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2020 Best High Schools for Athletes in ConnecticutAbout this List

Explore the best high school sports programs based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking based on student and parent reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school. Compare the best high school sports programs in your area. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 297
Best for Athletes
297 results

  1. Glastonbury High School

    • Glastonbury School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 437 reviews
    #1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Glastonbury High School inspires students, cultivates learning and empowers students to shape their lives following these motto's. Everyone at GHS really is there for each other and wants everyone to succeed. If you make the most of your opportunity then nothing can stop you from achieving greatness.
    Read 437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 34 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Xavier High School

    • Private School
    • Middletown, CT
    • 9-12
    • 190 reviews
    #2 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Junior: Xavier is by far the greatest choice I have ever made in my life. Before stepping foot on campus, I didn't know what to expect, especially considering the public schooling I had gone to prior. All of my doubts changed when I was greeted with much respect. I immediately felt a part of the community; a feeling I had never felt in my life before. My public schooling system never gave me the opportunity to be treated in such a way. I feel as though the community at Xavier is something that cannot be found anywhere else, as is proven by the alumni that are constantly visiting the school, whether it be at homecoming or just casually. They talk about the memories they had at Xavier, what they used to do all the time, and especially about the lifelong bond the school has created with all of its students. I am very proud to be a Falcon. If you want your child to not only have a great education, but also be a part of the lifelong bond, Xavier is definitely the right choice. Let's go X!
    Read 190 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 19 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Darien High School

    • Darien School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 174 reviews
    #3 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Alum: Challenging course load, prepared me very well for college. Teachers are strict but have the students best interests at heart! Loved my experience here at Darien High.
    Read 174 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 30 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Fairfield College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Fairfield, CT
    • 9-12
    • 110 reviews
    #4 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Junior: Fairfield Prep is an incredible school that will prepare you for the real world. The curriculum at Fairfield Prep is very rigorous and in order to succeed here, you will need to work very hard. There are many opportunities for our young men to get involved at this school such as drama, sports, and many clubs. Succeeding here will allow you to apply to the most rigorous universities around the country. There are many great teachers here as well, but not all! Be prepared to deal with some unreasonable teachers. If you work hard, you are set. Some small cons are the lack of courses that are found in other schools such as AP economics and AP psychology. However, you will find many opportunities to challenge yourself here through AP and honors classes. If you are an 8th grader at the moment of reading this, I hope you will consider Fairfield Prep.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 17 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Norwich Free Academy

    • Private School
    • Norwich, CT
    • 9-12
    • 565 reviews
    #5 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Norwich Free Academy is one of the few schools in the United States that have its own museum on campus (Slater Memorial Museum). NFA's campus is not like a regular high school, it consists of 8 buildings allowing students to experience with a college like campus to prepare them for higher levels of education. The number of extracurricular activities it offers gives students countless opportunities to succeed and build their resume, the career resource center allows students to explore in desirable careers and many possible opportunities.
    Read 565 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 32 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Suffield High School

    • Suffield School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 120 reviews
    #6 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: I have enjoyed my experiences at Suffield High School. As a Senior, I am lucky enough to be Student Senate President. I am able to plan and run many events and even DJ pep rallies, and school dances. I really am fortunate to come to a great school where all of my teachers are enthusiastic about teaching us. All of my teachers want us to succeed and they truly care about us. Our building being less than 20 years old, has awesome facilities for sports, theater, and more! Our cafeteria is state of the art with great food. Our librarian is knowledgeable and there are thousands of books. Our administration is superb and connects very well with the student body. Overall, Suffield High School is a great place to get an education.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 25 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  9. New Canaan High School

    • New Canaan School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 175 reviews
    #7 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: New Canaan High School is an excellent high school in the safe and supportive town of New Canaan, Connecticut. The administrators and staff are always committed to helping students and supporting them to the best of their efforts. NCHS provides students with a wealth of resources and extracurricular opportunities and graduates classes well-prepared for college and future endeavors. As a school community, the culture at NCHS is addictive. Whether through pep rallies, school-wide assemblies, or large sporting events, one can always find members of the staff and student body supporting athletes and coaches on and off the fields. In addition, the arts are encouraged and appreciated through art shows and displays throughout the school. While NCHS is somewhat secluded and limited in its diversity within its student population, students are inclusive and kind to all. Ultimately, New Canaan High School is an excellent place that supports all students and faculty and all are treated well.
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 29 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  10. St Joseph High School

    • Private School
    • Trumbull, CT
    • 9-12
    • 190 reviews
    #8 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Parent: St. Joseph High School is everything you want in a high school. It is the perfect size, the students have great relationships with their teachers, who know them very well, and the sports teams and extracurriculars are excellent. The academics are outstanding, and additional college level courses and STEM programs are offered. There is even an ecological boardwalk on the campus amidst their own beautiful cross country trails! BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY...this school has a purpose and mission with its Catholic tradition of teaching students to be concerned for others, to serve others, and to learn in an environment of charity, encouraged by their teachers and staff. From supporting sports teams, to annual class trips, and formal dances for each class each year, the students have plenty of opportunities to know each other outside the class room.
    Read 190 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 20 Total Number of Sports
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  11. Notre Dame High School

    • Private School
    • West Haven, CT
    • 9-12
    • 100 reviews
    #9 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: I always New I wanted to attend Notre Dame high school but for financial reasons, I didn’t think it was possible. With the help of ND’s financial aid department and a mentor program known as Shepherd, my dream became a reality and I was not disappointed! ND was everything I had hoped it would be and then some! I have received a top notch education and made lifelong friendships with many other life lessons and memories along the way! I highly recommend NDWH!
    Read 100 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 13 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Mercy High School

    • Private School
    • Middletown, CT
    • 9-12
    • 181 reviews
    #10 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Overall I loved Mercy High School! It is warm and positive environment that strives to strengthen our spiritual and academic goals. The teachers I have had throughout the four years have helped me to understand the lessons and were more than happy to stay and give me extra help if I needed it. Mercy is a family and we all look out for each other including the faculty and staff. There are many diverse classes to take which really helped me to figure out my strengths, weaknesses, and what my interests are. A lot of people are concerned about the college process when they enter into college; Mercy took off all of the stress and made it so easy to apply to colleges. I would 100% recommend Mercy High School to anyone who is contemplating enrolling. While being here I have grown spiritually, academically, emotionally, and all around I am just a better person because of this school!
    Read 181 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 14 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Daniel Hand High School

    • Madison School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 213 reviews
    #11 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Daniel Hand is as competitive as it comes when talking about public schools. The fantastic faculty is both engaged and qualified, most making significant connections with the students that in turn, lead to greater academic success. Athletics are highly emphasized. The students themselves are at times cutthroat and dangerously competitive, as expectations towards the college application process looms over most. Diversity cannot be found at Daniel Hand, with most students coming from caucasian backgrounds. "Madison bubble" can be used to describe the atmosphere within the school, however, the majority of students are politically and socially aware.
    Read 213 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 29 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Windsor High School

    • Windsor School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 219 reviews
    #12 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Junior: Windsor High School gives each student the opportunity to learn what they want to learn, by having many different classes available for students. With the different levels of learning available you are always able to push yourself at Windsor High School, this gives many students the opportunity to complete take AP classes. Overall Windsor is a great high school for both students as well as athletes.
    Read 219 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 22 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Staples High School

    • Westport School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 190 reviews
    #13 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Junior: Staples is a phenomenal public high school equipt with every resource and club imaginable. While the academics, athletics, and college preparation are amazing, two flaws that stand out to me the most are: school culture and diversity. College seems to be an overstressed subject at Staples, where it begins to stir competition between peers and high levels of stress and anxiety among many students. In addition, there is not much diversity at the school. However, with all that being said, I think the pros of Staples definitely outshine the cons.
    Read 190 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 35 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Ridgefield High School

    • Ridgefield School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 359 reviews
    #14 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Alum: I loved Ridgefield High School, and I I will always remember my high school years as some of the most important and memorable years in my life! Virtually all the faculty at RHS are so knowledgeable about the subjects they teach, and they are always willing to offer some help. For example, I had some trouble in math during my junior year at RHS, so I contacted my teacher and she offered for me to come in and see her for extra help, so I saw her a few times after school, and I got an A on the exam the next week! This is just one example of how caring the RHS faculty was, and still is! The faculty—and truthfully, everyone at the school—just cares so much about the environment and everything they are doing, and it really is a wonderful place. The only thing I wish were better is the food. During my four years, the food seemed to get progressively worse. I believe this was due to budget cuts, but the food was just not very good by my senior year. Overall, though, RHS was just great!
    Read 359 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 33 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Masuk High School

    • Monroe School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 204 reviews
    #15 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Junior: Lots of AP classes and honors classes offered. There are a wide variety of electives to choose from as well. Most teachers are friendly and easy to approach. The guidance office is fantastic, especially in helping students prepare for college. There are many clubs available as well, so there is something for everyone. Lots of homework and projects assigned daily and upkeep with the school isnt always the greatest. The school has a pool and a swim team which is nice but the pool is not very well kept and there are many accounts of students contracting athletes foot. Overall a pretty good school, but wearing flip-flops in the pool area is recommended.
    Read 204 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 27 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Waterford High School

    • Waterford School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 139 reviews
    #16 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Waterford High School provided me with the education I need to further my studies into college. They are very open and helpful with anything I need, the teachers and staff are very friendly and our STEM program is amazing. I am very happy to have grown up in Waterford Public Schools!
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 23 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Fairfield Warde High School

    • Fairfield School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 276 reviews
    #17 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: It's a very welcoming, academic, respectful, dynamic, and ethical school - that's the Warde acronym! And it stands true. Faculty and staff do a great job at ensuring these qualities in the high school and enforcing rules. The rules are strict, but students still have so much freedom to be themselves in this school. The teachers only want the best for their students, and in the situation where a teacher is unreliable, guidance counselors are always another friendly face that students can turn to.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 34 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Simsbury High School

    • Simsbury School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 314 reviews
    #18 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Having moved cross country halfway through a school year, the school worked really hard to get me acclimated to my new school so I could succeed. The school offers a plethora of electives that allow students to truly explore their interests at a pre-collegiate level. It is a rigorous academic environment and students work hard to earn their grades. They are very proud of the high scores achieved on standardized testing. Like other high schools, there is room for improvement regarding inclusion and respect for differing opinions.
    Read 314 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 31 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Brookfield High School

    • Brookfield School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 310 reviews
    #19 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Brookfield, as a town, is already a very tight-knit community, and it's exactly the same at the high school. While the students may joke about the school being less than satisfactory, we are actually really lucky with the environment we've created. We are quite an inclusive high school, our administration cares about our success, and our school spirit is energizing. We also have numerous clubs and sports that anyone has the opportunity to join. Our guidance counselors are very invested in our lives, which can be seen through their involvement in our academic and social success. However, due to our geographical location and the size of our town, there is very little diversity in our school.
    Read 310 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 27 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Conard High School

    • West Hartford School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 299 reviews
    #20 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: My time at Conard high school has gone by quickly, and I would say it was a pretty average high school experience. Some of the teachers had some favoritism problems, and of course there were your usual “popular” cliques. But there some teachers who will have a lasting impression on me, such as my freshman year Earth Science teacher who made it the best class I’ve taken throughout high school. Another is my freshman year Algebra 1 teacher who always seemed in a good mood, and was wonderful at making math (my least favorite subject) one of my favorite classes. There are definitely some things I didn’t like, one of them being that the student body wasn’t very inclusive, but overall, my experience at Conard is one that I’ll reflect upon with a smile and a sense of nostalgia years from now, and since it’s coming to an end so soon, I’ve realized how much I’ll miss it.
    Read 299 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 29 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Middletown High School

    • Middletown School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 249 reviews
    #21 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Middletown High School has been far more than a school for me in the past four years. It has been a second home, an adventure, and a place I have come to love. Middletown High School is a welcoming place that offers not only amazing opportunities through its myriad of classes but also through it wide selection of clubs and athletic teams. Beyond that, the fellow students I had the pleasure of attending this wonderful school were not only accepting but welcoming and always pushing each other to be our best. I can confidently say because of MHS that I am ready for college and I have no concerns about succeeding in school. I wish every teen could experience the intense pride and welcoming environment MHS has provided for me! While I am looking forward to graduation and the next exciting chapter that college will be in my life, I will always hold onto my Blue Dragon roots.
    Read 249 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 25 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Greenwich High School

    • Greenwich School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 389 reviews
    #22 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Parent: Greenwich High School has a lot of resources and provides support for all types of students ranging from college-track to vocational to special education and gifted. The school is large (3,000 students), but manages to employ enough guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists and other mental health support staff so that students have a personal connection with at least one adult other than their teachers. The school has both a strong music and arts program that includes chorus, band, orchestra, drama, theater, painting, dance, photography, etc. Also, students are encouraged to pursue scientific, technological, or mathematical interests. There are many, many opportunities to play a variety of sports at various levels (intramural, junior varsity or varsity) The school is very diverse and celebrates difference. Greenwich High School is very much like a small college. It has a rigorous curriculum and students learn to balance their studies with their other commitments.
    Read 389 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 32 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  27. East Lyme High School

    • East Lyme School District, CT
    • 9-12
    • 326 reviews
    #23 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: East Lyme High School is what you make it. There are pockets of the community that are incredibly extra and dramatic, and sure there are of course our stereotypical rich brats- but most of us are down to earth and there to get into college. Compared to many schools in the area, ELHS gives it's students the freedom to really dig into their interests through their large selection of extracurriculars and elective courses. Interested in marine biology? We have a course! TV broadcasting in a school of 1500? We have that too! Sure, you may have to take exams for classes like choir but it is so worth it. People move here for the schools- this place gets you ready for college.
    Read 326 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 29 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Northwest Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • West Hartford, CT
    • 9-12
    • 171 reviews
    #24 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Alum: NWC helped give me the tools and skills I need to be successful in college. The opportunities for clubs, AP courses, and staying involved in the community allowed each student to make a bigger impact on the school. Northwest gives students a solid faith-based foundation to be successful in whatever they choose to do in life. Go Lions!
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 44 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Amity Regional High School

    • Amity Regional School District No. 5, CT
    • 9-12
    • 323 reviews
    #25 Best High Schools for Athletes in Connecticut

    Senior: Quality of education is great. Majority of teachers truly care about your work and personal life and strive to see you improve. You are always given the chance to do your best, and the atmosphere is welcoming most of the time. While there have been bumps in the road, remember it is a public school. Amity is highly looked upon by colleges and graduation rate is near 100%. Going to college is the goal, and Amity is great at preparing you for it!
    Read 323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 30 Total Number of Sports
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Suffield Academy

    • Private School
    • Suffield, CT
    • 9-12
    • 126 reviews

    Alum: It is a great place to learn and grow! Environment is safe and welcoming. The curriculum is excellent and prepares the students for success in college. Class sizes are not big so students can get individual attention if needed. Tiger pride is great, there are tons of events setup for everyone in the student body to come together. Sports games are exciting and competitive. Faculty is very engaged in the students academic success. Facilities were impressive and well-kept.
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 410 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Hopkins School

    • Private School
    • New Haven, CT
    • 7-12
    • 70 reviews

    Parent: I have been fortunate to have two children attend Hopkins School. Both have very different passions in the classroom and both are very different learners. I've been thrilled with Hopkins and the schools ability to teach to a range of students in the classroom. Both of my children have thrived on the Hilltop. My son graduated two years ago and attends a highly selective college in New England. My daughter is currently in the 11th grade loving history, English, and art. I highly recommend Hopkins for motivated students who love to learn.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 714 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    King School

    • Private School
    • Stamford, CT
    • PK, K-12
    • 47 reviews

    Parent: Terrific programs, responsive administration, and wonderful community. Students seem to really love the global fair that is held every year, the age-appropriate field-trips, homecoming, and many other wonderful opportunities and events.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 706 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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