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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.

1 – 25 of 856
Best Schools
856 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 245

    Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
    Read 245 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 451
    1 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: TJHSST was the perfect place for me to spend the most important parts of my development. My experience taught me a lot about myself; my interests, my passions, and my weaknesses. The school provided so many experiences for me to really find my passion and explore different paths through the courses offered. The teachers are so kind and helpful and the students are so diverse and accepting. However, academics can get tough and my time at the school has been stressful and challenging. But I learned from my experience; it prepared me to college and taught me tips on how to stay efficient and organized.
    Read 451 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 316
    2 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Read 316 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • 1-12
    • 128

    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 128 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,203 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • Columbus, MS
    • 11-12
    • 115
    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 115 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 512
    4 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Northside College Prep is an amazing school! Teachers here are good and counselors really help you prepare for college since it is a college preparatory high school. There are a lot of extracurricular activities like dance clubs and sports to join. However, we do not have a football team, but if you don't mind, it's okay! Since our school is part of the selective enrollment process in Chicago and is usually top in ranking, things can be competitive sometimes in terms of academics. However, this competitiveness can be encouraging and motivating you to do better and keep up your grades!
    Read 512 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

    • Public School
    • Worcester, MA
    • 11-12
    • 56

    Alum: Phenomenal teachers (with 1 exception) and a very homey and personalized experience. Classes are small, the teachers are knowledgeable and flexible, and the students are mostly interesting and motivated. The activities are well run. I gained a lot from this school and owe them a ton (particularly Mr. Regele).
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 388
    5 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: LASA is a fun, unique school filled with people from a bunch of different backgrounds. There's a great community among the students and teachers (who are themselves eccentric and talented educators who make classes as interesting and thought-provoking as they can) that helps build a network of learning throughout the school. I'm so glad I go there!
    Read 388 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 431
    6 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: Bergen County Academies is a great high school to attend if you are looking for a challenge. It is most definitely more difficult than your local town high school, and it is not for the faint of heart. There will be many nights spent studying, and a lot of time being spent on school work.
    That being said, BCA is a school that not many, if not none, regret coming to. The school prepares you for college like no other. You are forced to learn how to utilize your time wisely, with opportunities such as free periods available to savor or to squander. Secondly, the classes, clubs, projects, and electives offered are countless. There are so many opportunities to take hold of. Lastly, the people at this school are amazing, passionate, and work hard to accomplish their goals.
    There is much to learn at this school, whether it be about chemistry, building relationships, or time management. No matter what, one thing is for certain; I would not trade this high school for anything else.
    Read 431 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 960
    7 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: My experience at Whitney Young has been irreplaceable. I've learned so much about the world we live in just by attending. However, the social and political spheres reap the consequences of the diversity we celebrate. The school's administration actively ignores problems that are resultant, e.g., mental health, racism, bullying. This leads (the targeted) students to either normalize and not know how to respond to hate or to fight it and be silenced. In other aspects, though, Whitney Young promotes individuality, free expression and creativity. Our visual and performing arts programs are both very impressive albeit underfunded. Most of our sports rank first in city competitions annually. There are numerous teams and clubs. There are tutoring centers for every subject. Whitney Young has something for everyone. I only wish the school valued its students more than its image.
    Read 960 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 53
    8 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: An amazing place that shaped who I am. I've been successful in found and growing my own international company, and I really do owe it to skills and mindsets I developed the Governor's School! Diverse, wonderful school culture, and a place that fosters growth and development of useful skills... while also having great academics. The track and cross country teams are top class, and a great community. I'm still close with Governor's School friends, and we've met up around the world. It's amazing to see the incredible things that my classmates are doing now to make the world a better place!
    Read 53 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 115
    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 115 Reviews

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

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 173
    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 173 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. The Davidson Academy

    • Public School
    • Reno, NV
    • 6-12
    • 56

    Alum: The school could definitely stand to be more diverse in a lot of ways; for example, it could improve its ethnic diversity and admit more students from low-income backgrounds. It's also quite small, and this can feel very insular at times. However, the teachers are some of the most caring human beings I have ever met, and the school continues to feel like a home even after you graduate. I think anyone who goes here will receive an excellent education that will take them far in life, but they would also do well to remember that there's a far bigger world out there beyond its walls (and to interact with it more). Oh, and many of the students here are middle schoolers or early high schoolers--sometimes it can feel like older students are glossed over a little bit when it comes to creating special events or opportunities for them. Overall, though, this school is excellent, and I think all of these problems are definitely solvable.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. 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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  21. Poolesville High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 257
    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 257 Reviews

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

    • Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 351
    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 351 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 901 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. 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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  26. DuPont Manual High School

    • Jefferson County Public Schools, KY
    • 9-12
    • 604
    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 604 Reviews

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

    • Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 230
    16 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: I love the diversity and unique culture you can find here at McNair! It's hard to find that type of experience elsewhere. However, we are severely underfunded. The bathroom facilities never work, the door handles break off and there are multiple classrooms where the paint job is unfinished or even peeling off but the district does nothing to help.
    Read 230 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Carnegie Vanguard High School

    • Houston Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 266

    Freshman: CVHS is one of the top high schools in the nation for a reason. You're going to have to stay up late doing homework, you will not be able to go to parties and do the typical-things-a-teenager-does. But honestly, as long as you work hard, dedicate almost all your time to school, and have people to help you out, then you should do good here. I am a freshman here at Carnegie Vanguard and I am proud to say that my lowest report card grade was a 90!
    Read 266 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 621 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Academic Magnet High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 210
    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 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 647 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Tesla STEM High School

    • Lake Washington School District, WA
    • 9-12
    • 62

    Alum: I loved the school and the opportunities it brought me! I learned a lot about STEM subjects, and the teachers that I had were very well trained in their topics. I made lots of great connections and memories, got to try out internships, had amazing experiences, and met really cool people. It was academically challenging at times but in the end the whole 4 years was very rewarding. I would highly recommend the school to anyone who wants to go in to the STEM work field as you'll be very prepared for STEM related jobs.
    Read 62 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 561 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 583
    18 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: I think the counseling department at Jones does an amazing job at finding enrichment opportunities for students. Through their emails, I found out about the ACE Mentor Program, which greatly influenced the major I want to pursue and helped me get an apprenticeship over the summer. I feel fortunate to have a fountain of resources at school, because I know that not all students have those opportunities.
    Jones has incredible students because it has amazing teachers. One particular English teacher was always a harsh grader, but because of her I learned to communicate better through my writing, which helped me excel in other courses. The AP classes at Jones are also great because there are so many to choose from, and my teachers were always available if I had trouble in class.
    Read 583 Reviews

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

    • Montgomery County Schools, AL
    • 9-12
    • 165
    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 165 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Natchitoches, LA
    • 10-12
    • 126
    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 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Charlottesville Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7

    Parent: Our family LOVES CCS! Our two boys went through CCS and are much better young men and students as a result. The overall environment at the Catholic School is exceptional. Academically, the students are encouraged, supported, and pushed to do their very best in the classroom. The teachers do an amazing job of reaching each student individually which translates into a trusting, caring, and successful school experience for the student, the parent(s), and also the teacher. In and out of the classroom the teachers and staff also do an extraordinary job of instilling discipline, self-respect and respect for others, thoughtfulness, and a sense of community and personal responsibility. Our boys continue to excel each and every year both as students and as young men in our community and I believe those valuable traits are a direct result of the foundation, mentorship, and guidance that they received as students at the Charlottesville Catholic School.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 337 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 28

    Senior: Totally prepares you for college courses and college life! The teachers really work with you and care about you. The campus is 1200 acres, truly amazing. It's an all boys school grades 9-12 with about 100 boys per grade. It's boarding students only (no day) so your friends are with you all the time.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 399 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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