2023 Best Charter High Schools in America

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: The faculty, staff, volunteers, boosters, teachers, and students all are there to improve the world. The numerous clubs, from Amnesty International, Model UN, Medical Leader Club, Public Speaking Club, and the 50+ clubs for students to join, are a huge asset for building future leaders through learning first hand. They also offer many sports, arts, music programs. They have taken the best learning techniques from Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States and brought their own techniques to life with a low teacher to student ratio. Having teachers, that are accomplished as educators and having worked in specialized fields outside of the classroom, brings a wealth of knowledge for the students. BASIS Scottsdale is rewriting what education should be. If more schools followed their path, the world would be a much more intelligent and caring place. I feel lucky to be able to have my son receive such an amazing WORLD CLASS EDUCATION!... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,137

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Raleigh, NC•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  200 reviews

Senior: My years at Raleigh Charter have allowed me to grow as an individual and as a intellectual. Although Raleigh Charter’s academic rigor is challenging, it enables the student to have a well-rounded education which can prepare them for any walks of life. In addition, the non academic features of the school are also very rewarding. There is almost always an event that one can attended every week as a break from academic students. There are an array of clubs present that can allow students to grow their interests ranging from STEM to liberal arts. As a small school, There are many different ways students can be involved into the community and make an impact. The only thing I would change about Raleigh Charter is the diversity. If there were more minorities whether teachers are students, there would be more perspectives to take from. Nonetheless, the community is very inclusive and welcoming!... Read 200 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 569

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Tucson, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: I have really enjoyed the advanced classes offered at Basis Tucson North. You have plenty of opportunities to take honors and AP classes that will teach and challenge and prepare you for college.. I've really grown academically because of my school. I also love their foreign language curriculum. I have taken French for six years. Because of that, I feel confident in my ability to converse with native speakers on a variety of topics. The French teachers are amazing and have taught me a lot. The only complaint I have about my school is its focus on STEM. There are so many math and science courses available to take, but all of the fine arts programs are very small in comparison. In spite of that, I have had so many amazing experiences taking band and orchestra throughout my years at Basis Tucson North. Although small, the community of students that you make music with is close. Our conductor is amazing. He helps us to unlock our potential with out instruments. It's a really good class.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 922

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  73 reviews

Senior: I’ve been a student at BASIS Phoenix since 5th grade, and I honestly love it! Subject Expert teachers, specifically ones dubbed “veteran teachers” who have been on campus since it’s opening in 2012, give in their all to their students and always persevere through the rough days like Friday’s before seasonal breaks. Everyone just wants the best for each other, especially since everyone grew up together. BASIS not only teaches you simple soft skills, like time management and teamwork, but also a sense of community that is hard to find outside of colleges.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 769

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Oro Valley, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  93 reviews

Junior: I think that if I went to any other school, I wouldn’t have the same teacher-student relationship as I do here. Due to the smaller class size, teachers are able to connect more with your students, and they are fully able to show just how much that they care. There’s also additional hours reserved for students who need extra help with assignments, and plenty of accommodations for those who are struggling to learn. My only complaint would be the lack of funding for extracurriculars and social gatherings, but I know that they plan on making a dedicated group of students to help create better events in the future.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 628

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  585 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is an excellent school. I am in my 3rd year at this school, as a freshman, and there are so many art opportunities for students wanting to pursue any type of art, as well as many academic opportunities such as a vast selection of clubs, honors societies, and volunteering activities. Students make so many great connections in their art field and can make friends with people they are much closer with, due to overlapping passions. Many of the arts teachers are actively working in their fields making them great resources! Overall, OCSA is a great option for any student passionate about art and curious about learning more about art! Although there are some problems with OCSA including safety because of the location, academic teachers because some are not sufficient in teaching, as well as the food since some options can be unhealthy and the menu does not get switched out daily, OCSA has a great positive community that accepts all!... Read 585 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Peoria, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: If your looking for the best preparation for college you will find it at basis! It AP courses are challenging yet enjoyable. Any help you need you will find with the teachers who all seek to prepare you for college. It does require hard work but as a senior I've realized all of it was worth it to get into top schools and multiple scholarship opportunities with ease.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 991

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Mesa, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: Basis Mesa has taught me many things over the past 8 Years. The workload helped me develop tenacity and diligence. I absolutely love the teachers and atmosphere. They never fail to make sure that the students excel at their crafts. From hosting student hours to checking up on the students, the teachers are incredible to work with. Many of my friends I have grown along side with have impeccable characteristics and are very compassionate of others. The facilities at Basis can definitely use some work. I'm pretty sure its because the other Basis Schools are prioritized over our smaller school. I hope that are able to earn more money to aid in providing more extracurriculars. I would like a more diverse curriculum. It would be lovely if the art department had more funding because we have many talented students that love art, theatre, and music. The opportunities that Basis provides are out-matched and I am glad I went to this school.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 813

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  72 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, BASIS Chandler was a great school. The teachers were well versed in their subjects in addition to being kind, compassionate, and caring. In academic options, BASIS really excelled. However, I felt that the arts were not given due appreciation. Furthermore, choosing a fine art class often interfered with more academic classes. This left students to choose between an artistic passions, for example, theatre, and taking an AP elective. There could be more funding and support for things that laid outside the realm of academia. Personally, I also felt the rules for students were too strict. BASIS Chandler, after all, does include high school, but we were banned from using phones during lunch, and students were not allowed to text their parents if they were feeling sick. They were supposed to go through the front office. I thought a lot of the rules were unreasonable, especially for high schoolers.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,177

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• Public School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  38 reviews

Alum: Great teachers, but majority end up leaving or becoming admin. It's a shame because there used to be a lot more teachers who were passionate for teaching. Sometimes they hire teachers whose qualifications are questionable. Compared to other BASIS schools, we had less funding from BASIS Ed (headquarters). I wish we had had more funding for our theatre department, which is what we're known for. Leadership Society is one of the best extracurriculars you can do at our school because it really teaches you to work in a team and take responsibility for things. We planned all the events from start to finish. Sports are not a strong suit here. Our school emphasizes community. The Boosters, which is the parent organization, plays a very big role in making our school better every day. They organize catered lunches from nearby restaurants as hot lunch. This school is a high stress environment but the AP tests are free. The ceilings leak every time it rains btw. The walls are WEAK so be careful.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 780

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Evansville, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  125 reviews

Senior: If you've seen any rankings/reviews, you know this school is rigorous. But because students choose to attend this high school, the student body consists of like-minded individuals who like learning and pushing academic boundaries There is a spot for everyone here—as each class is ~100 students, Signature has a very close-knit community. The faculty is amazing without exception; their love for teaching and care for the students is clear Signature feels like home. The countless clubs—with focuses in service, language/culture, academics, pride, sports (esp. recent years), etc—encourage intergrade interactions & relationships This school has an open campus! Many students go out to eat and most enjoy lunch outside. There are currently 3 buildings, and for this reason (considering it's in downtown Evansville), students must take extra care to be safe. However, the administration oversees and prioritizes student safety so this isn't really a concern 10/10 recommend applying&shadowing :)... Read 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 389

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  323 reviews

Freshman: This is my first year at CSW and, so far, it has been wonderful! I am being challenged with my work while being given the right amount of assistance and support from teachers. They provide many opportunities for their kids through their clubs and resources (though mainly focusing on science and math; they have no resources for arts). Nonetheless, the facilities themselves aren't that great. The building itself is quite old, and many rooms aren't well-kept.... Read 323 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 965

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• New Orleans, LA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  453 reviews

Junior: If you want to get ahead of the college crowd, Benjamin Franklin High School should be on your list. With rigorous courses and a plethora of AP courses to choose from, this school has got you covered. However, the prevailing mood from both students and teachers is usually depressive as a result, although teachers try their hardest to make classes engaging and fun. Since the school is public, you get all sorts of characters and backgrounds in one place, meaning you are certain to find a friend (the Franklin Summer Institute is a good way to start the school year off with friends!). On the flip side, it's not uncommon to not encounter half of the staff/student population until your junior year, so if a close-knit community is a must for you, avoid Ben Franklin at all costs. Overall, if you can keep up with the course load, this school is for you!... Read 453 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,017

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Flagstaff, AZ•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: I have been at this school since 6th grade and I love it! It can definitely be very academically challenging, but that is one of my favorite parts about it. The teachers are always pushing students to do our best work and reach our full potential. I feel that I am being prepared for college very well in my final year of high school, and I love all of the courses that are being offered senior year. Despite our rigorous academics, our school culture is not overly competitive, and we all support each other, especially when it comes to college applications senior year. Although I wouldn't say that BASIS Flagstaff has great programs when it comes to sports and arts, I have still participated in and thoroughly enjoyed both. If you are interested in a high school with a lot of school spirit, especially surrounding sports, I would not recommend BASIS Flagstaff. We also tend to have a few issues surrounding administrative organization, but overall, I still love this school!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 878

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Tempe, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  130 reviews

Sophomore: I love Tempe Prep! It is a small inclusive community, where bright minds come together to learn. My favorite class at Tempe Preparatory Academy is Humane Letters, which explores history and English. I enjoyed the Aeneid, which we read this year. I also like all of my teachers, and have connected with them well. I have had the opportunity to start an Outdoor Club as well. But, like any school, Tempe Prep has some problems. We do not have good diversity. My class is almost fully white, and I wish I had the opportunity to learn with people a different race than I. And, of those white people, many of them are racist, and would benefit from greater diversity.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 434

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  89 reviews

Parent: I find the student body to be diverse and vibrant with students from all different backgrounds. School pride is evident by the cleanliness and orderly nature of the school grounds. Teachers are highly assessable to both students and parents and offers weekly tutoring hours. Students have time after lunch to study, attend tutoring, or get some fresh air on the field. There is a robust mentoring program for new students. My children have very different learning styles where school comes easy for one while the other struggles. Through the CPA ESS program, my youngest gets additional support that helps her be successful with the more rigorous curriculum. This school focuses on a classical liberal arts curriculum that not only cultivates the hearts and minds of students in the pursuit of Truth, Beauty and Goodness, but also graduates students that are prepared for college. The school produces a well rounded student and encourages athletics, music, art, mentorship, and community service.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 734

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Fresno, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  248 reviews

Senior: University High School (UHS) has a total of roughly 400 students. With small schools, the community feels tighter, and everyone feels like family. The staff and teachers develop a strong bond where they can communicate with honesty and openness. UHS provides a safe space of support for those who may face problems at home, and its understanding staff and students create a welcoming atmosphere for all. The school also has an excellent curriculum that guides students towards academic excellence. Students are required to take AP and dual-enrollment classes, which adequately prepares them for the next level in college. UHS trusts its students to be understanding, honorable, and studious. There are no staff members patrolling the campus because there is no reason to; the students at UHS display proper behavior. A school with academic excellence, with a welcoming environment, with a strong community of kind students, deserves no less than five stars. It is not just a school; it is our home.... Read 248 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 483

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Academy for Science & Design Charter School, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: When I first started at ASD in sixth grade, I was determined to go somewhere else for high school. Now, I'm a senior, and staying was the best choice I ever made. ASD might be small and nerdy, but it has an incredible community. The teachers aren't there for the money; they're there because they're passionate and knowledgeable. The students all know and support each other. We're best known for our academics, and for good reason. The high-school-level classes start in 7th grade, and they remain challenging and innovative all the way through 12th. Overall, ASD was ranked the number one high school in NH, and it truly is.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Orange County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  179 reviews

Senior: After switching from my old elementary school to this school, I found it to be a drastic change. There are different buildings for each category of students (elementary, middle, high) and they're not all that big, however, the intelligence and diversity of this school make up for it! I've made friends of many different cultures and I've never met so many people who are of the same culture as me. I take college classes in addition to my high school classes, and I'm even graduating a year early to get a headstart on college. This school is primarily A student, and 90% of the teachers actually care about their students and prioritize their education. I love my teachers, I could never ask for better ones. Overall, this school is very hard-working, diverse, and the extracurriculars focus on STEM-related activities, but they have cultural and even athletic clubs, too!... Read 179 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,219

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  120 reviews

Senior: I love my school! I love how the Integrated Arts Conservatory is a literal family: everyone's super supportive, loving, and they all make classes and the school a safe place. Based on five culture pillars, students have had a unique opportunity to create a new campus culture from scratch, and I think we can say that we've done it, and we've done it well. Even throughout distance learning, teachers have been and still are supportive, flexible, and easy to reach. Teachers provide extra help and support to students who need it, and care about all of their students and their mental health. I would recommend this school to anyone who loves art, loves to learn, wants to find a home away from home, and is ready to have lots of fun!... Read 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,016

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  186 reviews

Senior: UPA has been an excellent learning environment throughout my 5 years as a student. The small class sizes allows for teachers, counsellors and staff to truly connect with students and accommodate their needs. Readily available office hours and quick turn around time for emails has helped me reach out to teachers whenever I needed help in their class. In terms of student life, UPA has a strong sense of community on campus. Most events are inclusive to all grades and many electives have a diverse range of grade levels in them. Programs such as Web and Link, as well as clubs, make UPA an environment that balances both school and personal interests. As someone involved in multiple clubs (President of Girl Up!, PR manager of both Film Club and Acts of Random Kindness club), I can vouch that UPA truly allows students to run their organizations. UPA's Theater Department, although low in funding, harbors immense talent and dedication, in which I've seen in my experience as a stage manager... Read 186 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 702

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  571 reviews

Senior: Walton is a fantastic school that prides itself on many achievements, as it should. It is wonderfully maintained and it has a golden standard. However, as a student, it can sometimes be a bit suffocating depending on the diffuculty of classes being taken. Overall, a wonderful school that lives up to it's reputation, just needs to be acknowledged as a potential challenge for students!... Read 571 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,709

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  42 reviews

Senior: The academics are exceptional, and for the most part the teachers are super great and helpful! Social life can be a little bit difficult because it is a small school, but I definitely found my group of people. One thing I would like to see change is the way the administration deals with bullying, harassment, and false allegations. Kids that behave this way often don’t get consequences, which doesn’t help the situation.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,551

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Woodbury, MN•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: It’s a small school, which means you really get to know everyone and all the teachers get to know you. Since it’s a 6-12 school, the kids grew up together and are, as a result, very tight-knit. Regardless, they’re not very social either outside of their groups and are mostly academically-focused. This also means that there’s not very much drama and is usually peaceful. Since it’s a small school, the AP classes offered are limited, so most kids opt to do PSEO, or dual enrollment, during their junior and senior years as a result. Even so, the AP classes are taught well and teachers are understanding.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 543

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Marlborough, MA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  267 reviews

Junior: AMSA is a public charter school founded in 2005 with a mission to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that emphasizes math, science, and technology. The school offers a variety of advanced placement (AP) courses and earn college credit while still in high school. The curriculum emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. AMSA has a diverse student body and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, including athletics, music, drama, and community service. The school has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to give back to their communities through volunteering and service projects. Overall, AMSA is known for its rigorous academic program, innovative approach to education, and commitment to community service. It may be a good fit for students who are interested in STEM subjects and are looking for a challenging and supportive academic environment.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 966

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1