates San Diego charters have posted

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

What can't this list tell you?

Help us make SchoolScope more useful

Keep reading

How to Get Into a Charter School in California (2027–28)

Pre-K vs TK vs Preschool in California: A 2026 Parent's Guide

Why 80% "Met or Exceeded" Can Mean Two Different Schools

Your School Scored Low. Here's What to Do About It.

Useful resources

Sources

Government data

Law and regulation

Organizations

SchoolScope analysis

Cite this guide