Family-Friendly Guide to the Best Aliso Viejo Schools: Public & Private Options

Moving to Aliso Viejo or nearby? One of the first things on a family’s mind is finding great schools. Fortunately, Aliso Viejo is home to excellent public and private schools that offer strong academics and a supportive community. Many local schools perform above state averages, and parents often praise their caring teachers and safe environments. Below, we highlight six top schools (one public and one private at each level: elementary, middle, and high school) near Aliso Viejo. Each comes with academic highlights, test scores or rankings, and some parent insights to help you get a feel for the school culture.

 

 

Canyon Vista Elementary is a highly rated public K-5 school in Aliso Viejo, known for its strong academics and close-knit community. It offers a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program and serves about 467 students. Nestled in a hilltop neighborhood adjacent to Soka University, the campus enjoys a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Test scores at Canyon Vista are well above average – the school earned a 9/10 GreatSchools rating.  Niche also gives Canyon Vista an “A” grade overall for its academic excellence and teaching staff (Niche Profile). Parents appreciate the dedicated teachers and supportive environment; one parent noted their children “absolutely love going to school every single day,” reflecting the care and attention from staff. With a mission to have all students learning at or above grade level and continuously improving, Canyon Vista Elementary provides an excellent start for young learners in Aliso Viejo.

Aliso Viejo Christian School (AVCS) is a respected private Christian school (TK through 8th grade) known for its warm faith-based community and strong academics. With roughly 334 students and small class sizes, AVCS “guides hearts, inspires minds, and transforms lives” through its educational approach. The school is fully accredited and places a high value on both academic excellence and character development. In standardized testing, AVCS students often score above national averages, and the school’s focus on core subjects is enriched by offerings like music, art, and sports. Parents consistently give glowing reviews – one Yelp reviewer wrote, “This school is the best Christian school in Orange County. Great teachers, caring staff, nice parents and families, and moderately priced.” AVCS’s caring environment and dedicated faculty ensure that children feel supported. As a parent, you’ll appreciate that the school’s distinction in education is “fueled by faith in Jesus and dedication to excellence,” as its mission states. For families seeking a private elementary option with strong values near Aliso Viejo, AVCS is a top choice.

 

Don Juan Avila Middle School (DJAMS) is a top-performing public middle school (grades 6–8) located in Aliso Viejo. Serving about 916 students, DJAMS offers a rigorous curriculum, including a GATE program and numerous electives, in a supportive environment. The school has earned an impressive 9/10 GreatSchools rating and is performing above average compared to similar California schools. Niche ranks DJAMS among the best middle schools in Orange County – it’s rated #7 county-wide and carries an “A” overall grade. Academically, around 76% of students are proficient in reading and 61% in math, indicating strong outcomes. Parents often commend the school’s dedicated staff and well-rounded programs. One parent shared that DJAMS has “nice faculty and campus” and appreciated how their child was challenged academically while being supported by teachers. Don Juan Avila Middle’s partnership of experienced teachers and involved families creates a positive, high-achieving atmosphere. Students here benefit from both excellent academics and a true junior high school community spirit.

St. Mary’s School is a private Christian school in Aliso Viejo offering Preschool through 8th grade, and it’s especially acclaimed for its middle school program. An International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with around 635 students, St. Mary’s provides a globally minded education in a faith-enriched setting. The middle school curriculum challenges students with inquiry-based learning, advanced math tracks, and a wide range of electives (from coding to fine arts). St. Mary’s earns high marks from parents and ranking sites alike: Niche gives it an overall grade of A- with particular praise for its quality teachers and small 5:1 student-teacher ratio. Parents often highlight the school’s caring environment and strong communication. “Both of my boys absolutely love going to school every single day,” one parent said, crediting the teachers’ attention and care. Another parent noted that students learn to be “empathetic learners and leaders” through the school’s wide range of experiences. As an IB school, St. Mary’s emphasizes critical thinking and character development alongside academics. If you’re seeking a private middle school near Aliso Viejo, St. Mary’s warm community and track record of academic excellence make it a standout choice.

 

Aliso Niguel High School (ANHS) is the local public high school serving Aliso Viejo, and it consistently ranks among the best in Orange County. This large 9–12 campus has about 2,770 students and offers a wealth of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities. ANHS holds a 9/10 GreatSchools rating and is designated a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School. According to Niche, Aliso Niguel boasts an overall A grade, with particularly high marks in academics, college prep, and teacher quality. The school’s average SAT score of 1320 and 98% graduation rate reflect its strong college preparatory environment. Students here excel: 82% meet or exceed proficiency in reading and 58% in math. Beyond numbers, parents and students appreciate the well-rounded experience – spirited school culture, robust arts and athletics, and dedicated counselors who guide students to top universities. Aliso Niguel’s motto is “Run with the Pack” (the mascot is the Wolverine), and that sense of community shows. For families in Aliso Viejo, this high school offers an outstanding combination of academic rigor and supportive, spirited campus life.

JSerra Catholic High School is a highly regarded private high school located just south of Aliso Viejo in San Juan Capistrano. Serving roughly 1,250 students in grades 9–12, JSerra offers a college-preparatory curriculum within a faith-based, values-focused environment. The school is known for its personalized approach: student-teacher ratios are around 15:1, and five professional Magnet Programs (in Arts, Business, Engineering, Law, and Medical) allow students to explore career pathways. JSerra has earned an A+ overall grade on Niche and is ranked among the top private high schools in Orange County. Academically, it provides numerous AP and honors courses, and its graduates matriculate to excellent colleges. One hallmark is JSerra’s emphasis on character formation – the school “works in partnership with committed parents and inspirational teachers to form the faith, intellect, and character of all our students.” Parents often mention the supportive community and robust extracurriculars; the campus features impressive facilities from modern science labs to a state-of-the-art athletic complex. For families seeking a private high school near Aliso Viejo, JSerra offers rigorous academics grounded in Catholic values, with ample opportunities for students to thrive in arts, athletics, and leadership.

Pro Tip: When touring schools, bring a list of questions and if possible, talk to current parents or students. Visiting during a school day can give you a real sense of the campus vibe. Notice how teachers interact with students and whether the school’s values align with your family’s. It’s also a good idea to explore each school’s website ahead of time – many have virtual tours and upcoming open house dates. By doing your homework and touring in person, you’ll feel more confident about choosing the perfect school for your child.

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