All Comprehensive High Schools Earn Top Marks; Four Place in Top 10% Nationally
Santa Clarita, CA — The William S. Hart Union High School District is celebrating another year of outstanding academic achievement as its high schools are once again recognized among the nation's best in the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
In this year's report, Hart District comprehensive high schools earned high national rankings, with four schools placing in the top 10% nationally and all placing in the top 25%.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates public high schools across six benchmarks of educational quality: College Readiness, College Curriculum Breadth, State Assessment Proficiency, State Assessment Performance, Underserved Student Performance, and Graduation Rates.
The inclusion of every comprehensive high school in the district reflects the commitment to academic excellence, student success, and equitable education shared across the entire Santa Clarita community.
"The Hart District is committed to opening doors for every student,” said Superintendent Vierra. “These rankings highlight the incredible commitment of our teachers, the vision of our leadership, and the relentless drive of our students. Seeing our high schools consistently rank among the best in the nation proves that opportunity truly lives here in the Hart District.”
Below are the rankings for Hart District high schools out of almost 18,000 public high schools nationwide:
- Canyon High School: top 13%
- Castaic High School: top 18%
- Golden Valley High School: top 23%
- Hart High School: top 10%
- Saugus High School: top 8%
- Valencia High School: top 6%
- West Ranch High School: top 3%
Special Recognition: Academy of the Canyons (AOC)
While traditional ranking methodologies measure Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, AOC students complete college-level coursework directly through College of the Canyons. This innovative approach earned AOC major national accolades in Niche’s latest report: #74 in Best Public High Schools in America and #8 in Best Public High Schools in California.
These commendations represent far more than test scores and percentages; they reflect a community-wide investment in student potential. By blending rigorous academic pathways with individualized support, the Hart District continues to foster future-ready graduates who are fully prepared to navigate higher education and dynamic careers. The district extends deep appreciation to the dedicated educators, school staff, supportive families, and the Governing Board whose partnership makes this ongoing tradition of excellence possible.