2019 Best High Schools in the Kansas City Area

Best Schools

125 results

Blue Valley North High School
Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
9-12
298
1 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Alum: Hands down has to be one of the best high schools in the country. I received such an excellent education from BVN and was surrounded by a faculty who genuinely cared about my well-being and my success inside and outside the classroom! Also, it beyond prepared me for college!
Read 298 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,514 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blue Valley High School
Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
9-12
296
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 296 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,570 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Pembroke Hill School
Private School
Kansas City, MO
PK, K-12
65
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 65 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,113 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
9
Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
Read 9 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Barstow School
Private School
Kansas City, MO
PK, K-12
27
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 27 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
710 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blue Valley Northwest High School
Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
9-12
355
3 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: This a wonderful school in all areas, from strong academics to excellent extracurricular opportunities. There is a heavy focus on student life outside of the classroom and how students can use different methods to achieve success throughout their four years of attendance. The only reason this amazing school is not receiving 5 stars is because of a new trend that is starting to occur, one where there is a growing disconnect between student ideas/leadership and the administration. There is growing agitation with changes to once great traditions, like school dances and spirit week. However, new innovative changes have also made great, lasting impacts.
Read 355 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,611 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rockhurst High School
Private School
Kansas City, MO
9-12
118
3 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area
Alum: I loved Rockhurst High School because it allowed me to concentrate on growing up with only young men around me which was super comfortable because I didn't feel any pressure to be someone I wasn't just because there was a girl over there. It also gave me opportunity to be part of a brotherhood with 1000 other men. For me another extremely big advantage was the then-amazing swim team I was able to be a part of and also the quickly growing and improving music program that I've grown to loving so much, forming one of my passions in life.
Read 118 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,016 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blue Valley West High School
Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
9-12
239
4 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 239 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,458 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Shawnee Mission East High School
Shawnee Mission School District, KS
7-12
332
5 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 332 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,743 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blue Valley Southwest High School
Blue Valley Unified School District (Overland Park), KS
9-12
260
6 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: My four years at BVSW have been great! It is more of an artsy school, but athletics and academic clubs have been successful. Teachers care. I am glad that I have been able to attend school there and feel that I am better prepared for college than I would have been back home. Unfortunately, middle of the road, quiet students get lost in the shuffle. But like any senior, I am glad to be leaving soon.
Read 260 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,130 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Notre Dame de Sion School
Private School
Kansas City, MO
PK, K-12
97
4 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area
Sophomore: This school is incredible. Coming from a co-ed public school to an all girls Catholic high school where I didn't know anyone was terrifying as a freshman, but after the first two weeks I knew it was where I belonged. Every single person there is kind, no matter your grade, and no one is judged or bullied. I learn about the world outside of my own bubble, whether it's through my class about non-Catholic faiths, AP World History and American History and Government, or even through Social Awareness club. Academics are rigorous but I have never once felt overwhelmed because the faculty is passionate about their student's success and the counseling staff makes sure you choose classes that are a fit for you. Student are pushed to think about college and their resumes all four years, and it's the reason that I've been accepted into so many incredible schools outside of the Midwest. I love Sion and I love the student body. Vive Sion!
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
647 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Olathe North High School
Olathe Unified School District, KS
9-12
466
7 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Junior: I am in the Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Program at Olathe North High Schools and absolute love it! It is an amazing high school to be able to attend and all of the students are very welcoming, along with the teachers. A change at Olathe North could be a better way to tell students to get involved with clubs or extra circulars.
Read 466 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,226 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Olathe Northwest High School
Olathe Unified School District, KS
9-12
540
8 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: What I love about Olathe Northwest is the diversity and differences of all the the people at ONW. My school has done a very good job at trying to include everyone and insuring that all the students have an equal opprutunity at being successful. Another reason I love ONW is because of all the volunteer opportunities available for all the students. Lastely, the preparation for college that ONW includes in their curriculum is extremely important and helpful for students who are not as privileged as others. The volunteer hours highly benefit the students for college and just building their character. The success that ONW has created for our young minds is very impressive and deserves to be noticed. All hail to Northwest High!
Read 540 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,172 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Teresa's Academy
Private School
Kansas City, MO
9-12
192
5 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area
Alum: Amazing school! The sisterhood is real and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. The teachers are fantastic and really do what they can to see each girl succeed. The only aspect that needs a little tweaking is the diversity aspect, it would be great to begin to see a wider variety of cultures present on campus.
Read 192 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
626 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Shawnee Mission School District, KS
7-12
301
9 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Parent: SMNW HS has been a great place with great educators and opportunities for my 3 children. Parent involvement is high. I would like to see more effort on the part of the school counselors in reaching out to students who are uninvolved in extra curricular activities or struggling with academics offering to provide assistance or find out if they could be of assistance. They seem to wait for students and/or parents to reach out without being proactive. Also the district administration has been very politically motivated and lacking in character in their spending of funds, upping their own salaries, appointing positions to "friends/connections" rather than better qualified candidates often causing forced retirement and displacement of tenured staff.
Read 301 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,805 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Private School
Overland Park, KS
9-12
149
6 Best Private High Schools in Kansas City Area
Alum: Saint Thomas Aquinas is truly a college preparatory high school. When I first began at Aquinas, I felt like I was behind academically and I also stuck out like a sore thumb due to my race. I was academically challenged and it really prepared me to be successful in college. They have great extracurricular activities and a great community! The only thing I would encourage Aquinas to do is to expand their enrollment ethnicity wise. I was one of 5-10 African Americans in a high school with a thousand students. Besides that, I am proud to be a Saint!
Read 149 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
910 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Park Hill South High School
Park Hill School District, MO
9-12
206
10 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: I've had an absolutely wonderful time at Park Hill South. The amount of opportunities provided by the school has greatly fit my passions and interests. Whether it's the AP classes provided, the intern opportunities through NCAPS, or the plethora of activities and athletics available, PHS has given me a desirable education. AP Music Theory, AP World History, Student Council, A Capella and Stage Craft were some of my favorites! Along with that, the Theatre Department is top notch, and has given me a second home. The teachers and administration really care about the students, and I have become very close with many of them. I'm genuinely going to miss Park Hill South, and hope it continues to develop and improve.
Read 206 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,605 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lee's Summit West High School
Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO
9-12
457
11 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 457 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,037 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blue Springs South High School
Blue Springs R-IV School District, MO
9-12
303
12 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 303 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,041 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lee's Summit Senior High School
Lee's Summit R-VII School District, MO
9-12
262
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 262 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,823 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Park Hill High School
Park Hill School District, MO
9-12
297
14 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 297 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,877 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Olathe East High School
Olathe Unified School District, KS
9-12
350
15 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: East is a welcoming environment that promotes student involvement and school pride! Not only are the teachers excellent sources of information, but they exhibit a natural drive to help support students on their journeys. There is plenty of activities and clubs to be involved in ranging from national honors society to football! Our athletic department is among the best in the state, earning us over 50 state championships over the course of 25 years! If athletic life isn't for you, our drama and choir departments are also among the best, earning blue star nominations and 1 ratings every single year. East is also a very diverse school. Flags of every country can be seen waving from the ceiling of our cafeteria, symbolizing our different races. Plus, every year, our facility hosts the Asian Cultural Festival! Overall, East is an honorable high school that I am proud to get the opportunity to go to!
Read 350 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,980 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mill Valley High School
DeSoto Unified School District, KS
9-12
286
16 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: Great school! The majority of teachers are wonderful and really care about their students. Activities are well attended and there are multiple student organizations devoted to making sure all activities are given their share of fame. There's a large diversity of clubs, and the sports teams are multiple time state champions. The food can be a little sketchy, but it's never completly awful.
Read 286 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,366 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Shawnee Mission South High School
Shawnee Mission School District, KS
7-12
274
17 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: This school provided me with so many opportunities. The arts programs are absolutely stellar, and they allowed me to participate at the highest level in both choir and band. They also provide numerous involvement activities, including sports, many clubs, and student leadership. I was able to take classes in my chosen field - computer science - every single year! They maintain a wonderful engineering program and give individualized levels of challenge to each student. Overall, I’d highly recommend this school!
Read 274 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,435 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
Kansas City Public Schools, KS
8-12
417
18 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Junior: My experience at Sumner Academy of Arts & Science has overall been an amazing experience. The school has overcame many changes that have taken place including administration changes including a new principal this past year. The administration give a positive environment for students. I believe that Sumner's IB Program specifically gives student an opportunity to expand their education. Sumner offers a variety of courses including extracurricular activities including sports and programs outside of school. Our college counselor, Shannon Shelton, is always on the students about applying for scholarships and getting things done!
Although, while attending the school can be viewed as a hardship due to stress. Being a member of 20/20 Leadership, we are aware of problems like such and are working with our 20/20 Olympics project to support students and make improvements within our school.
Read 417 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
981 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Staley High School
North Kansas City School District, MO
9-12
286
19 Best Public High Schools in Kansas City Area
Senior: Transferring from Turner High School in Kansas to Staley High School, I can genuinely say that the amount of opportunities and quality of education and is much better here than in other schools. I consider myself lucky to attend this school. We offer tons of programs that allow me and other students to expand their thinking and achieve whatever they desire. Teachers and administrators are extremely supportive of ther students.

The administration is great, but I’d love to see more recognition and funding for the arts, as for many other schools that are wishing the same. During school, we constantly have announcements over the speaks for the football and/or soccer team and this year we even held an entire assembly for the cheerleaders making it to state competition, but art students recieved no recognition when some of their art pieces were chosen for an art gallery event that was held at Missouri State University later that year.
Read 286 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,525 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Norfolk Academy
Private School
Norfolk, VA
1-12
130
Parent: Norfolk Academy provided an extraordinary educational journey for my two children, fueling their curiosity and inspiring them to explore new avenues that they might not have discovered without the incredible teachers and coaches at this school. My oldest child, who came in sixth grade, now studies engineering at an Ivy League university; he particularly loved the robotics team, as well as soccer, swimming, and crew teams. My youngest child, who is a senior at NA, came in first grade, and she has developed a passion for medicine and health, largely through the school's Global Health Fellows program and the Medical Scholars program.
Read 130 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,203 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rossman School
Private School
St. Louis, MO
PK, K-6
12
Parent: Rossman strikes a great balance between providing kids with a challenging academic program while at the same time creating an environment where kids are excited to go to school and learn. The teachers want to see your children succeed but just as importantly they want to establish a desire for learning that stays with them into high school and college. This starts in the JK classroom where kids learn about Van Gogh & Matisse by creating their own versions of famous masterpieces while at the same time getting an opportunity to establish friendships that last long beyond Rossman. On top of the impressive academics, the focus on building character is evident throughout the school day and kids in all grades subscribe to Rossman's core character values. When considering schools for our family we wanted a school where our children felt supported, happy and challenged every day and where as parents we felt part of a community. We feel very lucky to have found all of that at Rossman School!
Read 12 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
227 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 5

Blue Valley North High School

Blue Valley High School

The Pembroke Hill School

BASIS Independent McLean

The Barstow School

Blue Valley Northwest High School

Rockhurst High School

Blue Valley West High School

Shawnee Mission East High School

Blue Valley Southwest High School

Notre Dame de Sion School

Olathe North High School

Olathe Northwest High School

St. Teresa's Academy

Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Park Hill South High School

Lee's Summit West High School

Blue Springs South High School

Lee's Summit Senior High School

Park Hill High School

Olathe East High School

Mill Valley High School

Shawnee Mission South High School

Sumner Academy of Arts & Science

Staley High School

Norfolk Academy

Rossman School