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2022 Best High Schools in the Kansas City Area

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  1. The Pembroke Hill School

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • PK, K-12
    • 83 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I believe I have gotten the best education at Pembroke Hill than I would at any other school in the area. The teachers and the administration really care about student's success. The community is small so you get close with teachers and students. The academic pressure is very high, but there are many resources to help you succeed and everyone is very supportive. The school is also very good at preparing students for college, with a large college counseling program. My one complaint would be the lack of racial diversity, but the school is doing a lot of work to increase diversity in the school. Socially, I think everyone will be able to find friends. Despite the school being small, there are so many different types of students and personalities that everyone should feel at home!...Read 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,177 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Barstow School

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • PK, K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Parent: The headmaster at Barstow is an Australian brilliant, innovative leader. English/Social Studies: Barstow is 1 1/2 to 2 yrs ahead of Blue Valley school districts. The book list at Barstow is more multi-dimensional and diverse. Math: Barstow math is one year ahead of Blue Valley school district. Barstow students tend to win many of the regional, state, and some national math competitions from elementary school to high school in Missouri. STEAM classes and robotics team are very strong starting in middle school and all the way to high school. Robotics team won an impressive 3rd place in the national robotics competition last year. Debate/Speech: The students travel everywhere to compete and come home with amazing results. Barstow is strong in speech as well. Broadcasting: Barstow has a professional broadcasting studio that no one else has. Students produce, create, record TV shows for the school community almost on a daily basis...Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 745 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Blue Valley North High School

    • Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
    • 9-12
    • 360 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Blue Valley North is a very inclusive and encouraging environment to learn in. The teachers are extremely helpful and dedicated to helping the students learn and do their best to improve our well-being and academic standings. Moreover, there are many opportunities offered within the school. However, the school could do better to motivate and make these opportunities known to their students in a more collaborative manner. In addition there should be more trust from the administrators in the students, especially upperclassmen, because the behavioral conduct of ninth and tenth graders should not dictate nor limit the opportunities and liberties of older, mature students...Read 360 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,483 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Blue Valley High School

    • Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
    • 9-12
    • 338 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Overall, the school is a great place to go to every day. I never have to worry about being bullied or the threat of being bullied. Conflicts outside of school occur rarely and it has its own policemen that monitor the halls daily. The inside of the school is well maintained in terms of cleanliness, structural quality, and the safety of school equipment. Food is always available for breakfast and lunch; getting a basic lunch now doesn't cost any money! Breakfast and lunch always has a variety of food to choose from. The staff is always friendly and ready to teach. Two things I would improve on are the college readiness classes and the food quality. There are a few classes and seminars that teach about getting ready for college (such as AVID), but more college readiness classes would be extremely beneficial. The food quality of the basic lunches are okay at best. It's still edible, but the basic food isn't perferred. Other than those improvements, Blue Valley High is a great school!...Read 338 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,582 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Notre Dame de Sion School For Girls

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • 9-12
    • 120 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Inside of the classroom, not only do I feel prepared for college, I know that all of the teachers want me to succeed. The coursework pushes you as a student to study harder and put in extra effort to achieve good grades and the resources go beyond books and worksheets. High school school culture is constantly changing with new friend-groups and new teachers every year, but Sion teaches you to embrace change expand your worldview. Sion focuses on the bigger picture without losing smaller details such as safety, delicious food, and clubs! Diversity within the classrooms is important to me and Sion taught me about different faiths, beliefs, cultures in every class. Sion girls are also connected through exchange programs which creates personal connects across oceans! Sion's parents are truly every girls biggest fans and they want each girl to succeed. Overall, Sion is the most well-rounded school where proactive classrooms and a positive environment helps every girl succeed...Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 304 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Blue Valley West High School

    • Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
    • 9-12
    • 288 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Blue Valley West High School offers a variety of AP courses and extra curriculars. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests, and the teachers are very encouraging. The school also makes sure that all students have access to technology by providing each student with a MacBook Air. Blue Valley West is in a very safe location, and there is a lot of diversity among the students...However, the administrators at the school have failed to acknowledge many students' complaints in the past about unfair treatment and inappropriate comments by teachers. I hope this changes and administrators take their students' feedback more seriously especially when multiple students complain about the same issue. ...Overall, my experience at Blue Valley West was very memorable and played a very important role in my education as well as my development as a person. I have made many friends through school activities and clubs. I am also very thankful to my teachers and the staff at Blue Valley West...Read 288 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,563 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Blue Valley Northwest High School

    • Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
    • 9-12
    • 418 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Alum: Blue Valley Northwest was an excellent school that gave me many opportunities to grow in my educational career. I, along with my brother and sister, attended BVNW and we all have promising careers going forward. I am now in a doctorate program to become a nurse practitioner, my sister just graduated pharmacy school at KU, and my brother will start school to become a mechanical engineer in the fall. BVNW culture of acceptance and diversity allowed us (who are middle-eastern) to thrive and achieve our max potential. Very thankful for our years at Blue Valley Northwest!...Read 418 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,619 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Rockhurst High School

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • 9-12
    • 205 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Alum: AMDG! This is a great catholic high school, one of the best you can attend in the entire state. The sports program is fantastic. It may be even better than some colleges. The academics are of great quality - everyone in Rockhurst is both smart and athletic. The entire organization is closely connected to the local community and every Rockhurst students feel like brothers to each other. The only thing disappointing is diversity. This school is 90% white with few minorities, so there's not much to represent different cultures and races. Regardless, you'll never regret being part of the Rockhurst organization. The school is undergoing major renovation throughout the campus, so current and future students are blessed to enjoy all those new facilities...Read 205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 938 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Blue Valley Southwest High School

    • Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
    • 9-12
    • 298 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: My experience with BVSW was amazing! The Blue Valley School District really prepared me to start and graduate high school, starting with elementary school. I love all the teachers I had, all my classes, the curriculum and the way the curriculum was taught, and that there was always a trusted adult to go to if I had any problems. I like how I can be myself at school, and that there are a lot of understanding people who work and attend BVSW...Read 298 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Olathe North High School

    • Olathe Public Schools, KS
    • 9-12
    • 552 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I am at Olathe North and all I can say is its reputation doesn't fit the school. The atmosphere is amazing! You can walk into Olathe North and realize that there is something different about it. There is unity within diversity and a unity between teachers and students. Unlike the other Olathe schools, North allows students to be around ALL types of people. It also has amazing teachers! They all really want to be there and help students prosper. All the teachers are personable and caring, and I know that I, sincerely, care for all of mine. There are issues just like any high school has but the way that they are taken care of between the administrations, teachers, and students are phenomenal. T...Read 552 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,137 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Shawnee Mission East High School

    • Shawnee Mission School District, KS
    • 9-12
    • 372 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I really like the classes, there are so many options to choose from it's almost overwhelming! I have come across some teachers that I absolutely love and continue to go see after school if I have time, they made such an impact on my time here. There are of course some that aren't great but they are few and far between. There are so many sports and clubs to choose from as well, there's something for everyone, and if there isn't you can always create one. East is very dedicated to its students and creating a learning environment that works for everyone. They have many school activities that anyone can participate in and offer academic help to anyone who needs it...Read 372 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,779 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. St. Teresa's Academy

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • 9-12
    • 227 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Sophomore: St Teresa’s Academy has been an amazing place to attend. I originally started attending because my sister is an alumni but I have really grown to love it on my own terms. They have a wide variety of classes, sports, community opportunities, and accommodations available for all students. During this COVID year they have been very accommodating with my struggle through depression and mental health. They wish to provide a better environment for their students in every way. I would not change much about this school but there are a few things I would love to see added. One big thing is some form of culinary class or opportunity during school hours. I plan to go into the culinary field after college so I really wish St. Teresa’s had an opportunity relating to that. Also, I would love to see a class or seminar relating purely to mental health and all its aspects. I feel many young girls struggle to understand the broadness of mental health and could use an academic view on it...Read 227 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy

    • Private School
    • OVERLAND PARK, KS
    • K-12
    • 30 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Parent: Great school! Academics are excellent. Teachers are exceptional and class sizes small, so my kids always receive the individualized attention they need. They are thriving academically, socially and emotionally. A supportive and loving environment and great community...Read 30 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 199 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Olathe Northwest High School

    • Olathe Public Schools, KS
    • 9-12
    • 623 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Junior: I really liked how ONW has the technology available for students to develop their skills, from art to engineering. Many teachers actually want to teach you, and you can develop good relationships with them. There are many clubs to choose from, and a variety of classes to expand your interests. The Arts are especially great, from everything music to the showcasing of drawings, paintings, and photography. The main trouble here is with students, with bullying (see our homecoming news a few years back), and the teachers that allow or encourage hate. You will be able to make good friends here, though, and find the support you need to grow as a human!...Read 623 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,883 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

    • Shawnee Mission School District, KS
    • 9-12
    • 323 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Alum: My experience at SMNW was overall a positive experience. I am happy and grateful to say that I went to a very good high school with a good education system and plentiful resources. The majority of my teachers were amazing and passionate instructors! Classes sizes were a good size, not too packed but also not too small. Our high school building was a good size as well, maybe not the most modern or aesthetic looking school but nevertheless it just your typical looking HS. I will say I would have wished for my natural lighting! As for the school culture I would say that my high school has alot of school spirit. People were relatively friendly. I would say our HS had one of the best diversity of people out of the other nearby high schools. I felt like it was easy to fit in. Overall I had a good time in high school and I feel like I got a good education from it. Still have some good memories from attending NW...Read 323 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,654 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Blue Springs South High School

    • Blue Springs R-IV School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 360 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Blue Springs South High School has given me knowledge, friendships, and opportunities that will stay with me forever. The teachers care about their students, and take the time to get to know them. The classes are challenging, but there are resources and help all around us. Blue Springs South looks out for their students and strives to give them the best high school experience possible. I would not trade my high school for any other. I am proud to be a jaguar!...Read 360 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,053 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Kansas City Christian School

    • Private School
    • PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS
    • K-12
    • 75 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I think this school doe a good job at preparing their students to go out into the world as loving, and intentional human beings. Whether you believe in Christianity or not, it is a warm and inviting place to be a part of. It's a very open, and compassionate community, and very loving. Besides that, the teachers, and most of the staff are absolutely amazing! I especially enjoy the teachers, and how they are able to connect to their students individually, and help and tutor them. They care about you, and your personal life. They are there because they want to be there, and that's so very significant...Read 75 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 385 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Lee's Summit Senior High School

    • Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 310 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: This school was a great way to prepare me for college, ethnicity wise. Lots of different people with different personalities. Great experience with the people!Read 310 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,814 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. St. James Academy

    • Private School
    • LENEXA, KS
    • 9-12
    • 329 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: These past four years have been an absolute blast! First off, SJA is a school that proudly shares the Catholic faith with all of its students and has helped me grow exponentially in my own faith via daily Mass, weekly confessions, and adoration. Also, the teachers are rockstars and care about each student not only academically but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Finally, the students are amazing people to be around, and I've loved the community that the school has given me these last four years. I am getting ready to graduate from SJA, but I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart...Read 329 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 901 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Lincoln College Preparatory Academy

    • Kansas City School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 409 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Lincoln allows great freedom of expression that I've seen in no other school. It's very socially acceptable with a wide range of diversity of people and interests. One of my personal interests is art, and the art environment and programs at this school are great. I think anyone can fit in here!...Read 409 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 844 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Mill Valley High School

    • DeSoto Unified School District, KS
    • 9-12
    • 344 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: Imagine going into a school thinking it's a labyrinth of classes and locations. That was exactly what it was my first few days at Mill Valley. Within the first week at Mill Valley I was able to navigate myself wherever needed to be. This was the case because of the student body and faculty always helping those in need. Not only would they help me just the one time I asked, but anytime they saw me prior would make sure I knew where I was. The school administration is also a very well conducted group of people always looking out for their students or so they called, their "kids". Whenever I was in need of assistance or out of line, they would be there to guide me back to where I needed to be. Overall Mill Valley is still to this day becoming more advanced and hope one day my children can join with this amazing environment!...Read 344 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,328 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Shawnee Mission South High School

    • Shawnee Mission School District, KS
    • 9-12
    • 322 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I love it because they are so outgoing and have so much school spirit! The staff are some of the most amazing teachers I’ve ever had and even the officers, and janitors have been so good to the students of south. Ido think they need to relax on some rules. I feel as though times are changing and teenaged are a lot different now. I believe students should be able to leave for lunch no matter what grade, especially considering covid circumstances...Read 322 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,523 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Whitefield Academy

    • Private School
    • KANSAS CITY, MO
    • PK, K-12
    • 62 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Parent: We've been at Whitefield for two years now and have been so impressed by the staff and students. From the moment we first toured Whitefield we felt a deep sense of community within the school. Not just among the parents but with the students, too. The older kids are always looking out for the younger kids and are great role models for the little kids to look up to. ...Some of my favorite things about Whitefield are their (1) emphasis on character development, (2) acknowledgment and encouragement of students' strengths, & (3) provision of a loving environment where students can be challenged while still having fun! ...The only downside I've experienced at Whitefield is that families are scattered all over the city which makes it a bit harder to connect, but they provide lots of opportunities to gather together at the school (fall festival, work days, parent coffees, trivia night and a pancake breakfast just to name a few) which helps to facilitate community regardless of where you live!...Read 62 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 255 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Lee's Summit North High School

    • Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 441 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I really enjoyed the close knit community and how the teachers are always trying to help the students. The way some issues have been handled is not the best but there are plenty of clubs and activities to involve yourself in. If you have something you like to do, you can almost always find a club for it. As far as IB goes, the teachers do their best to try and make it easier for students and keep tests on different days then other IB classes so there is less stress on the students. School Spirit is a pretty big thing here and almost everyone tries to embrace it in one way or another. As far as this school goes, you get out of it what you put in. Try to get involved, and don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone!...Read 441 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,848 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Park Hill South High School

    • Park Hill School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 253 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: This school has been very good to me throughout my years of high school here. Throughout my years of high school year, I participated in many clubs and sports. I really liked the teachers and staff members at the school as I always felt like someone had my back. go panthers!...Read 253 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,724 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Riverdale Baptist School

    • Private School
    • UPPER MARLBORO, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 136 reviews

    Parent: My daughter has attended Riverdale Baptist School since the age of 3. As a aspiring 9th grader we continue to appreciate her Christian base education, dedicated teachers and small classroom sizes. Her Christian base education has helped develop a close relationship with God. Learning and applying the scriptures of the Bible will create a solid citizen in and out of church. Good teachers are the glue that holds the curriculum together. Great teachers get our students excited about learning. I believe this is what we have at RBS, great teachers. All teachers we've encountered at RBS are dedicated and have always done and continue to do what's needed to extract the absolute best out of my scholar. Small classroom numbers is an atmosphere that leads itself to more one on one time from the teacher. We also believe our student is more likely to ask questions in this environment. Thanks RBS for helping us raise a God fearing and productive person...Read 136 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 268 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Cape Henry Collegiate

    • Private School
    • VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 75 reviews

    Parent: We are at CHC because of teachers/coaches like Lacrosse Coach Joe Thompson. He inspired my daughter in 7th-grade history class & my 10th-grade son who has never played the sport into joining his Lacrosse team. Coach Thompson motivates those around him. He is purposeful, educated, experienced, & an example of what sets CHC apart from other schools! He is a UVA FINAL FOUR player. Read Coach Thompson's experience below. It is because of teachers like him that my kids attend Cape Henry Collegiate and not Norfolk Academy. #dolphinproud...Coach Thompson played at St. Mary's High in Annapolis before heading to UVA. He was team captain when the Cavaliers made the Final Four in 2005 receiving the team's Thomas C. Rixey award for spirit & inspiration. Thompson was a UVA assistant & was the head coach at Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton, Calif., & his alma mater before serving the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Maryland power Loyola Blakefield...Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,045 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • NORFOLK, VA
    • 1-12
    • 141 reviews

    Senior: This is truly an amazing school. I value the relationship between my teachers and me. It is obvious they love what they do and want every student to succeed. Also, I know Academy has prepared me for college - the work load, albeit difficult, is manageable. Additionally, the sports facilites are incredible; I do not know many schools that have their own pool attached. That being said, I would like to see more attention given to the fine arts department. There are so many hidden artists in my grade that I did not know about until taking Studio Art. Finally, recognizing the minorities in the community, Norfolk Academy has taken steps to make their campus more inclusive this year. Overall, I have loved my high school experience at NA and highly recommend this school to students striving to make the most of their education...Read 141 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,184 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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