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2020 Best High Schools in the Kansas City AreaAbout this List

Explore the best high schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education.  Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 128
Best Schools
128 results

  1. The Pembroke Hill School

    • Private School
    • Kansas City, MO
    • PK, K-12
    • 71 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 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,163 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Blue Valley North High School

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

    Senior: At Blue Valley North High School, I feel as if the culture of the student body has truly stood out to me. Whether it was in support of our sports teams or dealing with the difficulty of life as a high school student, we always have each others backs. Teachers show genuine concern for their students alongside true passion for the subject they teach. If I could change anything, I would implement more mandatory classes that taught life skills such as filing taxes and buying homes or cars. Overall, I loved my experience so far and can't wait to finish out my high school career here!
    Read 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,589 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. The Barstow School

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

    Alum: Teachers are incredible- all very knowledgeable and committed to success of their students. The English and History department teachers are especially impressive. The administration, however, is top-heavy, and overly concerned with external image. Their interests seem to be monetarily focused rather than on the welfare and happiness of students. I attended Barstow for over 13 years and am grateful for the education I received and the relationships I made, but saw a significant drop in morale among both students and teachers in recent years.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Blue Valley High School

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

    Alum: As a freshman in college this year, I find myself missing high school more and more, especially as I get to hear about what my friends still in high school are up to. I miss the atmosphere at BVHS, the amazing people I met there, and the opportunities I had. Choir, theater, showchoir, plays, and musical made high school perfect, and I'm not able to participate in those quite as easily in college. Amazing teachers such as Linda Eagleton and Marsha Moeller helped shape my academic and extracurricular paths in college, and I owe much of my success to them. I loved my time at Blue Valley High School!
    Read 304 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,577 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Blue Valley West High School

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

    Senior: I enjoyed my time at West! Most of my teachers were good and helpful. They made a lot of improvements while I was there like power hour, study areas, and more late arrivals. For me, I know I’ll eventually forget the quadratic formula and the story of Hamlet but I’ll never forget the friendships and memories that have formed throughout these four years. These years completely changed me which I’m sure is true for everyone here. I am not the girl that I was freshman year. I can proudly say that my years at West have prepared me for my future.
    Read 251 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,534 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Rockhurst High School

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

    Senior: Rockhurst is a high school unlike no other. The teachers are caring and will actually teach you. The community is absolutely the best thing as every one is there for each other. Plus, our sports are quite good! There are also many opportunities for electives that students can take. One of the downfalls though is that their history program definitely needs a lot of work and most of the teachers partake in some kind of sport, however that does not diminish their teaching skills. Overall Rockhurst is a good place to be.
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,016 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Blue Valley Northwest High School

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

    Senior: At Blue Valley Northwest High School every student has the opportunity to become part of a diverse and caring family. The staff dedicate themselves to the students success, always working hard to ensure that every student is learning and advancing to the best of their ability. I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with people of different ethnic backgrounds allowing me to make deep connections with people my age while learning about different cultures. Never have I found myself without educational aid or extracurricular opportunities. Northwest emits a friendly, family-like atmosphere that turns a school into a community.
    Read 370 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,589 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Notre Dame de Sion School

    • Private School
    • Kansas City, MO
    • PK, K-12
    • 110 reviews
    #4 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 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 647 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
    • 270 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Senior: I love that the district is constantly striving to make advances in the way students learn, the technology seen throughout the buildings, and methods for learning to be the most effective. The building is less than 10 years old, and being so new it has great features that allow students to feel comfortable with their surroundings. The staff works hard to make the school feel like a community and to make sure all students know they are not alone. Students have more than enough resources to be successful, and teachers are willing to do almost anything to make a student successful. There are great relationships throughout the school, between teachers, administrators, and even the different grade levels. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is encouraged to become their best during their time at Blue Valley Southwest High School.
    Read 270 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,149 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Shawnee Mission East High School

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

    Senior: Although high school is not an easy transition from middle school, Shawnee Mission East has been so great to me. The administrators and staff are always there to support their students, and whenever I have had an issue they have always been there to help. Shawnee Mission East has so many opportunities for its students, and the teachers at East really want their students to succeed and are passionate about what they are teaching, which has helped me succeed so much in my high school career! I will miss Shawnee Mission East so much next year and all the wonderful memories I have made there.
    Read 338 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,753 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. St. Teresa's Academy

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

    Senior: I love St. Teresa's Academy because it has been my home for me to grow. All my teachers and classmates have helped me grow into the strong, independent woman I consider myself today. I have found life long friends, and learned life long tools and knowledge. I have never felt more prepared for my future. I love how accepting and close the entire community is. Everyone around wants to do their best, and help support others to do their best. My overall experience with St. Teresa's Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life that I will always remember and cherish. The school has done so many wonderful things for me through their support and outstanding education, and I will be forever grateful.
    Read 195 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 612 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

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

    Alum: Shawnee Mission Northwest was a great high school experience. The school spirit was phenomenal, people were friendly, and teacher's were supported. The school tried its best to make all kinds of events unique and fun. And there was so much diversity in the opportunities you could pursue!
    Read 305 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,725 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Olathe North High School

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

    Senior: Olathe North High School has a very unique atmosphere compared to other local schools. There is overall a great sense of community and teamwork. There are many athletic and academic opportunities, with quality cross country and basketball teams. The school also hosts 5 programs that give students chances to explore a career path using high-tech equipment and field experiences. There are good teachers at this school too, at least once you reach junior and senior year. A student's high school experience here is one of the best, as there are so many opportunities to become involved and help the community. The administration is also extremely caring and is invested in the students deeply.
    Read 490 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,341 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy

    • Private School
    • Overland Park, KS
    • K-12
    • 24 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Alum: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy is a very close knit community where the teachers really care about each student. There are many opportunities to get involved in all sorts of clubs or programs outside of academics. Playing varsity sports is also something anyone can do.
    Read 24 Reviews

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

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

    Senior: Olathe Northwest High School offers two unique 21st Century Programs that focus on career-centered skills. Those include engineering, media, and entertainment classes, which specialize in advancing students’ individual progress in the 21st Century skill area they choose. Along with the programs, the staff here are all dedicated to their profession, and at no point have I felt unsafe or intimidated by anyone in the school. The extra-curricular activities offered are exceptional, and the environment created within each group is nothing but accepting, helpful, and encouraging. ONW is a fantastic school to attend, one that above all else promotes a safe environment to learn and make friends in.
    Read 564 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,250 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Lee's Summit West High School

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

    Senior: I’ve really liked spending the last 4 years at LSW! I think the teachers are great, and the building is really nice. I also like the counseling center resources like college prep help and graduation requirement meetings, but I wish I would’ve known about them sooner. There is tons of school spirit, which makes for a fun environment. The student body numbers are getting too high, so the hallways are crowded, and there are classes in mobiles which are inconvenient. There is also a lot of favoritism as far as which sports and/or people get recognition for achievements. Overall, West is a great school, and I feel prepared for college after going there.
    Read 474 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,079 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Park Hill South High School

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

    Alum: Very well built/designed school! Offers great sports, social, academic and extracurricular programs. Easy to find your place and succeed at south.
    Read 217 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,639 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. St. Thomas Aquinas High School

    • Private School
    • Overland Park, KS
    • 9-12
    • 161 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Parent: I love this school! I am on my third child to go through and I always tell people there is something for everyone at Aquinas. The feeling of unity among the parents and the students is like nothing I have ever seen. I am a product of Catholic schools and my husband is not but we both agree that St Thomas Aquinas is far superior to anything we had growing up. I love how the faculty interacts with the kids and the spirit is undeniable. I have had children with very different experiences there ranging from varsity athletics, student government, advanced academics ,theater and choir and all have been stellar. These students can’t wait to come back after they graduate and the communion of Saints extends far beyond Kansas. So many people know and respect this school. Once a Saint, always a Saint. Do you and your kids a favor and choose Aquinas.
    Read 161 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 910 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Mill Valley High School

    • DeSoto Unified School District, KS
    • 9-12
    • 298 reviews
    #12 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 298 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,365 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Lee's Summit Senior High School

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

    Senior: My experience at LSHS was average. My first two years were the best and now as a senior I am ready to graduate and leave! It was a great experience from the teachers to sports to academics. My favorite teachers at LSHS are Mrs.Thomas, Mr.Hoffman, and Mr.Fleck! I think I will still remember them when I leave because they made an impact and my school year wonderful. I did have bad experiences but good ones as well. I did play sports for my first two years which were basketball and track which I enjoyed. Overall I was glad to attend this school and feel that it helped me prepare for college and I think i'm going to do great!
    Read 277 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,793 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Blue Springs South High School

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

    Sophomore: Blue Springs South is an amazing school! I love the teacher-student relationships and the relationships between students themselves. This school has an outstanding music program between band, orchestra, and choir. Blue Springs South holds a record of being the school with the most 1 ratings at Missouri State Solo and Ensemble. The JROTC program has received the Extinguished Unit with Merit Award - inspectors came to the school to observe the program and reported no discrepancies from the program, instructors, or cadets.
    Read 319 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,034 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Lee's Summit North High School

    • Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO
    • 9-12
    • 411 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 411 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,902 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Park Hill High School

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

    Sophomore: Park Hill High School continues to be the grandest school of all in the state of Missouri! It contains committed staff viewing passing students as their greatest responsibility in their jobs, with students overall being proud to be a part of the community. The school challenges their students to strive for excellence and succession in all they do, with rigorous testing and challenging subjects, but with all the support students could ask for. School culture is diverse in all aspects as it encourages student to be proud of their school as well as themselves and has several during co-curricular activities and after school activities from the arts to sports and clubs of particular interests, and proudly welcomes foreign students to study in our great facility . In conclusion my school puts our lives in the path towards college.
    Read 315 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,919 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Shawnee Mission South High School

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

    Senior: Getting involved in Shawnee Mission South has by far been my favorite thing about high school. Not only have I met my best friends but I can consistently learning skills I can use later in life. I can currently the Company Manager of Reparatory Theatre, a cadet teacher for our special education program (PLS), I was the captain of the JV soccer team in spring 2019, and I am also involved in other smaller clubs. Each of these has given me leadership skills that I couldn't have gotten any other way. And not only that, being so involved has created me to be more out going with my school work. I am more confident when talking to teachers and asking for help!
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,485 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Maranatha Academy

    • Private School
    • Shawnee, KS
    • PK, K-12
    • 75 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area

    Parent: We are so fortunate to have two students at Maranatha Christian Academy (MCA). We have been impressed by the quality of the education, spiritual development, and academic faculty and leadership. Both of our kids have excelled in the classroom, developed their leadership skills and worldview, while also participating at a very high level in athletics. Our kids have participated in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, performing arts, mission trips and volleyball. Our kids have thrived at MCA and have made lifelong friends and mentors that have encouraged them to be better servant leaders. I would highly recommend MCA to any Kansas City family looking for a strong academic environment that also equips kids and young adults to be world changers. Go Eagles!
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 533 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Chestnut Hill Academy

    • Private School
    • Bellevue, WA
    • K-5
    • 6 reviews

    Parent: Some things I love about CHA:
    - Dedicated, excited and professional teachers and staff
    - Everything is perfectly organized
    - Small class sizes – 15 or less
    - Guaranteed before and after school care
    - Great extracurriculars
    - Amazing administration
    - Beautiful facility and grounds.
    - Big beautiful library
    - Classrooms are well stocked. Promethean boards. Older kids get a tablet
    - Big tech lab that each class goes to weekly
    - Healthy/tasty food
    - Multiple snacks during the day
    - ski program!
    - Provides the ability for teachers to use different curriculums that best suit the child
    - focuses on the whole child, not just academics. Provides art, music, library, spanish, PE and tech lab
    - lots of ways for parents to be involved
    - Encourages students to respect each other, and treat each other well. Provides the framework for good behavior, with tools like Leader In Me and Bucket filling, and then provides lots of positive reinforcement
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 254 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    The Evergreen School

    • Private School
    • Shoreline, WA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7 reviews

    Parent: My children have very different personalities, along with different social-emotional needs and challenges. Evergreen knows each kid quite well. Each time we hit a rough patch, there was dialogue and teamwork with the faculty and counselors, which I really appreciated. The older students set their own goals and run their own parent conferences. Kids using powerpoint! But in all seriousness, this self-reflection and ownership seems like excellent preparation for a future of independent learning. Oh yeah, and the BIG Lab, a high-tech makerspace, is amazing. I wish I could go here.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • 483 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Bellevue, WA
    • 5-12
    • 45 reviews

    Senior: Forest Ridge is a great school to attend, the academics are very challenging and the teachers know how to push students to create the best work possible. Since the academics are quite rigorous, there is a slightly stressed and competitive environment at the school. However, this does not mean that the student community is not strong. From my personal experience, everyone is so friendly and welcoming, especially new student entering the high school. I would recommend this school to prepare for college readiness as some of the courses mimic college level work. Athletics is also another fun part of the Forest Ridge experience, there is a no-cut policy that ensure that all students can participate in any sports; this is a great place to meet new people in other grades and where I made some of my best friendships!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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