2023 Best Magnet High Schools in America

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  410 reviews

Senior: I've been here for all four years and I love this school! Truly, the best part of the school is the teachers. Of course, you'll have a few that aren't your favorite, but I've found teachers I really admire. They are here because they love to teach. The student body as a whole is also really great, at least for my years here. We went through a lot of administration struggles, but what pulled us together was our support for our teachers and the shared values that we have as students. The course load is challenging but manageable, but I also felt really well prepared from my elementary school. All that being said, Payton has many normal issues like any high school (some student drama, mediocre/bad food, people that you like and don't like, etc).... Read 410 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Reno, NV•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  72 reviews

Junior: Throughout my years as a student I have been to private, public, magnet, and online schools, but none of those experiences compare to the DA online campus. When I first joined Davidson I was worried. I had been to two other schools just the year before (one magnet and one public) and neither had worked. Not to mention my online school experience was very small as I had only taken a few asynchronous online classes before. But at Davidson, the live sessions were stimulating and engaging, the teachers were invested in my learning, the work was actually interesting, and my peers were amazing! I’ve made strong friendships and connections throughout my two years. Davidson has helped be become a successful student too. I’d always had trouble taking notes, planning, and studying but DAO has let me create my own strategies for each! The school is meant for gifted kids and it shows in everything they do. Thanks to Davidson I finally feel at home at school.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 165

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: Mass Academy is an amazing school! The collaborative environment and assignments that are geared toward challenge and real-world applications make being a student here an inspiring and enjoyable experience. The academics are top-notch and challenging, and everyone will help each other. With the small size of ~ 50 students per grade, you get to know each of the faculty members and your classmates personally. The faculty offer a lot of support with independent projects and the college application process. Senior year at WPI prepares you well for college. Although you are always busy as a junior, most of the projects are truly enjoyable because you get to work in a group, including when designing an app and assistive technology device. There are also great classes in the humanities and language, so students gain skills in math and science as well as writing, English, history, and Spanish/French. I would strongly consider applying here if you are interested in collaboration and challenge!... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  602 reviews

Senior: Northside is very inclusive and lively. Students are involved in all parts of the school such as the production of a musical, the display of sculptural work, and even the spread of awareness for minority groups. At Northside, the individual is strengthened in personal and academic identity. It’s rigorous tasks and unique class schedules prepare students for college academia. As a fellow Northsider, I can say that there was a difficult adjustment to Northside’s expectations, however, I have found an amazing and supportive community alongside it. If you are considering Northside, I hope you are warmed by it’s strengths in education and community!... Read 602 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Aurora, IL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  353 reviews

Sophomore: I love the attention that all of the teachers I have met to this point have given to every student! They hold a lot of patience for questions and genuinely enjoy helping everyone learn, not just memorizing information. The food given out could be better, such as always having it warm and not cold sometimes. Overall, kind teachers and staff!... Read 353 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  564 reviews

Alum: TJHSST offers a unique high school experience. The academics are definitely much different and difficult from what I've experienced in middle school. However, the communities and relationships formed at the school are unmatched. TJ offers many unique opportunities that can't be found at traditional high schools. For example, I learned the Russian language for four years. I know Russian is not a course offered at many other high schools throughout the US. TJ also offers many clubs through 8th period. We are able to choose 4 different clubs per week allowing us to further explore both our academic and creative interests during school. TJ is the perfect place for students who want to challenge themselves and always aim to do better.... Read 564 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Richmond, VA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  147 reviews

Junior: MLWGS is a wonderful place, and I could not have made a better decision than to come here. The teachers are so talented and engaging, and they make learning truly enjoyable. Contrary to popular belief, MLWGS isn't only good for its international studies or social studies classes—it has fantastic STEM and arts programs, as well, and the students have really diverse passions and strengths. What we DO have in common is that most of us are nerds... but our athletic programs are fantastic, and our football team is undefeated (lol)! If you're the type of student who likes challenging yourself with rigorous classes and expanding your worldview through exploring various extracurriculars (from Quiz Bowl to Bhangra), this is the school for you, and you will find students and faculty who share your interests and are willing to support you in all of your undertakings. And don't be scared off by rumors about the rigor—the workload is super manageable, and teachers are really understanding.... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 746

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  1,153 reviews

Sophomore: Whitney Young is a great school with great academics and athletics. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from. The school prepares kids for academic success and college readiness. The teachers are caring and the administration makes sure there are rules set in place to help everyone in the school feel at home. The teachers, except maybe 1 or 2, have been the best and are always open to listen to you. The athletic teams always win championships each year and they are supplied with lots of equipment and everything they need. There are many resources helping students in many different ways, like the counseling department and much more. The students all feel well connected to the staff and the weekly newsletter, "The Weekly" answers the concerns or questions that a student may bring up. The school is very diverse, and everyone feels included. There are many safety protocols that everyone must follow to help everyone feel safe. Overall, my time at Whitney Young has been great!... Read 1,153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,121

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: The best experience I could have possibly had in high school. Great teachers, resources, facilities, and most importantly, people. I met people here I'll never forget. At first, the schoolwork was difficult and I thought I might not be able to stay, but the community helped me get through it. I was able to thrive at AMSE thanks to that same community and would recommend it for anyone interested in STEM in the future!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  537 reviews

Senior: Bergen County Academies is a school for intellectual and talented students with numerous opportunities and resources. The school has a wide variety of classes in all sorts of fields including different sciences, medicine, engineering, business, computer science, culinary, visual art, theatre as well as music. The school has highly trained and educated teachers as well as facilities more advanced than a normal high school. Students are given the opportunity to do high-level research starting in their freshman year and even have programs abroad where students can learn about other cultures, lifestyles and learn from mentors that are quite successful and well-known. Overall, Bergen County Academies is an excellent, rigorous school that provides its students with many opportunities and resources that give them an advantage moving forward in college.... Read 537 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  189 reviews

Junior: When I first applied to the school, I was not too keen on attending. A lot of my friends from middle school were going to a different school that was also a lot closer to my home. I thought I was going to regret the decision of going here. However, I was totally wrong! The workload may not be easy but the teachers are very understanding and I am sure I learned more here than I would have been able to at any other high school. The (relatively) small class size that does not feel too small is perfect, especially within the positive environment that TAG is so proud of. I have grown unbelievably within the few years I have spent at this school and I am proud to say that this is the high school I attended.... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Austin Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  500 reviews

Alum: I graduated in 2020 at the LBJ campus. Great school, great staff, great people. I encourage every prospective freshman to apply, do not be intimidated by the academics! Yes, LASA will be more difficult than your typical high school as most courses taken will end up being AP or Pre-AP (not counting some liberal arts courses). The college readiness this school provides is very strong.... Read 500 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,254

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  142 reviews

Senior: Magnet is a school that is very near and dear to me. Throughout my time here, I have made many friends that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I relish the opportunity to interact with so many intelligent people and feel that the culture is one that stimulates growth and improvement. The teachers are above average and it feels like they truly care about their students. I would highly recommend any students in the Union County area to apply to Magnet. It will absolutely be worth it.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Guilford County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  118 reviews

Senior: The Early College at Guilford is a great college preparatory program, and for students interested in STEM, the resources are wonderful! You are allowed to take free college courses for 2 years, and you have access to lots of resources that come with being on a college campus. The art and design clubs and culture is not the best, but you have access to college level facilities for the last two years, which is a great opportunity.... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  214 reviews

Senior: The academic program truly helps students be prepared for college. As part of the School of Science and Engineering's accelerated math track, I took Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus AB as part of a double-block schedule during my freshman year. I also took SuperLab, a unique science track offered during Junior Year consisting of AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Chemistry, and a hands-on Lab & Experimental Design course. The teachers are approachable and very dedicated to their students' education. Almost all of the teachers offer tutoring hours before and/or after school and sponsor extracurricular activities. In addition, the school culture is unique compared to most other schools. Students genuinely care about their learning and academic opportunities, so this produces a cooperative and academics-driven culture. While social events have been lacking in previous years, the PTSA has started sponsoring monthly school-wide social events, bringing the community closer together.... Read 214 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 513

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  728 reviews

Alum: Coming from the far south side of Chicago, attending Jones College Prep was a unique experience for me. I met people of various backgrounds, which opened my mind to different perspectives. To get to school, I took public transportation, allowing me to explore the city for all its diverse neighborhoods. I was able to see demographic changes and injustices on the train ride to school. It made me interested in gaining knowledge on the inequity within the city. I got to bring those ideas to school and write about them, and people listened. New ideas were welcomed and embraced and that's something I liked about going to Jones. Having come from different neighborhoods, it was expected that everyone would come with biases and prejudices. And they did. Ideals and values were challenged in a variety of ways, whether that be by microaggressions, racial slurs, or stereotyping. Although the school addressed some of these issues, Jones could do a better job at creating safer spaces for POC.... Read 728 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,915

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 2-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  356 reviews

Senior: I've attended Pine View School from 2nd grade through 12th grade. This place is great and offers many advanced classes for those who are consistently performing above their grade level. Once a student reaches high school, they have so much freedom in what classes they take and what path they want to go down with their academics. This school teaches kids to be independent and work hard. On the other hand, unfortunately, being gifted comes with its fair share of consequences as well. The levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses here is much higher than at other schools. Consistently pushing oneself to ace rigorous courses takes a toll on one's mental health. Pine View has good resources and understanding staff when it comes to this, but all I want to say is that it is NOT FOR EVERYONE. Just because you or your child are gifted does not mean you should attend. Be prepared to have your limits tested... I hope you have a good work ethic! Personally, I owe PV everything.... Read 356 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,818

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  332 reviews

Junior: There is definitely a rigorous academic culture in the magnet program and I'm so thankful to have met some of the most genuine, kind teachers I've ever had. The global ecology program has been so much fun! In my experience it's a close-knit community where most people know each other. One thing I'd like to see changed, though, would be improved infrastructure. The school building itself seems pretty old and poorly made. There also seems to be an insect problem and asbestos in the ceilings, but everyone's pretty much used to that.... Read 332 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,236

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  480 reviews

Parent: After sending our son for a year, we are happy to tell that the school is filled with wonderful people. CAMS students are kind, friendly, supporting each other across grades, and caring younger students very well. Parents are very nice and supportive, too. Most teachers have decent backgrounds/careers. It's easy to communicate with teachers and school staffs. Minimal donation/volunteer requests. The school is for students like Engineering, Computer Science, or Bio-technology. Required courses include manufacturing with CNC machines & industrial 3D printers, computer programming, CAD designing, and college level Bio-tech curriculum. Located on CSUDH campus, junior/senior students may take the college classes at reasonable cost. More than 50 clubs to choose from. 1/5 students join FRC or VEX Robotics teams. While sports teams are limited, good players compete at tournaments. Dancing teams actively perform at various school events. A lot of fun and exciting opportunities at CAMS!... Read 480 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  578 reviews

Senior: OCSA is an amazing place, we welcome everyone regardless of your beliefs and personal identifiers. Males can wear a skirt and nail polish and not feel afraid or intimidated. Students are celebrated for thier individuality. I am your typical theater kid, slightly overweight and terr6at sports. I got teased everyday at my public home school, my mom even homeschooling me for a year. I was lucky enough to get into OCSAband from my first day of school in 7th grade day all the way through my senior year I have never been made to feel inadequate or less then. Instead, I have a wonderful group of friends who love and support me no matter what! OCSA has fostered my passion for equality, I speak out against hatred and do my best to help educate others on embracing the things that make us different. I believe tolerance begins where ignorance ends. Thank you OCSA!... Read 578 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Muncie, IN•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  369 reviews

Senior: Aside from Covid causing some unexpected twists and turns, I have loved my experience at Indiana Academy. It truly allowed me an opportunity to experience life away from home prior to leaving for college. The professors have been fantastic and I would recommend this school to anyone. It offers a far more challenging educational experience than I could have ever gotten at my traditional high school. Best decision I ever made!... Read 369 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 208

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  120 reviews

Senior: This school is pretty great, with extremely engaging teachers who care about their students. The smaller class sizes and specialized programs are great for creating bonds between the students and the teachers. There is a strong sense of community here and everyone helps each other out. Though this school prepares students well for their transition into college, it also adds a ton of stress on us at a young age. This is why I rated AIT 4/5 stars. Other than the stress, this school provides positive feelings of inclusivity and overall positivity. The school traditions are also worth a mention. Before the pandemic we hosted large scale campus events, such as AHA Day, a day to celebrate and to teach others about cultures. We also participate in FBLA, relay for life, as well as many other clubs and organizations. Overall, this school presents a wonderful high school experience.... Read 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 284

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Philadelphia City School District, PA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: Masterman's school community is very close knit and being a small school everyone knows each other. Currently there seems to be a lot of issues that has risen due to the COVID pandemic such as a shortage of teachers as well as the lack of resource. Although there are little variety in the sports and clubs at Masterman, club are fairly easy to startup if you were passionate about something. Masterman definitely prepares their students for college as well as teaching students how to handle stress.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,204

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  47 reviews

Junior: The academics at the school are amazing, and so are the teachers. They are very understanding and open to your opinions. However, I would like to see more diversity and more opportunities in sports and the arts. High school sports are something that you see throughout almost all high schools throughout America, but in the Academy, there's only one sport (soccer). We are studying almost all the time (and therefore, sitting), so it'd be great to get some more physical activity and get more sports into the Academy (football, volleyball, etc.).... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 169

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  3,164 reviews

Senior: Lane Tech is an amazing school where the students are diverse and the resources are numerous. Students have access to well-qualified teachers and aid. Lane Tech excels in all areas: the sports teams dominate their fields, there are over 100 student-led clubs, our theater productions and choirs are superb. This list can continue endlessly because Lane Tech stops at nothing to succeed and provide its students with as many resources and opportunities as possible. The only problem with Lane Tech is that its students do not always feel heard, thus this year alone Lane Tech has started numerous committees dedicated to voicing the opinions of the student body and bringing problems directly to the administration. I would highly recommend this school to anyone because it serves everyone. My biggest piece of advice is to network and not to prohibit yourself from branching out. Instead, put yourself out there! There will always be a group willing to accept you with open and loving arms.... Read 3,164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,369

• Student-teacher ratio —