Top 5 Santa Ana Schools and Their Impact on Home Values

Santa Ana, California, is a vibrant city in Orange County with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population of over 310,000 residents. For families and homebuyers, one of the most critical factors in choosing a neighborhood is the quality of local schools. High-performing schools not only provide excellent education but also significantly influence real estate markets by driving demand and increasing property values. In this blog post, we explore the top five schools in Santa Ana, based on academic performance, community reputation, and ratings from sources like GreatSchools and Niche, and analyze their impact on home values in surrounding neighborhoods.

Why Schools Matter for Home Values

Before diving into the top schools, it’s important to understand why schools play such a pivotal role in real estate. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between school quality and property values. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, for every dollar spent on public schools, home values in the area increase by approximately $20. Additionally, a study cited by The New York Times found that a 5% improvement in school test scores can raise home prices by 2.5% in suburban neighborhoods. Homes in high-performing school districts often sell faster, command higher prices, and exhibit greater resilience during market downturns due to sustained demand from families. Even for buyers without children, proximity to top schools enhances a property’s resale value and neighborhood stability.

In Santa Ana, where the housing market is somewhat competitive with a median home price of $897,054 in May 2025 (up 8.7% from the previous year), schools are a key driver of buyer decisions. Neighborhoods near top-rated schools often see increased demand, fewer rental options, and homes with more rooms to accommodate families, all of which contribute to higher property values.

Top 5 Santa Ana Schools

Below, we highlight five standout schools in Santa Ana, focusing on their academic achievements, programs, and community impact. These schools were selected based on their GreatSchools ratings, Niche rankings, and local reputation for excellence.

1. Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA)

• Type: Public Charter, Grades 7-12

• GreatSchools Rating: 10/10

• Niche Grade: A+

• Location: 1010 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

• Key Features: OCSA is a nationally recognized charter school offering rigorous academics alongside intensive arts training in disciplines like music, dance, theater, and visual arts. It serves approximately 2,200 students and boasts a 99% graduation rate, with many graduates accepted into top colleges and conservatories.

Impact on Home Values: OCSA’s prestige significantly enhances the appeal of Downtown Santa Ana and surrounding neighborhoods like French Park and Lacy. Homes near OCSA, particularly in historic areas like Floral Park, often sell for a premium due to the school’s reputation. For example, a 1924 English Tudor home in Floral Park was listed for its “quintessential charm” and proximity to top schools, contributing to median sale prices in the area reaching $880,000, up 6% year-over-year. The school’s presence attracts families willing to pay more for access to its unique programs, driving demand and reducing rental inventory by about 30% compared to lower-performing districts.

2. Foothill High School

• Type: Public, Grades 9-12

• GreatSchools Rating: 8/10

• Niche Grade: A

• Location: 19251 Dodge Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (serving parts of Santa Ana via Tustin Unified School District)

• Key Features: Foothill High School, part of the Tustin Unified School District, serves students in northeastern Santa Ana. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong athletics program, and a 95% graduation rate. The school ranks in the top 20% of California high schools for college readiness.

Impact on Home Values: Foothill’s strong academic performance boosts property values in neighborhoods like Meredith Parkwood and Morrison-Eldridge Park. These areas, known for their family-friendly amenities and parks, see median home values around $838,033, with annual appreciation rates of 7.32% over the past decade, outpacing many other Santa Ana neighborhoods. Homes near Foothill often sell in under 30 days, reflecting high demand from families prioritizing education.

3. Greenville Fundamental Elementary School

• Type: Public, Grades K-6

• GreatSchools Rating: 9/10

• Niche Grade: A-

• Location: 3600 S Raitt St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

• Key Features: Greenville Fundamental emphasizes a structured curriculum with a focus on core academics, parent involvement, and character development. It serves around 900 students and consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Santa Ana for test scores and academic progress.

Impact on Home Values: Located in the Fairhaven neighborhood, Greenville Fundamental drives demand for single-family homes, which make up 44.83% of Santa Ana’s housing stock. Fairhaven’s tranquil setting and proximity to top schools make it highly sought-after, with home prices ranging from $500,000 to $800,000. The school’s reputation contributes to a stable housing market, with properties appreciating at rates above the national average.

4. Muir Fundamental Elementary School

• Type: Public, Grades K-5

• GreatSchools Rating: 8/10

• Niche Grade: B+

• Location: 1950 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706

• Key Features: Muir Fundamental is known for its rigorous academic program, high parent involvement, and a focus on fundamental skills. It serves approximately 800 students and has received accolades for its community engagement, including the recognition of staff like Rubi Vega as Classified Employee of the Month.

Impact on Home Values: Muir Fundamental enhances the desirability of neighborhoods like Windsor Village and Mid-City. In Mid-City, median home sale prices reached $835,000 in 2025, up 11% from the previous year, driven by proximity to top schools and convenient freeway access. Homes in these areas sell in just 24 days on average, reflecting the competitive market fueled by families seeking quality education.

5. Santa Ana High School

• Type: Public, Grades 9-12

• GreatSchools Rating: 6/10

• Niche Grade: B

• Location: 520 W Walnut St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

• Key Features: As one of Santa Ana’s oldest and largest high schools, Santa Ana High serves over 2,800 students, with 40% English Language Learners and 10% special needs students. Despite lower test scores (10% math proficiency, 39% reading), it offers robust AP classes, dual enrollment, and the AVID program to prepare students for college. The school’s supportive environment and diverse programs earn high praise from students and parents.

Impact on Home Values: Santa Ana High’s central location in the Lacy neighborhood benefits from its historic significance and community focus. While its test scores are lower, the school’s programs and cultural diversity attract families to nearby areas like Downtown Santa Ana, where median home values are $753,175, up 4.7% year-over-year. The school’s presence supports a stable market, with homes receiving multiple offers and selling in about 42 days.

How These Schools Shape Santa Ana’s Real Estate Market

The top schools in Santa Ana create a ripple effect across the city’s housing market. Here’s a closer look at their collective impact:

1. Increased Demand and Higher Prices: Neighborhoods near OCSA, Foothill, Greenville, Muir, and Santa Ana High see heightened buyer interest, particularly from families. Homes in these areas often receive multiple offers (4-5 on average) and sell faster than the national average of 50 days. For example, Mid-City’s 24-day average sale time reflects the urgency of buyers seeking access to schools like Muir Fundamental.

2. Premium Pricing: Properties in top school districts command a price premium. A Brookings Institution study found that homes near high-performing schools can be $205,000 more expensive than those near lower-performing ones, a trend evident in Santa Ana’s Fairhaven and Meredith Parkwood neighborhoods. Larger homes with 1.5 more rooms are common in these areas, catering to families and further driving up prices.

3. Market Resilience: Homes near top schools are more resilient during economic downturns. Research from BiggerPockets indicates that properties in high-rated school districts (4-5 stars) experience less severe value declines, making them safer investments. This stability is evident in Santa Ana’s seller’s market, where prices have risen 8.7% despite a slight 2.1% dip in median sale prices from last year.

4. Neighborhood Appeal: Top schools enhance neighborhood desirability, attracting homeowners who invest in property maintenance and community activities. Areas like Windsor Village and Floral Park benefit from strong community ties, well-maintained parks, and cultural attractions, all of which boost property values.

5. Higher Property Taxes: Top-performing schools often correlate with higher property taxes, which fund school improvements and further increase home values. In Santa Ana, this cycle supports schools like OCSA and Greenville, creating a positive feedback loop for property appreciation.

Considerations for Homebuyers

For those considering a home purchase in Santa Ana, here are some tips to leverage school quality in your decision-making:

• Research School Ratings: Use resources like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com to evaluate schools based on test scores, college readiness, and parent reviews. Verify school boundaries with the Santa Ana Unified School District to ensure your property is zoned for your desired school.

• Work with Local Agents: Partner with real estate agents familiar with Santa Ana’s neighborhoods and schools. Agents like Andro Chavez in Mid-City can guide you to properties near top schools that meet your needs.

• Balance Cost and Benefits: Homes near top schools may carry a higher price tag and property taxes. Compare the cost of living in a high-performing district to private school tuition (e.g., $25,000/year per child) to determine if the investment makes sense for your family.

• Consider Future Resale: Even if you don’t have children, buying near a top school can enhance your home’s resale value. Properties in desirable districts like Fairhaven or Meredith Parkwood are more likely to attract buyers in the future.

• Visit Schools and Neighborhoods: Attend school open houses or community events to assess the environment. Explore neighborhoods like Floral Park or Mid-City to gauge amenities, safety, and lifestyle fit.

Conclusion

Santa Ana’s top schools—Orange County School of the Arts, Foothill High School, Greenville Fundamental Elementary, Muir Fundamental Elementary, and Santa Ana High School—are more than educational institutions; they are economic drivers that shape the city’s real estate landscape. By attracting families, boosting demand, and enhancing neighborhood appeal, these schools contribute to higher home values, faster sales, and market resilience. Whether you’re a parent prioritizing education or an investor seeking long-term appreciation, understanding the impact of these schools is crucial for making informed real estate decisions in Santa Ana.

As the city’s housing market continues to grow, with median prices up 8.7% in 2025, properties near top schools remain a smart investment. By researching schools, working with local experts, and weighing costs, homebuyers can find the perfect balance of education and value in this dynamic Orange County hub.