2019 Best Magnet High Schools in America

Best Schools

858 results

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Public School
Aurora, IL
10-12
250
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 250 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
649 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
462
#1 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: I went there, got into a T5 college and prospered. This experience wasn't without its grueling moments (there were plenty), but I truly learned a lot and it made for a unique high school experience. This school more than anything, is what you make of it. Just attending isn't going to get you into the college you want, you have to be proactive about your studying and extracurriculars. I never joined any club just for the sake of "looking good" and I think that's what made me stand out as genuine when it came time for college applications. The best thing here is the other students, who are just as driven as you.
Read 462 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,823 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
329
#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 329 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
887 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Whittle School & Studios
Opening September 2019, Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-10
NG
Overall Niche Grade
— Students
— Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Public School
Columbus, MS
11-12
119
#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 119 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
245 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
516
#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 516 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,056 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science
Public School
Worcester, MA
11-12
60
Senior: Mass Academy is a great place to learn! Awesome culture! The teachers genuinely care about the learning process, not just grades.
Read 60 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
98 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Liberal Arts & Science Academy
Austin Independent School District, TX
9-12
395
#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 395 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,016 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bergen County Academies
Public School
Hackensack, NJ
9-12
438
#6 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Junior: Bergen County Academies certainly offers a unique range of opportunities for high school students with only the best resources devoted toward educational advancement. After a long admissions process, students of BCA are enrolled in one of seven academies, or majors, where they are able to take part in high level medical research, earn spots in competitive orchestras, and have access to a Bloomberg Terminal- one of just two owned by a high school in the United States. The environment is far more welcoming than that of most other public high schools and the atmosphere is one of trust and comfort- to the point where students frequently leave their belongings unguarded without the fear of them being stolen. The availability of clubs, competitions, and activities is unrivaled at BCA and the rigorous courses and intense workload makes the school a place known to prepare its students for college very adequately.
Read 438 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,059 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
7-12
978
#7 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: Whitney Young is amazing at most aspects! You learn so much here academically and about the world in general. There are plenty of opportunities to join sports and clubs that build relationships which can last a lifetime. Most of all my teachers were amazing and care about their jobs, you do get those teachers that are lazier but they not common at all at least for me. Also, they are making improvements in the athletics facilities at our school like a new track, football field, baseball/softball field which was something that was needed. Overall Whitney is a great school with some lows but some amazing highs I would recommend to any other prospective students thinking of coming here.
Read 978 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,153 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maggie Walker Governor's School
Public School
Richmond, VA
9-12
64
#8 Best Magnet High Schools in America
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 64 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
746 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Union County Magnet High School
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
117
#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 117 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
298 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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School of Science & Engineering
Dallas Independent School District, TX
9-12
176
#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 176 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
418 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Davidson Academy
Public School
Reno, NV
6-12
57
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 57 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
160 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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School for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas Independent School District, TX
9-12
145
#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 145 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
256 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Poolesville High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
262
#12 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: Poolesville High school fosters a challenging academic environment for students who are driven and committed to exploring new ideas and perspectives. The magnet programs at the school offer opportunities for specialized academic interests in environmental science, math and computer science, the humanities and independent studies. The environment at Poolesville is competitive, but supportive. Teachers and other students are always willing to help. In addition to the incredible academics, there are a multitude of clubs, sports, and other extracurriculars that students can participate in. Despite all these wonderful qualities, the actual building and it’s facilities are in desperate need of renovation. However, I would recommend Poolesville High school to any student who wishes to challenge themselves and who wants a friendly, supportive, and intelligent group of people surrounding them.
Read 262 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,205 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Benjamin Franklin High School
Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
362
#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 362 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
901 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Early College at Guilford
Guilford County Schools, NC
9-12
93
#14 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: The Early College at Guilford is phenomenal. I've experienced diversity, academic growth, and personal/social development in ways I never would have imagined 4 years ago. The opportunities I've had here are unparalleled and have empowered me to reach for goals far beyond what I hoped for in middle school. The coursework is challenging, but my peers and I have developed amazing friendships as we've worked hard together.
The freedom of junior and senior year is excellent. We have enough structure to make sure we're highly competitive for college admissions, while still having the opportunity to explore fields to which none of my peers at other high schools have been exposed. Regarding diversity, I have friends from 7+ countries, some whose parents are doctors, and some who will be first-generation college students. Nowhere else have I experienced anything even close to the diversity of ECG.
Bottom line: If you're willing to be challenged and stretched, ECG will change your life.
Read 93 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
200 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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DuPont Manual High School
Jefferson County Public Schools, KY
9-12
623
#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 623 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,895 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School
Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
9-12
235
#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 235 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
710 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Carnegie Vanguard High School
Houston Independent School District, TX
9-12
269
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 269 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
621 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academic Magnet High School
Charleston County School District, SC
9-12
218
#17 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: As far as receiving a quality education, this school is perfect---not only does it have knowledgeable teachers, the classes are challenging and require diligence and critical thinking. In this sense, it certainly prepares a student for college and beyond. However, this school is completely draining, and many students leave because it has caused them mental health issues, relentless stress, anxiety, and feelings of incompetence. If you're willing to potentially go through these issues, I would strongly recommend coming to this school. Despite its difficulty, Academic Magnet is a place of student unity and quality academics.
Read 218 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
647 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tesla STEM High School
Lake Washington School District, WA
9-12
65
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 65 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
561 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Jones College Prep High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
596
#18 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: I am a senior at Jones College Prep, and it has been a joy to be here all 4 years of high school. Jones offers a rigorous academic environment, but also allows for students to get involved in lots of activities and interact with wonderful teachers. Situated in the south loop in downtown Chicago, there are plenty of ways to get to school with public transportation, and tons of great restaurants and activities for students to enjoy! I would reccommend it to anyone looking for a great high school experience!
Read 596 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,667 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Montgomery County Schools, AL
9-12
170
#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 170 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
497 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts
Public School
Natchitoches, LA
10-12
128
#20 Best Magnet High Schools in America
Senior: I’ve learned a lot in the 2 years I was here. I gained many long-lasting friendship. Although our voices weren’t heard as much by the administration, there was a lot of fun! Everyone got along togetehr and it was one big family.
Read 128 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
330 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Hope Academy
Private School
Landover Hills, MD
PK, K-12
45
Parent: This small school nestled in a quiet neighborhood brings hope to children and parents in regards to education. Seasoned teachers and administrators put the children first and have created a safe and loving atmosphere for learning. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, I've found this school to be just what my children needed as they grow in their formative years!
Read 45 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
194 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
12
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 12 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 35

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Walter Payton College Prep

Whittle School & Studios

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Northside College Preparatory High School

Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

Liberal Arts & Science Academy

Bergen County Academies

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Maggie Walker Governor's School

Union County Magnet High School

School of Science & Engineering

The Davidson Academy

School for the Talented & Gifted

Poolesville High School

Benjamin Franklin High School

The Early College at Guilford

DuPont Manual High School

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

Carnegie Vanguard High School

Academic Magnet High School

Tesla STEM High School

Jones College Prep High School

Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School

Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts

New Hope Academy

BASIS Independent McLean