Redwood Collegiate Academy

Tucked into the heart of Ukiah in Mendocino County's inland wine country, Redwood Collegiate Academy is a charter school that punches well above its weight for a small Northern California town, with particularly strong science scores that stand out even on a statewide scale. The 7-12 grade span means students build real continuity with teachers and peers across their middle and high school years — a meaningful advantage in a close-knit community like Ukiah, where that sense of belonging matters. Families drawn to a college-prep focus without the pressure of a big suburban district will find a lot to like here, especially if they're planting roots in a region known for redwoods, vineyards, and a genuinely local way of life.