Best Schools in Irvine and Tustin

A beautiful apartment home in an excellent community, and outstanding public schools—is it too much for a family to ask? Maybe not.

Irvine is a master-planned city designed to provide an exceptional quality of life, with beautiful homes and apartment communities, vast open spaces and outstanding educational opportunities. Not only was it named America’s safest big city, but Irvine also boasts an excellent public school system frequently recognized among the top in California. Nearby city, Tustin, is also home to many top elementary, middle and high schools. Irvine Company specifically develops new apartment communities surrounded by the best schools in California.

Students in the Irvine and Tustin Unified School Districts have access to signature programs, advanced curricula and exceptional teachers. By developing innovative programs and keeping up with cutting-edge technology, these districts are always evolving their approach to education. Recently, 12 schools in Irvine and Tustin were recognized as 2023 California Distinguished Schools by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

Established in 1985, the Distinguished Schools Program selects schools based on two categories — their ability to close the achievement gap and their exceptional student performance. Elementary schools, middle schools and high schools are recognized in alternating years. Here are the Irvine and Tustin winners for 2023:

- Stonegate Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- Santiago Hills Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- IUSD Virtual Academy, Irvine Unified School District
- San Joaquin High School, Irvine Unified School District
- Vista Verde School, Irvine Unified School District
- Brywood Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- Heritage Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Myford Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Tustin Memorial Academy, Tustin Unified School District
- Hicks Canyon Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Red Hill Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Orchard Hills School, Tustin Unified School District

Apartment Communities near Stonegate Elementary School
Mirasol
Palmeras

Apartment Communities near San Joaquin High School
Santa Clara

Apartment Communities near Myford Elementary School
Sierra Vista
Rancho Monterey

Apartment Communities Near Orchard Hills School
Orchard Hills

National Blue Ribbon School

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program also recognizes public and private schools based on their overall academic excellence. In 2022, Woodbridge High School in the Irvine Unified School District joined 28 other California secondary schools in receiving this top honor, after being nominated by state education officials.

Apartment Communities near Woodbridge High School:
Cedar Creek
Cross Creek
Woodbridge Pines
Woodbridge Villas
Woodbridge Willows