Tennyson High

Tennyson High sits in the working-class heart of Hayward, a city that often gets overshadowed by its Bay Area neighbors but has a tight-knit community all its own. Academics here are a real challenge area, with test scores placing the school near the bottom statewide, so families who prioritize rigorous academics may want to explore other options in the district or nearby. That said, Hayward itself is evolving — centrally located between Oakland and San Jose, with decent transit access and a growing local pride — and families already rooted in this community who want their kids close to home will find a school that reflects the diverse, hardworking character of the neighborhood.