Cambridge Virtual Academy

Cambridge Virtual Academy is a small, high-performing public online school serving grades 7-12 in Anaheim, part of the Anaheim Union High district, that consistently ranks among the top schools in the state despite serving a student population with significant economic need.

This school stands out dramatically from others in the area, particularly for its near-perfect attendance and strong graduation rates. While nearby traditional high schools like Loara High and Western High also have high graduation rates, Cambridge achieves this with a virtual model that virtually eliminates chronic absenteeism—a major challenge at other local schools. Academically, it significantly outperforms the average for its own district and even holds its own against schools in the higher-performing Garden Grove Unified district, such as Rancho Alamitos High.

Cambridge's success is especially notable when compared to other alternative schools in the area, like Gilbert High (Continuation) and Polaris High, which serve similar functions but with much lower academic results. The data suggests Cambridge's online model is exceptionally effective for supporting students who may struggle in traditional settings, helping them stay engaged and succeed. It achieves these strong outcomes with mid-range per-student spending, demonstrating efficient use of resources.