🎓 The Best Schools in Sacramento, Placer & El Dorado Counties (High Schools + Middle Schools!)

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If you’ve been following along, this is the final part of my three-part series on schools in the Greater Sacramento area.

We’ve already covered the top elementary schools in Placer, El Dorado, and Sacramento Counties. Now we’re diving into the best high schools and middle schools. These are schools rated 8 out of 10 or higher on GreatSchools.org and Niche.com—so we’re only talking about the best of the best.

Whether you’re moving here with kids, planning for the future, or just curious about which communities families love, this breakdown should help you get a solid head start.

🏫 Placer County

Placer is one of the most family-friendly spots in Northern California. Safe neighborhoods, newer homes, and a really strong school system. Here are some of the standouts:

High Schools:

• Granite Bay High School – 9/10 rating, A+ on Niche. Amazing AP programs, arts, and sports. Close to Treelake Village and Shelbourne neighborhoods.

• Whitney High (Rocklin) – 8/10 rating, A on Niche. Strong STEM and visual arts focus, right inside Whitney Ranch.

• Rocklin High – 9/10 rating, A on Niche. Great AP classes, test scores, and extracurriculars.
  
  

Middle Schools:

• Granite Oaks Middle (Rocklin) – 9/10, strong academics and music.

• Cavitt Junior High (Granite Bay) – 8/10, great curriculum and community feel.

• Buljan Middle (Roseville) – 8/10, diverse students and strong electives.
  
  

🏫 El Dorado County

If you’re after scenic foothills plus top schools, El Dorado Hills is tough to beat.

High Schools:

• Oak Ridge High (El Dorado Hills) – 9/10 rating, A+. Amazing AP programs, athletics, and graduation rates. Feeds from Serrano and Marina Woods neighborhoods.

• Charter University Prep (El Dorado) – 9/10 rating, small classes and a college-prep focus.

• El Dorado High (Placerville) – 8/10, hands-on programs in culinary, engineering, and health sciences.
  
  

Middle Schools:

• Rolling Hills Middle (El Dorado Hills) – 8/10, solid scores, safe campus, great extracurriculars.

• Marina Village Middle (El Dorado Hills) – 8/10, with leadership and STEM opportunities.
  
  

🏫 Sacramento County

The biggest and most diverse county in the region—lots of school options.

High Schools:

• Mira Loma High (Sacramento) – 9/10 rating, strong IB program, plus standout math and science programs.

• Pleasant Grove High (Elk Grove) – 9/10, high graduation rates, AP courses, and strong athletics.

• C.K. McClatchy High (Land Park, Sacramento) – 8/10, known for its humanities and IB program.
  
  

Middle Schools:

• Toby Johnson Middle (Elk Grove) – 9/10, strong academics and leadership programs.

• Sutter Middle (East Sacramento) – 8/10, magnet school for arts and pre-IB prep.

• Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle (Elk Grove) – 9/10, modern campus, honors classes, and high student engagement.
  
  

Thinking About Moving Here?

If schools are a big part of your decision, you don’t have to piece everything together alone. I put together a Free Greater Sacramento Relocation Guide that covers schools, neighborhoods, employers, and more.

And of course, if you’re looking to buy or sell in Sacramento, Placer, or El Dorado—reach out anytime. I’d love to help you find the right fit for your family.

📞 Contact Jake DaRosa – Your Sacramento Real Estate Resource

👉 So—do you want me to add more neighborhood details (like what it’s actually like living near these schools) so the blog feels even more personal and not just a list?