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2020 Best High Schools in the Richmond 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 101
Best Schools
101 results

  1. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 82 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Over the course of the past four years, I have found that Maggie Walker is most definitely a make-your-own-experience kind of school, but regardless, its student end up very prepared for college. While it has an extremely competitive environment and poor mental health, your general experience at MW are defined by the classes, clubs, and people you choose to surround yourself with. MW has hundreds of clubs, from our acapella group Deadbeats to dance teams to our many competitive academic teams like Model UN and Debate, so every student can be sure to find a club that interests them. Compared to most other local schools, MW has a much larger array of classes with classes like Arabic and VCU Web Design. Ultimately, I would never trade my experience at MW. I have found that each class is its own tight-knit community of 180 students, which is something you can find at no other school. This school provides many incomparable opportunities, so if you get in, I encourage you to join us!
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. St. Christopher's School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 18 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: St. Christopher's school doesn't tolerate boys; they celebrate them. Their boundless energy is brilliantly redirected into focused learning within state of the art facilities by seasoned and compassionate leaders. Known mostly for stellar academics and how they foster the love of learning in boys, my favorite aspect of the school is that St. Chris values kindness, integrity, honesty and character as much as any academic award. Boys who are kind are celebrated. Brotherhood means loving your neighbor as yourself. Diversity is a priority and is intentional; meaning St. Chris knows that we're not the best until our classrooms reflect our world. At St. Christopher's School boys are not encouraged to be "just boys" they are expected to be good humans. In this day and age, it's all that this mother could ask for.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 938 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: I love the small community feel of Collegiate. I absolutely love the teachers here as every single one puts in unbelievable effort every day to get to know you as best the can. I have amazing relationships with all of my teachers and wouldn’t trade my experience at Collegiate for anything. The school is built for the perfection of education and the creation of a strong community. That network extends all over Richmond and I will be with my dad around town, who went to Collegiate as well, and will see a Collegiate classmate and it is as if they were best friends. Everybody knows and respects the institution that is Collegiate School. I am very fortunate to have been able to attend since kindergarten. The college counseling office is incredible and makes the colleges process easy almost. The food service is wonderful and happy to greet you everyday. The school has amazing foreign relations with partner schools as well to expand student horizons.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,672 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. St. Catherine's School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 120 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Alum: I graduated almost 20 years ago and cannot be more grateful for my experiences at St. Catherine’s. The small classroom sizes and all-girls environment gave me the opportunity to shine as a relatively shy young girl, and develop into a strong leader. The rigorous academics prepared me to develop strong study skills that allowed me to do very well throughout college and graduate school. St.Catherine’s focus on honor and community has helped me focus on the truly important parts of life and being a responsible member of our society. I am truly thankful for my experiences at St. Catherine’s!
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 979 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Deep Run High School

    • Henrico County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 438 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: A very good high school all around. Relatively new, very large and impressive building with tons of windows, but not too large either. There's a bathroom and water fountain around almost every corner. There are a lot of clubs you can chose from too, like the robotics club, computer club, interact club, book club, debate club, etc. Bullying and teasing is surprisingly rare, at least from my experience. The diversity could be better though. Most of the student body is white. The CIT is great if you're interested in technology and computers, though it does get tough in the later years. Most of the teachers are great. We also get one lunch, which is an hour long lunch that everyone has at the same time. You're allowed to go pretty much anywhere you want, which is really helpful if you need to see a teacher for something. Lunches are pretty good for school lunches, especially our world famous chicken. Overall a great high school with a easy-going community and good academics.
    Read 438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,738 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. The Steward School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 36 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Steward has been a great decision on where to go to high school for me! I was in a large public school before I came here. Being in the small, private school environment of Steward, I have been able to thrive. Teachers are extremely helpful and want you to succeed. Students welcome new peers. The facilities are unparalleled, and the sports teams are amazing considering how small we are.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 670 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Mills E. Godwin High School

    • Henrico County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 305 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Alum: Attending Godwin High School was an overall positive experience. Academically, the school offered relatively small class sizes, knowledgable teachers, and a variety of elective and AP classes that could be taken. The counseling department also provided a substantial amount of help for the college admissions process. The school always felt safe and clean for the most part. The main drawback to Godwin is its age - the building is very old, with narrow hallways that often become cramped with the high student population, low ceilings, and an almost complete lack of windows (which can make it look quite sad at times). However, looking past the building itself, Godwin provided a great high school experience.
    Read 305 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,855 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Veritas School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 19 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: I cannot say enough good things about Veritas! This is our 7th year having a child there and our experience has been great. Our children are daily being challenged academically, building sweet friendships, having their eyes opened to the beauty and goodness of God in the world around them, and are led by a staff who genuinely cares for them. The school embodies a culture of grace, kindness and excellence. Our family has benefitted greatly from the rich community made up of staff and other Veritas families. I wouldn’t want my children to be anywhere else.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 617 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Trinity Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 8-12
    • 110 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: We love Trinity! My daughter started in the 8th grade & so far she's had a wonderful experience. They have a great academic program but also a wonderful academic resource center to offer support & assistance to students. A diverse student population -- not just by race & religion but also of learning styles, abilities & interests. The popular kids aren't just the jocks - although there are plenty of very good athletes here - students who are artistic, technologically savvy and academically versed are also the popular kids. Great teacher student ratio adds to the positives.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 508 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Glen Allen High School

    • Henrico County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 264 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: This is awesome! The teachers here really put in the effort to teach. They are willing to put in their personal time to tutor students to make sure that the students understand new and old concepts. There are a variety of clubs and organizations. There is diversity among the clubs and organizations also. The culture here is welcoming and warm. Students, faculty, teachers, and staff, in general, are hard working and try their best to help make students meet their full potential. Additionally, there are plenty of sports. There is something for everyone to do or participate in and if someone has their own idea for an organization, then the process to start the organization is super easy.
    Read 264 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,763 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Cosby High School

    • Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 494 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Cosby High School is a very high quality school. The school itself is a clean and up-kept well. The teachers are very qualified, especially our dual enrollment and advanced placement teachers. The school spirit is extremely high, there are pep rallies, school dances, an amazing student section at every football game, etc. Cosby's athletics are very gifted and have accomplished many state championships in many different sports. The Administration is lacking in my opinion, I think certain students are favorited over others and given special treatment and have unfair advantages. The counseling department needs some work too through my entire high school career my guidance counselor did not know my name. I understand that my counselor has many students and its hard to remember all our names but other counselors made an effort to remember their students.Overall this is a very good school academically.
    Read 494 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,098 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Midlothian High School

    • Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 220 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Sophomore: I like all the options for classes. I also like that most kids there are friendly. I would probably change requirements for classes though. Students needed to have taken certain classes in order to enter certain classes with no exceptions. I feel letting any student choose their classes, except for languages of course, would make everything easier. I also feel like their specialty center- the International Baccalaureate Program should be more noticed and should have more recognition than it gets. It's a great program to prepare for college and I feel more people should have access to the resources and information for it. All together, though, Midlothian High School is a great school because of its Acedemics and overall friendliness.
    Read 220 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,599 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Open High School

    • Richmond City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Overall, Open high is a great school that offers college level classes in order to prepare you for college. The teachers are very well educated in their area of studies and are very understanding to student situations that may arise. Student life is very important to Open. Everyone knows Everyone. With the diverse student classes, all students have the opportunity to make new and unique friends. Also, with the hour lunches provided to students, there is a lot of time to explore around the school, such as, the overlook and the river. There is also a lot of tasty nearby food spots to go to that is affordable!
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 184 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Clover Hill High School

    • Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 535 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: I loved Clover Hill. I loved the teachers and staff. The teachers were there to help the students whenever possible and inspiring to their students. The teachers are passionate about their jobs and make the learning environment feel safe. Clover Hill encourages students to be unique and to obtain their greatest potential. Not only did Clover Hill excel when dealing with academics but they also excelled in the arts and sports. Clover Hill staff and teachers inspired and encouraged all students to get involved in a sport, club or other after school activity. Clover Hill also focused on helping the community. There were many clubs and teachers that focused on community service.
    Read 535 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,916 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Benedictine College Preparatory

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 19 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Alum: Attending Benedictine was the best decision I ever made. The curriculum is comprehensive that includes four years of faith-forming Theology courses, the teachers expect nothing more than 100% from Cadets, every Cadet still has to work hard in the non-honors and non-AP classes to get at least a B on an assignment or test and the workload is immense given a Cadet's day lasts from 7:30 AM to 4, 5 or even 6 PM.

    The Corps of Cadets taught me more about responsibility than any other school could, in which I give credit for my success in college and beyond. Upon graduation, I understood the importance of responsibility where I developed the skills of managing a deadline, dressing professionally and it gave me positions in the battalion like squad leader and platoon sergeant where I inspected others. These positions gave me a taste of the professional world where I was able to manage others and hold others accountable.

    Send your son to BCP. You will not regret it!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 243 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Atlee High School

    • Hanover County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 316 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: The teachers were definitely the best part about this school! Most teachers were kind and want you to succeed, however some were not as great, but that's every school. Staff are always there to help and there were a lot of college and job resources. Like career counselling and colleges visiting every week. I won't pretend that Atlee didn't have it's flaws, like punishments and dress code issues, but what I haven't seen a lot of is bullying.
    Read 316 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,685 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. James River High School

    • Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 216 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: James River is the type of school where strong bonds can be formed and kept for a while. There are plenty of great teachers who only want to help guide you through what is happening and prepare you for life outside of high schools, though some teachers are a little more relaxed with this kind of approach. But overall everyone there want to see you as a studwnt and person succeed. Although, at times, some of the changes that have happened seemed somewhat out of left field, at least as a student at least. Changes to the beloved "one lunch" and the lack of telling students what is happening to the school accurately and with enough time in advance are some of the biggest problems. But these can be easily fixed. I do recommend this school though!
    Read 216 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,156 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Douglas S. Freeman High School

    • Henrico County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 255 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Douglas Freeman High School has offered me just about the best high school experience I could have asked for. Obviously, no high school is perfect, so for what it's got to work with, I'm quite happy with the results. I am heavily active in both the band and theatre programs provided, and they have both offered me an opportunity to express myself and connect with others that share the same passion as me. Not only that, but I'm confident that I will walk across the stage in my cap and gown fully prepared to go out into the world and pursue a higher education. Thank you, Freeman, for the opportunities you have provided me!
    Read 255 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,815 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. St. Gertrude High School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 42 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Alum: Being surrounded by all women allowed me to have a voice. I gained confidence that I wouldn't have acquired if I attended another school. We all supported each other, lifted each other's spirits, and accepted one another. The size of the school and class sizes allowed you to have a closer relationship with the teachers, which ultimately helped you excel.

    At the time, I griped about the many rules regarding our uniforms, grading scale, and the intense curriculum. However, I now understand the purpose and reap the benefits of the college prepatory curriculum, the structure, and how to follow rules and obey authority.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 247 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Richmond Academy

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 29 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: I have 2 children that attend Richmond Academy and our family has been very happy! The teachers are excellent and truly care about the students. I love that they are taught about God daily. The Leader in Me Program is wonderful and teaches children to how to become strong leaders.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 125 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Richmond Community High School

    • Richmond City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 157 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: My experience a Richmond Community High School has been something to remember. For starters, I enjoy the school traditions that we have at our school, which is Harvest Fest and Morning Meeting. During Harvest Fest, alumni that graduated from RCHS come back and hang out with the underclassmen in our field day activities.
    Read 157 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 233 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Banner Christian School

    • Private School
    • North Chesterfield, VA
    • K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: We were drawn to Banner by the vision it was founded on & the intentional way they're bringing that vision to life. A few things we love about the school: Caring staff that made our kid's transition from their old school to Banner a positive one. Huge parent involvement & support. Their goal was to have a diverse student population, so they are intentional about seeking out families from every background & hosting Chinese exchange students. The Senior trip is a mission trip where the kids can serve others & have fun. The Upper School students mentor & teach the Lower School students through their Bible Buddies program. A GREAT music & drama program. Best of all, my kids start EVERY day meeting for praise & worship with the whole school (student-led praise team, band, sound & video teams). My kids constantly ask to turn on their favorite worship songs now. Many of our conversations about God are sparked by something they heard at school. We are so glad our family found Banner!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 237 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Goochland High School

    • Goochland County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 118 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Goochland High School has great teachers and a wonderful learning environment. I feel that most students will leave being prepared for college. The teachers care about your future and do the most they can to help you succeed. Although, I do wish that the sports programs had more students involved and come to the events to make us have more school spirit!
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 826 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Grove Christian School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 10 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area

    Parent: My family researched several local private schools and my children chose Grove. They have all enjoyed their academic experience, sports experiences and the lasting friendships they have made.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 184 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. John Randolph Tucker High School

    • Henrico County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 239 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area

    Senior: Hello everyone that’s reading this, my enrollment at JR Tucker High School has been exceptional and enjoyable. I’ve experienced things that other schools possibly couldn’t do. Such as the diversity and culture. Since, Tucker is a heavy diverse school, I’ve been open to all sorts of cultures from food, traditions, clothing, language, and festivals. The school environment is great especially how it allows you to get out your comfort zone. As of sports like track and field, wrestling, baseball, and soccer; best believe you’re going to get recognized and have a winning season. Lastly, this school is amazing, with great programs, great people, and great environment for a school.
    Read 239 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,705 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 32 reviews
    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 399 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 22 reviews

    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 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 453 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Orchard House School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 5-8
    • 10 reviews

    Parent: Our daughter attended Orchard House School and is now a senior in high school, preparing to transition to college next fall. OHS was the perfect place for her to learn, grow, and navigate the challenges of adolescence, while gaining a level of confidence that has propelled her throughout the past four years. She learned to think critically, write clearly and succinctly, and develop and articulate her opinions. We love OHS.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • 79 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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