 The school was recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2013, a 2015 Gold Ribbon/Exemplary Arts High School, and in August 2017 recognized by US News and World Report as one of the top high schools in the nation.In 2019, Yorba Linda High School was recognized as a US News and World Reports "Best High Schools" award winner.YLHS ranked #1,200 nationwide (top 5%), #184 in California (top 7%), and as the #1 high school in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.