This recognition is not only a source of pride for the schools themselves, but also a testament to the transformative power of public charter schools, which are tuition-free, open to all students, and are delivering extraordinary results for young people across our state.

At Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School, English teacher Cameron Knox still remembers the moment one of his former students returned from college with a simple but powerful message: “Mr. Knox… I knew exactly what to do in college. You prepared me so well.”

Knox notes that Tajima consistently sends nearly all of his graduates to four-year colleges.

“Last year, 100% of our students graduated, and 97% went on to a four-year college. It's incredibly rewarding to see our students grow year after year, mastering skills that will carry them not only on AP exams, but also in college and life.”

That preparation is paying off for students like Enrique Fernandez, a senior at Tajima who is applying to Yale, MIT, and UC Berkeley. Enrique, who hopes to study civil engineering, credits his school with giving him the confidence to aim big.

“Most of us come from marginalized communities, but our teachers push us to do more,” she said. "They make the most of all the resources and prepare us for high expectations. Being here has shown me that someone like me can be part of the most prestigious universities in the country."

“We're like a close-knit family. Students always know there's at least one adult they can turn to,” she said. “With our small groups, we can really pay attention to each student.”

At Stern, educators emphasize time management, self-care, and communication—soft skills essential for navigating both college and life. “Beginning in junior year, our students juggle AP and honors classes, extracurricular activities, and college preparation,” Garcia explained. “We guide them academically, but we also teach them how to manage stress, ask for help, and take care of themselves.”

The results are palpable. Many graduates return to give back, and several now work as teachers at Stern. “It's a full circle,” Garcia said. “When alumni return as educators, they show the next generation what's possible.”

For students like Nathan Julio, a senior at Stern, the culture of excellence is unmistakable. He highlights the dual enrollment program, which allows students to earn college credit and professional certificates while still in high school.

“Everyone here is passionate,” Nathan said. "That's why it doesn't surprise me that the school was named recognition one of the best. I feel like the reflects reality."

These stories highlight why public charter schools remain one of the most important educational options for California families.

They are free, open, and public schools that combine academic rigor with the flexibility to innovate. Their smaller size often creates a supportive environment where students feel seen, valued, and driven to excel. And because charter schools are held to higher accountability standards, families can trust that results do matter.

When US News ranks the best schools in California, the inclusion of Tajima and Stern makes a stark case: high-quality public charter schools aren't just changing the lives of individual students, but also transforming the landscape of public education and the trajectories of generations of families.

The success of public schools like these offers a roadmap for the rest of California: investing in educators, challenging students with high expectations, and creating inclusive, rigorous learning communities focused on preparing young people for the future.

For thousands of families, charter schools are not just an alternative: they are the best option. And as Tajima and Stern's recognition makes clear, they are fulfilling the promise of public education: that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.

(*) Myrna Castrejon is the president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA).