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2019 Best Magnet High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2019 Best Magnet High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and magnet school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools
793 results

  1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 450
    1 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: TJ has many opportunities to get ahead - but only for those interested in science and technology. The student environment and abundant research labs appeal to those interested in studying engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics but don't offer anything for those who enjoy the humanities.

    Due to the high level of rigor each class entails, the students are often under high stress. Sometimes, this pressure may lead to a cutthroat environment. However, in my experience, I've only found individuals willing to help.

    The only issue I find with this school is the new administration. Many freedoms that we had when I entered this school no longer exist. The school used to allow us to eat anywhere during lunch, go anywhere during 8th period, and leave to use the restroom whenever we'd like. After Dr. Glazer left and in the years before, the administration has become more strict and has restricted the majority of these freedoms.
    Read 450 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,823 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 310
    2 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Freshman: I love the relaxed yet intense learning experience at Payton. Sports and clubs at Payton were all very welcoming to me as a freshman. There are so many ways to get involved and meet new people after school at Payton with sport events, clubs, dances, international night, performances, and more. With the Pal system at Payton where chosen juniors and seniors are Pals to groups of freshmen made it very easy to to get fully immersed in the Payton culture and traditions and get any answers to academic, social, or emotional questions I had as a freshman. Payton has wonderful teachers that not only teach but learn from their students to make their class a better experience for everyone. One way to better Payton would be to have an environment that dosen't put so much pressure on academic excellence and getting certain scores or grades because it often leaves students stressed and overworked. Glad I picked Payton!
    Read 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • Columbus, MS
    • 11-12
    • 110
    3 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: The faculty is brilliant, which shows in our test scores. However, some of the science teachers are researchers at heart and can be difficult to follow for lots of students. The mathematics instruction is top of the line, and the school does a good job of establishing a solid foundation on which to build upon. English is also very good depending on the teacher. Definitely the best high school in Mississippi. Most problems stem from a lack of funding--hopefully that will change in the future!
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 245 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 505
    4 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: Northside College Prep has one of the most rigorous academic curricula in the nation; as it constantly places amongst the top 25 high schools. The social structure within the school's student body and staff is very liberal/left-winged, where almost everyone is accepting of each other.

    Despite this, there is an extreme stigma on the grades acquired by students' peers, where if you don't have anything higher than an A- in a class, you're made an outcast; this creates an atmosphere which at times can be very hostile and rejecting of others. This example of grade-based stigmatization is further seen amongst the administration of the school, no one will help you unless you have at least a 3.8 GPA, this has led to students fending for themselves academically as well as psychologically.

    The school's teachers, however, are phenomenal and 9/10 of them deserve the highest regards in terms of providing my peers and I with the support we needed at tough times and for making learning fun!
    Read 505 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 384
    5 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: I loved coming to the Liberal arts and Science Academy (LASA)! The academics at the school are both rigorous and fun, and the teachers are the best I could possibly ask for. The only downside is a lack of monetary resources, in some cases, because LASA is magnet school in a poor school district. However, the incredibly string PTA helps get money as much as possible and supports the school fantastically.
    Read 384 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,016 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 422
    6 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: Bergen County Academies is a school that will definitely prepare you for life. This idea of an institution where students are focused on their education builds an atmosphere that is upbuilding and inspirational for all. After the competitive application, the number of resources and opportunities are endless for anyone. The clubs, projects, and electives distinguish BCA by offering courses that fit with all interests. In addition, the free time in between classes makes this school seem more manageable and convenient. Also, the sports here are incredible but require a lot of commitment. In reality, however, BCA is overwhelming as the rigorous classes, successful and intelligent teachers, and high standards placed upon the students make life seem impossible to conquer. However, I think BCA puts this stress on us, the students, in order for us to prepare for real life. This means that the complexity of this school makes our future seem brighter, more accessible, and approachable.
    Read 422 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 942
    7 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Freshman: It's decent! The teachers can be hit or miss, but overall I think that they tend to be good, and that they also tend to care a lot about their jobs and work.
    Our sports teams are great, but they tend to be seen as more important than similarly high-preforming preforming & visual arts groups, which is a drag.
    -People at this school care a lot about success
    -Safe in general, but non existent security
    -Administration cares a lot, but are quick to defend themselves when they need to apologize for certain things.
    Read 942 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 42
    8 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I remember when I applied to Maggie Walker. I was excited about the opportunities, but I was nervous about the testing and attending a different school. Thank goodness I got in and decided to go! The students are friendly and accepting, the teachers try to work with each student to create the best environment for learning, and the courses are challenging and increase cultural awareness.
     One of the best parts of the school is the environment of trust and the amount of freedom and independence students have because of the honor code. Also, all of the 75+ clubs at the school are run by students. While our school is well known for its academics, we also have a superb athletic program.
    There are many more great things that I could say about Maggie Walker. Nonetheless the school still has room for improvement. Such as creating a more culturally diverse environment and eliminating the belief that only AP courses make students successful.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 114
    9 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students. Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet - you'll quickly see that the students are friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic. The clubs and activities they lead, especially the STEM-related ones like Robotics and Science Olympiad, are a lot of fun - and of course great learning experiences! The school offers so much support for students, whether through funding, resources (like the brand new makerspace and on-campus fitness centers), or fantastic guidance counselors.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 167
    10 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: The overall experience was great, more so because of my friends. The counselor was difficult to work with in my case because I have to admit that I was a bit of a slacker but she always scared me by staring me down and raising her voice. I had one teacher humiliate me in front of the entire class my freshman year but they fired her. The rest of my teachers were helpful and amazing people! The security was a little overboard for the kind of school that Townview is but I understand, it's their job. Other than that, the students all applied to be there so there were rarely any fights and it is an amazingly diverse school.
    Read 167 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. School for the Talented & Gifted

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 142
    11 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I am currently a sophomore at the School for the Talented and Gifted, and I have not regretted choosing to come to this school. TAG not only has a challenging curriculum, but the environment is also welcoming. The faculty tale the time to get to know us as students, are dedicated to their jobs, and actually pay attention to how the feedback of the students. The school has created its own culture over the years where everyone is free to express their opinion, and TAG genuinely encourages you to show who you are as a person. I love my experience so far, and I know I'm receiving a great education!
    Read 142 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 256 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Poolesville High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 252
    12 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Poolesville High School is a tight-knit community that brings in students from all over the county. The opportunity to meet students from various backgrounds was amazing. I got the opportunity to grow as a student and a person. The teachers care for me and want to see me succeed. I was able to join many clubs and extracurriculars because of the various opportunities Poolesville presents. I would like to see Poolesville became a bigger school in the future , so even more students can come. If you have the opportunity to come to Poolesville, do not hesitate!
    Read 252 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Benjamin Franklin High School

    • Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 346
    13 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Parent: I am an alum and a parent of a current student. Franklin has always had a stellar reputation, but the school has changed a lot since I was a student - for the better! There is so much more support for incoming Freshmen: A mandatory study skills class, teacher office hours, peer tutoring, and a great staff of counselors. It's a much kinder, gentler school without having sacrificed quality. Teachers are inspired, students are ambitious and hardworking. It's a great environment in which to be a high achiever. Everyone is in the same boat, so there are no social outcasts who are labeled as "nerds." It also has a very active club network, which is a great way for new students to connect. I also highly recommend "Franklin Prep" for incoming Freshmen. It's a 2-week summer program that takes place the summer before school begins. It exposes students to a little taste of the academic picture while allowing them to learn their way around the school and meet some of their new classmates.
    Read 346 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 901 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 90
    14 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: I have greatly enjoyed my time at ECG, and I will surely be sad to leave it! ECG is a tight knit community of like-minded individuals invested in academics, and this creates a competitive yet quite engaging and encouraging environment for students. The academics are a great deal of work, but nothing that the average ECG student cannot handle. I have especially appreciated my experiences with freshman and sophomore English, History, and Calculus classes.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 200 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. DuPont Manual High School

    • Jefferson County Public Schools, KY
    • 9-12
    • 590
    15 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Manual's status is definitely well-deserved. The students are extremely dedicated, and nearly all college bound. The school's culture is competitive, but everyone is very open-minded and accepting of all students. However, the resources the school has are subpar for the amazing work that happens within those walls. Many classrooms only have chalkboards and have paint peeling off the walls, old desks, and old furniture. The students and faculty deserve much better. Despite these challenges though, the student body has still done some amazing things! I would recommend that anyone come to Manual and promise they will come out a more educated and more accepting person.
    Read 590 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,895 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 217
    16 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: It has been a tough 4 years in McNair Academic, but I believe that McNair is truly one of the most outstanding schools in Hudson County, if not, the state of New Jersey. Compared the other schools in Hudson County, McNair has the most available AP classes, and most of the secular subjects are honors courses, so you're practically in college already! McNair is not just exceptional in the realm of academics, but there is a sense of community that you cannot find at any other school. And as a member of the LGBTQ community, the acceptance and love I received from my peers made high school worthwhile.
    However, the facilities available to the students are not entirely up to date, and not varied either. It's what you would expect out of any ordinary high school, but I feel as if there could be so much more for the "smartest kids in Jersey City". McNair also concentrates too much on academics and college, there should be an increase in focus in the arts, and also, school spirit.
    Read 217 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Academic Magnet High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 208
    17 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: Great school! Many amazing teachers that are wonderful at preparing students for thesis, AP tests, and everything else. I would highly recommend for anyone student that is looking for a challenge.
    Read 208 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 647 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 567
    18 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: Jones College Prep is a very diverse college preparatory school. Students are selected from all over Chicago, and it is evident in the population. Teachers strive to help students succeed both inside the class and outside, and there is ample time provided for extra help. Because the school is college preparatory, the counselors really focus on early applications to colleges and for scholarships. The academics are very understandable and provide a good platform for upward mobility in terms of class selection. One downside is that the school consists of two unconnected building that are 6+ floors high, so a lot of climbing is required!
    Read 567 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,667 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School

    • Montgomery County Schools, AL
    • 9-12
    • 157
    19 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: I love my school! All of the teachers here are fantastic. They all work hard to support their students and will go the extra mile if you reach out to them. As a senior, I have fully enjoyed my four years at Loveless Academic Magnet Program, known as LAMP. The faculty, custodians, lunch ladies, and secretaries all make the extra effort to remember your name and your person. In addition, the students are very supportive. They are willing to talk about the trivial to the philosophical. I know that at other schools, it would be difficult to find the same hard-working high-level students. I love LAMP!
    Read 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 497 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts

    • Public School
    • Natchitoches, LA
    • 10-12
    • 122
    20 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: LSMSA is a place for minds and ambition to grow. Dorm life establishes a culture of symbiotic relationships that endure difficult and fun times alike. The social atmosphere is shadowed by a constant desire to get more out of education, and the terminal degree-holding professors welcome students with open doors, a will to listen and teach, and genuine enthusiasm for their role in a student's life. In going to LSMSA, I have grown far faster as a person and with deeper understanding for what it means to work hard with others toward something for which I feel passion and excitement.
    Read 122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 5-12
    • 193
    21 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Masterman has many strong qualities, especially college readiness. Not only is it very common to develop awesome relationships with teachers, but these relationships help to define your college application process. Teachers are very supportive in offering advice, recommendation letters, guidance or even just being an ear to listen to you vent. A lot of our classes are challenging but we have amazing teachers that always make time for fun. Masterman is a place for those who like to work hard and play hard! Also, our small student body makes it so that everyone is connected and it feels like one big family (through the good, the bad and the ugly of course).
    Read 193 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,184 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Public School
    • Teterboro, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 172
    22 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I am currently attending Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro. Overall, I enjoy going here! However, when it comes to academics, this school is very challenging. The change from 8th grade to a freshman at BT was insane! The workload was very different from my district town's. I would say that this is also a very stress-inducing school, thus why I am putting down four stars.
    Read 172 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Academy for Allied Health Science

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 95
    23 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Choosing to attend AAHS is the best decision I have ever made. As a senior, I have grown to be close friends with students from Rahway, Clark, Cranford, and Roselle Park, just to name a few. These are superlative people who I otherwise would never have the opportunity to meet. My experience at Allied Health has been wonderful thanks to my classmates and the extraordinary faculty and administration. The principal, the guidance counselors, and the teachers are all passionate about seeing the students thrive here. They are invested in our success.

    The Academy for Allied Health Sciences has offered me tremendous opportunities to explore the different avenues available in health care and understand the future of medicine.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 282 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,673
    24 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: I cried when I got into Lane Tech because I knew about its reputation and it would look great on my college applications and resumes. There are numerous Advanced Placement classes and some offer double periods and dual credit (many Illinois schools do not offer). I have taken cool electives such as AP Psychology, astronomy, neuroscience, zoology, Studio Drawing and Painting, and more. I've met awesome teachers and lifelong friends. There is absolutely no way you can't make friends because there are so many students AND clubs/sports to join; you'll fit in just fine. The school stays relatively clean despite 4,000+ students and staff. A few things I would love to see change are the options for the vending machine, new toilet seats and mirrors for the girl restrooms, and for Lane to bring back Early Dismissal Wednesdays! Despite all that and after 4 long (although it feels short) years, I can proudly say I am graduating from Albert G. Lane Technical College Prep. Go Lane, Go!
    Read 2,673 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,049 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Academy for Information Technology

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 101
    25 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: The Academy for Information Technology is a highly ranked vocational high school that focuses on Information Technology and Business. From the very beginning, my course work was very vocational focused. In addition, there are many opportunities for earning certifications which are incredibly useful for me not only for my college applications but future work opportunities. Due to the focused classes “fun” electives are usually not offered. AIT does not have sports which is a wasted opportunity due to the many athletes that go here. This also leads to a lack of school spirit. What the school lacks in sports it makes up for club; the most notable being our successful chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. AIT is not for everyone, the rigorous and focused coursework requires a lot of work and dedication and makes many feel like they are missing out on the “normal” high school experience however, AIT can promise a unique experience that leaves you ready for the future.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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