2024 Best High Schools in the Hartford Area

• Windsor, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  145 reviews

Freshman: I like the welcoming environment and sense of belonging from going to this school. Loomis’s emphasis on the Best Self and Common Good is present throughout the school‘s culture and social life, and hence the school is very open and accepting. The diversity at the school made me feel welcome and accepted, and Loomis’s programs to raise awareness for groups like the LGBTQ+ community were reaffirming and a nice action for National Coming Out Day. The school’s academic programs are beneficially challenging as well, with flexibility in advancing in courses such that students are able to take sufficiently challenging courses. The music, arts and after school activities all have an abundance of applicable resources. The Loomis Chaffee School is a great place for students who are willing to take initiative and seek resources to advance their learning and skills.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Farmington, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  124 reviews

Freshman: Really like the school’s atmosphere! It is such a warm and inclusive community. Nice people, close connections here. The academics is challenging but definitely not overwhelming. There are a lot of really fun traditions waiting for Newgs to explore which makes the school days super fun.... Read 124 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 335

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Avon, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  260 reviews

Parent: Avon Old Farms (AOF) provides outstanding education for boys in a caring community. Every person who works at AOF "gets" boys and wants them to be their best, to try things, to discover new parts of themselves, to achieve academically, and to reach their potential. Boys love AOF and truly experience the brotherhood that is the school's philosophy of the school community. There is always something happening on campus that is fun, including excellent sports. Communication between the school and parents is very strong with mutual trust and regard.... Read 260 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 406

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• West Hartford, CT•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: All three of my children attended Kingswood Oxford for all 7 years of middle school and high school, and I couldn't be happier with their experiences there! From the caring teachers and advisors, to the coaches, to the support services, I always felt that my children were "safe" - no one slips through the cracks at KO. Additionally, the facilities are beautiful, and my kids loved the food options served in the dining hall! Aside from the quality education and life-long friendships they made, all three have mentioned at one point or another that one of the greatest skills they emerged with was the ability to write and to put a research paper together. They noticed that some of their friends at college often struggled with this, and they all felt confident about it; KO requires that all of their seniors complete a Senior Thesis project before graduating, and this really strengthened the already strong writing and research skills the kids had developed during their time at the school.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 501

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Simsbury, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: As an alum of Westminster, I was open to the possibility of sending our 2 children to the school. First, we were interested to learn more about how the schools' curriculum, faculty and extracurricular activities have evolved over the years to keep pace with the ever-changing world. I was invited up to the school to engage in an in-depth multi-day look into the inner workings of the school and its future goals (under new leadership in Elaine White). I was pleased with its direction and strides it has made to ensure all children have a positive experience at the school. Of course, there is always more work that can be done to keep pace with the diversity of the student population (and its families), but I believe they are on the right path! I'm proud of my alma Mata.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 435

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Simsbury, CT•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  103 reviews

Senior: Senior here, and I loved my experience... mostly! Some teachers are better than others, but the majority of my teachers are intellectually engaging and really care about their students. The student body isn't particularly diverse, but there is an effort being made to mitigate that and to better support out BIPOC students. The best thing about Walker's is unquestionably the way that we've been encouraged to speak our minds and challenge the system. For this empowerment alone I have to recommend the school. Of course, there are downsides, administration can be stuck in its ways, and one often feels powerless to change our school. COVID management has been very successful and distance learning went as well as possible.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 228

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hartford, CT•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  141 reviews

Parent: I'm so thankful that my son has had the opportunity to attend this wonderful school! He moved to the Unites States from Mexico in the middle of the pandemic- needless to say, we were a little nervous about the transition. At Watkinson both the teachers and students have been incredibly welcoming and have made my son feel at home. There's tremendous support for each and every student, ensuring success for everyone, no matter what their strengths and challenges. The LSP program helps students learn strategies to improve academically. The Creative Arts Program is fabulous! My son has become more sure of himself, has developed close friendships quite quickly, and has become a better student, and a happier person, at Watkinson. I highly recommend this school!... Read 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Avon School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  213 reviews

Senior: Avon High School in Avon, CT is truly an exceptional educational institution. I can confidently say that this school is outstanding. The faculty and staff are dedicated to helping each student succeed, providing them with the tools, support, and resources they need to achieve their goals. The school boasts a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their interests and passions. One of the standout features of this school is the strong sense of community and camaraderie among the students. The students are friendly, welcoming, and inclusive, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. If you're looking for an exceptional high school experience, this is definitely the place to be. The faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve their full potential, and the students themselves are friendly, supportive, and engaged.... Read 213 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 955

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• West Hartford School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  344 reviews

Alum: Conard High School has several caring teachers who devote endless amounts of effort and energy into assisting their students. Conard High School also offers a wide array of extracurriculars, ranging from the “10 Minute Play Club” to the “Women In STEM Club.” This school’s vast variety of club opportunities allowed me to explore numerous different passions. Additionally, Conard High School heavily assists students with the college application process. Though I appreciate Conard’s emphasis on college, I wish Conard would support students who plan to pursue alternative paths after graduation.... Read 344 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,434

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Glastonbury Public Schools, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  490 reviews

Senior: The biggest thing I've learned at GHS is how to seize the opportunity and at GHS, there are plenty of opportunities. There are many classes and clubs to choose from. With each commitment I've made at GHS, I've walked away a better person. Whether it was a cheer that broke me down and built me up constantly or unified theatre that brought me a new perspective, I was continually learning and growing. I can't say GHS is easy, it's rather tough for a public school. However, the reward in the curriculum outweighs any sleepless nights. The staff care about each student and want them to succeed... well at least most of them. I can't blame some of my teachers for being cold, I would too if I dealt with increasingly entitled students for the past 20 years. It's draining sometimes to know that every day is going to be a competition, especially in higher-level classes. However, everyone comes out a winner!... Read 490 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Farmington School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  270 reviews

Sophomore: I admire the options students have to determine subjects that we want to learn about. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of classes and teachers that are passionate about the subjects they teach. The math department in particular has really helped me improve my math skills and become better at retaining the things I have learned. Lastly they also have an abundance of resources for students to improve their academic skills and work with teachers one on one to truly get help if they are struggling.... Read 270 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,276

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• West Hartford School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Hall. The teachers and staff are for the most part accommodating and helpful if you seek them out for academic support. The sports teams at Hall are generally very good and we have always had a great athletics program. The counselors here are very helpful for all things involving college, but they definitely lack in the mental health department. The atmosphere at Hall is very competitive academically which can be stressful for students. It is the social norm at Hall to take multiple AP classes and counselors sometimes even encourage students to drop a lunch period (not all counselors do this but I've heard that some do). Although Hall can be competitive and they lack an understanding of mental health issues, our school is always willing to change and they encourage students to discuss their concerns with staff. Overall, I had a pretty good experience with Hall but every student is different!... Read 266 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,428

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Simsbury School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  348 reviews

Alum: Having moved from a school where educational funding was always being cut, the resources that Simsbury provides to its students are incredible. The academics are really rigorous, but as a result, students graduate feeling well-prepared for college-level work. If you enjoy music in any way, Simsbury is also the perfect place for that, as the music program is INCREDIBLE!! The atmosphere is very competitive, which can be stressful at times but also prepares students for competitive colleges/majors/professions/etc. In general, my experience was great and I'd definitely recommend it over a lot of the other districts or private schools in the area.... Read 348 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,274

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Middletown, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  243 reviews

Parent: This school is what everyone in America needs right now. It is full of teachers who are committed to the kids and their learning, and who go above and beyond to challenge them, and provide extra help. They’re is no grade inflation, unlike at Public schools. Your kids must earn their grades, and this helps develop confidence and pride in the kids. The curriculum is not only challenging, but also is offering a lot of different classes for the kids to try, such as aerospace engineering. There are a lot of AP and College DE classes which helps with college costs if your kids take them. My son feels that the teachers care deeply about his education, and respects the administration. The kids are disciplined, and standards and rules are made known. This makes a great learning and social environment for the kids. My son spends time after school every day in clubs, sports and many activities that the school offers. The sports programs are next level. This is the best high school in CT!... Read 243 reviews

• grade A

• Students 590

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• West Simsbury, CT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: TMS is an excellent school! It provides a well-rounded education - where your student will be 'well-known and well-loved'. My sons have been at TMS since kindergarten and are now Juniors. The support they have been provided throughout their time has been amazing! And now at this critical time where they are exploring college options, I've found the College Placement office to be exceptional! They are coming alongside my sons and we as parents, to demystify this process and ease us through this coming transition. Phenomenal faculty, academics, athletic program, spiritual and social life! Simply the best school we could have chosen for our sons!... Read 75 reviews

• grade A

• Students 251

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• West Hartford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  195 reviews

Junior: Northwest Catholic High school holds a special place in my heart. It's a time of self-discovery, growth, and unforgettable experiences. The diverse range of subjects and extracurricular activities offer endless opportunities to explore my interests and talents. I relish the camaraderie formed with classmates, creating lasting friendships and shared memories. NWC fosters personal development, teaching me important life skills like time management, critical thinking, and teamwork. The guidance of dedicated teachers and mentors encourages my intellectual curiosity and ignites a passion for learning. Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere, spirited events, and school traditions add an exciting dimension to my daily routine. NWC is where I thrive, creating cherished memories that will shape my future... Read 195 reviews

• grade A

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• East Hartford School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  156 reviews

Senior: At the Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy, I have been able to seize many opportunities that otherwise, I would be unable to do. Because of the small environment, every single person is not only a classmate, but a confidant. Many of my teachers feel like great friends whom I truly respect. Every single day there is greeted with a "Good morning" and dismissed with a "Have a good day", the intentions are clear at this school. Every single classmate, facility, staff, and even security member is truly rooting for you. The number of times I have sent an email to a teacher at near 1 in the morning, and woke up at 5 in the morning to a response is impressive. The passion every teacher holds not just in their profession, but their students is admirable. Although, like every single school, there is the dread of attending, but every single person there makes it known that they want you there.... Read 156 reviews

• grade A

• Students 176

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Middletown, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  236 reviews

Alum: Fifteen years ago at the ripe age of 13, I made the choice to better my education, and Mercy was at the top of my list. This to date was the best decision I have made in my life. Mercy was more than just a high school, it was a community of classmates that became sisters, and teachers who continue to be there and mentor us way past graduation. Even after all these years, I am always running into people in my life who went to Mercy and it is so much fun to reminisce on all the good old times. Mercy was such a positive impact on my life that I have found myself back on the same lacrosse field where I once played as the coach. The best part of coaching at Mercy is hearing my players talk about events that I still remember doing when I was there. They love hearing that I had the same teacher or how my grade won Cake-A-Thon. At Mercy, you will always find a place to be yourself and it is highly encouraged, you might wear the same uniform but there are many ways for you to be yourself!... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• South Windsor School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  236 reviews

Sophomore: South Windsor High School is honestly the best school I’ve ever been to and is also very very welcoming . There is a lot of diversity in the school community and there is stuff for almost anyone there! There are many different types of classes based on student interest and clubs. The teachers are also very thoughtful and all care for their students future. Overall this school and town has been the most memorable and supportive environment I have been in.... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,281

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Canton School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: The size of Canton high school really offers a personal relationship between students and teachers. I knew everyone in my class fairly well. Most of teachers are really kind and hard working and they want their students to succeed. They are constantly offering opportunities to their students and encouraging them to join the multitude of clubs that exist at this school. Despite the size this school provides a really great education and many extracurricular opportunities. I do wish that the administration took the opinions of the students into a little more account. When we try to speak up about concerns we are often ignored or discounted.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Rocky Hill School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  151 reviews

Junior: Rocky Hill High School is a very good school. During my time in this school, I have been provided with many amazing opportunities. For instance, I have been able to explore my interests through a wide variety of classes. The teachers are always there to support you with anything. I also feel very safe, as we have ID's and whoever comes in to the school has to scan their ID.... Read 151 reviews

• grade A

• Students 705

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Capitol Region Education Coun, CT•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: Teachers work hard to help you and they are very willing to provide extra support outside of class. Many opportunities for extracurricular and service events. School supplies are usually available and there are mental health and college guidance resources available. Overall, good school! My problems lie more with the district heads and their guidelines and restrictions.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 781

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Manchester, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: East Catholic high school is a very good college prep school that will definitely prepare students for the next step. I am a current senior in the class of 2023 and have enjoyed my experience greatly. The best way to make sure your child is getting the best experience is to take the highest classes possible for them. There are three normal levels, CP (or college prep), then our advanced classes, then finally our Honors courses which are the highest level available to freshman and sophomores. In junior year students can also take AP or UConn level courses which are both college level courses. The better the class the better the teacher has been my experience but some of the best teachers also teach lower courses so every student can benefit from the best. Overall I have found East to be a great school and would not hesitate to send my own kids here as long as they can make the grades.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 477

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Berlin School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  211 reviews

Senior: What I like most about Berlin High School is the sense of community that it brings. Berlin CT is a very small town meaning that everyone knows each other and supports each other. For example if you go to the grocery store in town you are going to most likely see someone you know. I think with this dynamic it has really influenced the school itself. The students are very connected and everyone truly cares for one another. From athletic events, service projects, plays, pep-rallies and all of the activities in between Berlin High School has a club or an activity for anyone, no matter ones interests allowing for students to really be themselves and explore their interests further. In addition Berlin High School offers a few classes such as Firefighting 1 and 2 and also the new EMS class which is very hands on and allows students to experience different careers.... Read 211 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 866

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• West Hartford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  24 reviews

Alum: The school is very small (40-60) kids 9-12th grade, so you get a very personal experience when it comes to classmates and teachers. The teachers and staff truly care about the students and they are role models to me as well as teachers. The head of school is not the best, but the school runs well and the opportunities that such a tight knit community offers makes up for it.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 101

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1