Best Public School: Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach Unified school board members celebrate the completion of Mira Costa’s new math/science building last October. Photo
Mira Costa kicked off the new year in high spirits. In October, the community saw the completion of the school’s new state-of-the-art math/science building, marking the success of phase one in a revitalization project funded by Measure BB, a $67 million bond approved by voters in 2008. The school made headlines again when State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson named choir director Michael Hayden as one of five California Teachers of the Year in November. The high school continues to perform among the top public schools in the nation. The 2013 College Readiness report by U.S. News & World Report, ranked Mira Costa 417th nationally and 81st in California, putting the school in the top 2 percent nationwide. — EK
1401 Artesia Blvd, Manhattan Beach. 310-318-7330. miracostahigh.org
Runner up: Redondo Union High School. 1 Sea Hawk Way, Redondo Beach. 310-798-8665. redondounion.org