The city of Irvine provides an exceptional quality of life, with beautiful homes and apartment communities, abundant outdoor recreation and outstanding educational opportunities. Not only is it consistently recognized as America’s safest big city, 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.
Students in the Irvine and Tustin Unified School Districts have access to advanced curricula, experienced teachers and enriching activities. By developing innovative programs and keeping up with the latest technology, these districts continuously evolve their approach to education. Recently, ten schools in Irvine and Tustin were recognized as 2025 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 2025:
- Plaza Vista School, Irvine Unified School District
- Bonita Canyon Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- Eastshore Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- Portola Springs Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District
- Arroyo Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Tustin Ranch Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Ladera Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Red Hill Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
- Orchard Hills School, Tustin Unified School District
- Benjamin F. Beswick Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District
Apartment Communities near Plaza Vista School
Santa Maria
Apartment Communities near Bonita Canyon Elementary School
Turtle Rock Canyon
Apartment Communities near Portola Springs Elementary School
Portola Place
Portola Court
Apartment Communities Near Tustin Ranch Elementary School
Rancho Monterey
Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Mariposa
Rancho Tierra
Apartment Communities Near Ladera Elementary School
Sierra Vista
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 2024, South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District joined 32 other California secondary schools in receiving this top honor, after being nominated by state education officials.
Apartment Communities near South Lake Middle School:
Woodbridge Villas
Other Notable Schools in Irvine
University High School – University High School has consistently made Newsweek’s list of Best High Schools. Nearby Apartment Communities:
Turtle Rock Canyon
Turtle Rock Vista
Turtle Ridge
Woodbridge High School – Woodbridge High School is a high-performing public school known for its STEM programs. Nearby Apartment Communities:
Cedar Creek
Cross Creek
Woodbridge Pines
Woodbridge Villas
Woodbridge Willows
Irvine Valley College – IVC has the #1 transfer rate among community colleges in California. Nearby Apartment Communities:
Brittany
Oak Glen
Shadow Oaks
Sonoma
