Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts students perform as part of one of the school’s stage productions. The academy combines college-preparatory academics with instruction and opportunities in the visual and performing arts. Photo courtesy of Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts ranks as the top high school in the Yuba City metropolitan area and among the top 4% of public high schools nationwide in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.

The Marysville Joint Unified School District charter school ranked No. 700 nationally and No. 107 among California high schools, according to information released by the school Sept. 18. U.S. News ranked nearly 18,000 public high schools nationwide.

The rankings consider college readiness, state assessment performance, achievement among underserved students, the availability of college-level coursework and graduation rates.

MCAA Principal Eric Preston said the results reflect the school’s effort to combine academics with its focus on visual and performing arts.

“MCAA has long been a unicorn in our community, offering students strong academics and the ability to pursue their interests in the performing arts as a part of their daily instruction,” Preston said.

Students perform during a Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts stage production. MCAA ranked No. 700 nationally and No. 107 among California high schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. Photo courtesy of Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts

MCAA placed well ahead of other schools listed in the region. Live Oak High School ranked No. 5,552 nationally and No. 773 in California. Wheatland High School ranked No. 7,310 nationally and No. 939 statewide.

Other area schools included in the rankings were Sutter Peak Charter, Lindhurst High School, South Sutter Charter, Feather River Charter, Yuba City High School, River Valley High School, Sutter High School and Marysville High School.

MCAA also ranked ahead of several schools in the greater Sacramento area cited by the academy. Davis High School ranked No. 747 nationally and No. 112 statewide, while Granite Bay High School ranked No. 779 nationally and No. 116 in California. Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep ranked No. 866 nationally and No. 137 statewide.

The academy combines a college-preparatory academic program with instruction in theater, music, dance, visual arts and other creative disciplines.

School officials said the approach allows students to pursue academic goals while developing skills through arts education, including communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

The latest ranking continues a series of recognitions for the academy. MCAA has also received California Distinguished School designations in 2007, 2013, 2021, 2024 and 2026, according to the school.

Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts operates as a public high school within the Marysville Joint Unified School District, for more information visit https://charter.mjusd.com.