Best High Schools in the East Bay – 2025 Parents Press Awards
Finding the best high schools in the East Bay is a priority for families looking for strong academics, supportive communities, and outstanding extracurricular programs.
The Parents Press Best of the East Bay Awards highlight top-performing and most-loved schools across Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Albany, and other East Bay cities.
Our 2025 winners include public, private, faith-based, and alternative learning high schools recognized by local parents for their excellence.
About the 2025 Best of Parents Press High School Awards
Every year, Parents Press readers nominate and vote for the best high schools in the East Bay.
The process includes two rounds:
Round 1 for nominations in March and early April, and
Round 2 for final voting in April and May.
The August 2025 issue of Parents Press announces the winners and top 5 rankings, serving as a trusted resource for families seeking exceptional education.
2025 Best High Schools in the East Bay – Winners & Top 5
Below is the official list of 2025 Parents Press Best High Schools in the East Bay by category.
Alternative Learning Style High School
- Top 5: Holden High School, Maybeck High School, Millennium High School, Orion Academy, Tilden Preparatory School
- Winner: Orion Academy
Faith-Based High School
- Top 5: Berean Christian High School, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Holy Names High School, Saint Mary’s College High School, Salesian College Preparatory
- Winner: Salesian College Preparatory
Private Independent High School
- Top 5: Bishop O’Dowd High School, East Bay International High School (EBIHS) at EBGIS, Salesian College Preparatory, The College Preparatory School, St. Mary’s College High School
- Winner: East Bay International High School (EBIHS) at EBGIS
Public High School
- Top 5: Alameda High School, Albany High School, Berkeley High School, Oakland Technical High School, Piedmont High School
- Winner: Berkeley High School
Choosing the Right East Bay High School
The East Bay is home to a diverse selection of high schools, from top-tier public programs to innovative private and alternative schools.
Families consider factors such as academic rigor, class size, college prep opportunities, arts and athletics programs, and specialized learning styles when selecting a high school.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Bay High Schools
What are the best high schools in the East Bay?
The top high schools include Berkeley High School, Orion Academy, Salesian College Preparatory, and East Bay International High School at EBGIS, among other highly rated programs.
Which high schools won the 2025 Parents Press Best of the East Bay Awards?
The winners are Berkeley High School (Public), Orion Academy (Alternative Learning),
Salesian College Preparatory (Faith-Based), and East Bay International High School at EBGIS (Private Independent).
How are the best high schools in the East Bay chosen?
Parents Press conducts a two-round voting process where families nominate and then vote for their favorite schools.
Winners are published in the August issue of Parents Press.
Which cities have the top high schools in the East Bay?
Top cities include Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Albany, and Piedmont, with a variety of public, private, and alternative learning options.
