So You Wanna Be a Teenager in L.A.? Buckle Up, 'Cause There's a School for That (Probably)
Ever dreamt of attending high school under the California sun, surrounded by aspiring actors and surfers (well, maybe not surfers at school)? Los Angeles County might be calling your name, dude! But before you pack your flip-flops and sunscreen, you might be wondering: just how many high schools are there in this sprawling metropolis, anyway?
The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowin' in the Wind (or the California Department of Education Website)
Here's the truth: pinning down an exact number is trickier than dodging paparazzi on Hollywood Boulevard. There are a few reasons for this:
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Public vs. Private: There's a whole universe of both public and private high schools in L.A. County. Public schools are generally free to attend (funded by Robin Hood-esque tax dollars) and there are hundreds! Niche, a website that ranks schools, says there are a whopping 522 public high schools in the county [niche.com]. Private schools, on the other hand, come with a price tag (think fancy uniforms and trust fund lunches) and can be harder to track down.
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The Great School Shuffle: Schools open, schools close, some schools merge and become… franken-schools? Keeping tabs on the exact number can feel like chasing after a rogue tumbleweed on a Santa Monica breeze.
But Fear Not, Aspiring Valley Girl/Valley Dude!
Here are some resources to help you navigate the L.A. high school jungle:
- The California Department of Education Website: This is your official one-stop shop for California schools. It can be a little dry, but hey, it's got the facts https://www.cde.ca.gov/.
- Niche: We mentioned them earlier, and for good reason. Their website lets you search for high schools based on location, size, and even things like the school mascot (because let's face it, who wouldn't want to go to a school with a killer Viking logo?).
- Local School Districts: Many areas in L.A. County have their own school districts with their own websites. These can be a great way to get info on specific schools in your neighborhood.
Remember: The number of high schools in L.A. County might be vast, but that just means there's more chance of finding the perfect place to, you know, learn stuff and maybe attend a prom with someone who looks like they just stepped out of a teen movie. Just be prepared to dodge the occasional movie shoot and don't forget your sunscreen (seriously, the sun here is no joke).
