Foothill High

Tucked into the small, tight-knit community of Palo Cedro just east of Redding, Foothill High punches well above its weight for a rural Northern California school, with particularly strong math and science scores that rank it among the top fifth of high schools statewide. Families who want a quieter, small-town upbringing without sacrificing academic rigor will find a lot to like here — the kind of place where teachers know students by name and community ties run deep. If you're drawn to the foothills, outdoor lifestyle, and a genuine sense of belonging over the hustle of a bigger district, Foothill is worth a serious look.