2023 Best High Schools in the Kansas City Area

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Wonderful responsiveness to the pandemic, ensuring that students had educational opportunities in a safe and engaging environment. Responsive to individual needs. Diverse educational opportunities. Exceptional college counseling. Sports opportunities are maximized for student development for a school of this size. The arts programs are improving at a rapid pace, building on the strength of core high-level programs.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,177

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: Barstow will provide your child with a strong academic environment and will customize the educational experience to your child's personal interests and ambitions. There is no other high school in the area that will prepare your child for college as well as Barstow, particularly if they are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. The school focuses on creating strong writers and graduates students who exude confidence and communicate effectively. The community is tight-knit. Teachers are amazing educators and spend extra time getting to know your child. Regardless of your child's extracurricular passions (art, theater, journalism, music, STEM etc), the school will ensure opportunities for students to expand and exhibit their talents. I am a proud parent of two students who have attended Barstow since elementary and are now close to high school graduation. I am grateful for what the school has given them and certain they are well-equipped to achieve their goals after Barstow.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  369 reviews

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 369 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,501

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  123 reviews

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 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  352 reviews

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 352 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,572

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  301 reviews

Alum: As a recent graduate from Blue Valley West High School, there were some definite pro's and con's. As a student I ran Cross Country, Track, and Diving, I would say overall my experience at Blue Valley West High School was positive. Great neighborhood nearby, teachers are nice and love to help their students. One of my favorite things as someone who deals with a learning disability BVW is very accommodating to the students with disabilities, the list goes on and on! Hope this helps anyone is considering BVW! Go Jags!... Read 301 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,595

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  212 reviews

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 212 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 938

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  429 reviews

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 429 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,580

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Olathe Public Schools, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  568 reviews

Senior: Attending Olathe North High School is very fun! There is plenty of rigorous coursework and clubs to keep students involved. The opportunities are endless! The student body is very diverse and driven to succeed. During the pandemic the school lunches really took a hit, I would like to see an improvement to the meals, specifically bringing back warm sides like corn. Overall a good time!... Read 568 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,126

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Shawnee Mission School District, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  387 reviews

Alum: My teachers while attending were excellent! My marketing teacher Mercedes Rassmusen (she goes by Mercedes) made a huge difference not only in my school life but also in my personal life. She encouraged me to explore my mental health with both school administrators and with private doctors, and helped me to not feel so alone in my struggles. She even advocated for me with administration to get me the accommodation needed for me to finish high school. All my teacher a SME were wonderful, experienced, and had a passion for teaching.... Read 387 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,725

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Overland Park, KS•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  31 reviews

Works Here: A lot of school communities refer to themselves as a family, but very few are committed to the work it takes to be true. HBHA is really special. There is a high degree of rigor expected of the students, while fostering the human support to make it mean something. When you have teachers who have been there for 30+ years, you have people who believe in what they do, and experience in their craft. It’s a great place to be.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  232 reviews

Senior: At Saint Teresa's Academy, there are so many opportunities to express yourself and encounter tons of new experiences! I have grown not only as a student but as a whole person: spiritually, mentally, and physically.... Read 232 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 596

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  312 reviews

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 312 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Olathe Public Schools, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  633 reviews

Senior: Olathe Northwest is a very welcoming school. It provides many activities and clubs, as well as the 21st-century program! The 21st-century program includes engineering and E-comm to help kids learn more about what they'd like to do in the future. Olathe Northwest also does very well in academics and the teachers are all welcoming and helpful.... Read 633 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,859

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Shawnee Mission School District, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  330 reviews

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 330 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,666

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Overland Park, KS•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  180 reviews

Freshman: Saint Thomas Aquinas is an excellent school! It focuses deeply on the education of their students and on furthering their faith. What I love most about Aquinas is the community; you are always welcomed with a smile and everyone is like family. The school actively supports charities and the homeless around the area, like school supply drives and basic needs drives. Aquinas also takes our canned food drive seriously, raising over 200,000 cans in the past years. We also have the best school spirit and we cheer on our excellent teams with pride. The community at Aquinas is unmatchable, and you can always count on others to make you feel like you belong.... Read 180 reviews

• grade A

• Students 886

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  73 reviews

Works Here: As a faculty member, I love teaching at Whitefield Academy because of the small class sizes! It has been a joy and privilege to be able to join my teaching with my faith. Instead of having to separate the two, my math classroom can point my students to God and the wonders of His creation! As a parent, I love that each of my children are part of small classrooms. They are known and loved by their teachers. The Whitefield community feels like a family. We also enjoy the quality literature and rich curriculum our children are immersed in each day. Not only are they learning Scripture and hymns, but they are reading Great Books and classics. They are digging deep foundations in math and writing. Not only are they in a school that strives for academic success, our children are in a school that seeks to shape and mold their character as well. In an unsettled culture and broken world, our children are having their foundations built on the One who is unchanging and forever Faithful!... Read 73 reviews

• grade A

• Students 255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Shawnee Mission School District, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  329 reviews

Senior: My experience at Shawnee Mission South has been nothing but positive, it's all about what you make of the experience. Staying involved through sports, clubs, and electives is vital to making your high school experience a blast. My biggest recommendation for anyone going to South would be to join the cross country team. The distance team is just one happy family that is so welcoming and fun! Even if you aren't into running, there is something for everyone! Games clubs, interact volunteering club, student council organization, student unions, and so many more. Academically, South is really what you make of it. You can skate by taking easy classes or challenge yourself to get better with AP and honors courses. The teachers are always willing to help and excited to hear about your life. I wouldn't have picked any other school! #SOUTHCULTURE... Read 329 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,510

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Lenexa, KS•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  331 reviews

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 331 reviews

• grade A

• Students 901

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• North Kansas City School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  350 reviews

Senior: Staley High School is one of the best schools to attend in the Kansas City area. The dedication the administation has to help students achieve their goals and to make sure every student has the opportunity to graduate is incredible. A major part of high school is to be involved. Staley has plenty of clubs and activities for students to get involved in. Throughout my high school experience, I was involved in cheerleading all 4 years and won 2 state champions titles with my team. Being able to thrive outside of the classrooms, along with being committed within the classroom is a requirement for Staley Students.... Read 350 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,786

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Prairie Village, KS•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  75 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Blue Springs R-IV School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  373 reviews

Senior: I moved to Blue Springs South in the middle of my freshman year. It has been a great experience. I tried out for the volleyball team (I am a club player) and was accepted and played my entire high school years. I’ve met lots of friends. I love my high school and so many of my teachers. We also have an amazing Broadcasting department/program - which I have been fortunate to attend for the past few years. Our teacher is a well know / experienced Kansas City new anchor and he is the best. We have an amazing studio - state of the art in Missouri and I’ve learned so much regarding the broadcasting field (which I am interested in studying on college). I can’t say amount about our school!... Read 373 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,152

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  454 reviews

Junior: Lee’s Summit North is one of the best schools in the LSR7 school district. It is very competitive in sports, has a great music & arts program, & the level of academics at our school is pretty high. The teachers are awesome & they make you feel accepted & valued as an individual. The school offers IB & AP courses as well as advanced courses & there are a variety of great classes you can take. Overall, LSN is a wonderful school!... Read 454 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,913

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Olathe Public Schools, KS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  426 reviews

Parent: Olathe East Sr High School held plenty of diversity. At East there were various ethnic and religious groups that gave the school a different culture. The teachers, overall, were willing to help their students with any and everything needed. Most teachers wanted to see their students succeed after their class and in real-world life. The sports programs at Olathe East were fair compared to others in the school district. Basketball was always interesting to watch! Some changes I would like to see at Olathe East is more diversity within the school's spirit weeks, sport's game themes, and the staff. I would love to see a more diverse spirit week line up including different cultures. I, also, would like to see a more diverse faculty/staff within our school.... Read 426 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,957

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Park Hill School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  262 reviews

Alum: Park Hill South taught me a lot about myself. Not only did I grow as a person, but I learned more than I could have ever imagined. I am very thankful to all of my teachers and the perseverance that they portrayed throughout my years of high school. My class went through a lot of change, particularly involving covid, but my teachers never gave up on the potential that they saw in us students. I feel that this school prepared me very well for college and it makes me excited for the future that lies ahead of me. The opportunities to take AP courses, dual credit enrollment, and other services provided to students of various needs allowed our school to prevail. Furthermore, Park Hill South’s athletics became a huge part of my life. My involvement in swim team allowed me to attend State all four years of high school and receive All-State honors, as well as make some of the best friends I could have asked for.... Read 262 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,803

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1