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2018 Best Magnet High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2018 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
786 results
  1. Sponsored

    The Madeira School

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • 9-12
    • 58

    Alum: When I picture my "happy place," Madeira is it! I credit the school with shaping me into the woman I am today. I was able to be the truest version of myself while I attended Madeira. I was challenged academically, but in an environment where I felt comfortable to excel. The friends I made at Madeira have been lifelong friends--some were even bridesmaids in my wedding. The co-curriculum experience is also monumental. The internships I had as a junior and senior in high school shaped my college studies and eventual career path. If I had a daughter, without a shadow of a doubt, she would be a Madeira girl.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 319 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 304
    1 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Overall, Walter Payton College Prep is a high school with high academic motivation with both counselors and teachers that take great care to ensure that every student is prepared for their college careers. The ample amount of security and the fact that teachers are trained to respond to certain medical issues such as Diabetes and asthma attacks provide more evidence that students can feel safe and protected while at school. Payton is also ethnically diverse and classes include intense literary discussions, modern as well as interesting experiments in science, and complex mathematical classes that guarantee no student is left behind. Walter Payton College Prep truly defines an ideal College preparatory high school. Possible criticism would include the fact that the school holds only your average diversity of sports, there is sometimes a lack of both sanitation and paper towels in the washrooms, and the school pep rallies are a bit lacking.
    Read 304 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 899 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 491
    2 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: Amazing and rigorous academics with dedicated teachers and extensive student body diversity. Going to ncp can be very stressful and competitive, but the experience has prepared me very well, and my counselour helped me plan out all sorts of backup plans senior year along with easing the application process. There is a safe space for anyone regardless of your interests, so many extracurricular activities! I feel very blessed and prepared. The rest of the world is certainly not as diverse as this school was, but it was great exposure as a young adult.
    Read 491 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,047 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 437
    3 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 437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,820 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 913
    4 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I am a sophomore who has been attending Whitney Young for 4 years now and I truly believe it is the best school in the city of Chicago. It offers a wide range of challenging courses for students with all different types of interests. The principal Dr. Joyce Kenner strives to give all students the best high school experience possible and definitely succeeds. The diverse environment is very welcoming and fun. The students are very involved in the school community while managing to focus on academics and sports/extra-curricular activities (with the help of our fellow teachers). Speaking of sports, we have had 12 city championships in the past 2 years, and 9 in 2014! The school could use a few upgrades, but that's really up to the city (and we already get a ton of funding since we're a selective enrollment school). Overall, Whitney Young is a great high school and I encourage all prospective high school students in Chicago to apply.
    Read 913 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • Columbus, MS
    • 11-12
    • 97
    5 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science gives students the push they strive for. The school's motto is "An Opportunity for Excellence", and that is just what it is. It allows students on the campus to experience an early college-like environment, while enhancing the community. For every $1 put into the school, $10 goes back into the state. This schools stands as an inspiration and model for higher education in underachieving states. With the number 1 staff in the nation, my school provides every resource needed to impact the community positively by investing in the students' educations. Being the "most diverse square mile in Mississippi", this school uses its constantly depleting funding to increase college preparation and provide opportunities to serve.
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 245 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 415
    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 415 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,044 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Sponsored

    Dwight School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 11

    Parent: Our son has had a great experience at the Dwight School. The curriculum is rigorous (IB), there are many opportunities to develop interests, and the community comes from all over the world. To be able to debate issues with kids from Europe and South America provides a very different worldview than the typical American classroom. The IB approach sometimes seems like lingo - but it gives teachers a lot of freedom to be creative. The great teachers love it and stay at Dwight because of it. There is a friendly, collaborative atmosphere—students study together and encourage each other and their teachers are always willing to meet and give extra help. The chancellor of the school is a high energy entrepreneur who is always pushing the envelope and the culture is informed by this idea that whatever your strength or talent, it can take you wherever you want to take it. I can't think of anywhere else my son would have thrived as he has at Dwight.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 369
    7 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: LASA is a great school with teachers that are qualified to teach their subjects and love to teach it. Students are supportive of each other and there are many tutoring services to help those who need it. College is a very stressful time for juniors and seniors, but the college advising at LASA is reassuring in the long process. There are downsides like resources at LASA due to funding and the old building, but donations are always welcomed! Overall, LASA allows students to get a well-rounded education with the experience of a normal high school.
    Read 369 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,002 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Public School
    • Teterboro, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 164
    8 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: I am currently a junior at Bergen Tech. Bergen Tech is a great school that prepares you for college. It is a stressful amount of work because of its college level courses, but it definitely helped me become a better person academically. The bt teachers are very helpful and easy to communicate with as well as the students. The only thing I could complain about it how competitive everyone is and how conscious everyone is about their grades. Other than that bt is a great school!
    Read 164 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 113
    9 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Culturally speaking, Magnet is a fairly competitive school: students tend to expect to get high grades and are distraught with low ones.
    Though there are no sports at school, students can participate in sports at their home high school districts if they so choose, and the amount of extracurriculars on campus--from the successful FIRST Robotics team to the always-active Drama Club--are enough to keep everyone engaged.
    Magnet, an engineering school, has classes specific to STEM majors that are not particularly useful outside of engineering disciplines; the likelihood of one using AutoCAD--computer software used for CAD--outside of an architectural occupation is unlikely, after all. For people interesting in engineering, it's a wonderful experience: the new Makerspace facilities opened up recently (a high-tech shop) and are open to all , and the new electives now available, such as Aerospace and Electrical, allow one to customize the experience to one's interests.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 290 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 37
    10 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 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Academy for Allied Health Science

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 94
    11 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 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 267 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. School for the Talented & Gifted

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 139
    12 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Junior: I feel so lucky to be a part of the weird, intense, and most importantly, supportive TAG community. Each teacher dedicates time and effort into their classes because of their genuine interest in what they're teaching and the success of their students. While the environment is competitive, it encourages your work ethic and teaches you how to overcome difficult situations. For every stressful night of studying for a test or spending hours on end doing homework, I better myself as a student and learn more about myself as a person. Everyone at the school is smart, but intelligence isn't measured on a 1-10 scale, and TAG teaches you to be humble because you're surrounded by interesting people with different skills and backgrounds than your own. Every day you can find something to appreciate, whether it's teachers bringing you cereal on test days or groups of students playing the kazoo while fighting with toy light sabers.
    Read 139 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 553
    13 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 553 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,427 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 213
    14 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 213 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 716 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Benjamin Franklin High School

    • Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 341
    15 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 341 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 894 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 86
    16 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 86 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 198 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,634
    17 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: This school is a school like no other. What i truly love about Lane is that it provides its students with a true high school experience. And no, not that cool kids vs lame kids experience. It helps you in creating friendships with people from different backgrounds and values. Our ethnicities are celebrated during International days, which is a week in which ethnic cubs perform their ethnic dances. The teachers truly care for their students and their education. There are hundreds of clubs and activities and if you don't find one right for you, then you can make one! It is very easy to find a place to fit in and people are open minded and truly friendly. We get to have open campus lunch and go wherever we want to eat. Parents and teachers are highly invested in supporting students and helping them achieve their goals. We have the best sports team, which is why we call ourselves the School of Champions. I am so lucky to say I attend Lane Tech High school. Go Indians!
    Read 2,634 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 157
    18 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 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. DuPont Manual High School

    • Jefferson County Public Schools, KY
    • 9-12
    • 573
    19 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 573 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,896 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Academy for Information Technology

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 98
    20 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 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 266 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Poolesville High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 246
    21 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: Poolesvillle High School is one of the best schools in the State of Maryland, going there opens a lot of doors for your students future, especially for college. The perks of having the magnet programs are endless they make you a better person and a more enriched learner. The academics at the school out compete all the other area schools. Having graduated in 2017 I can attest to the fact that because of Poolesville I was awarded more money from many of the schools I applied to go to college to. While the academics are amazing the school isn't perfect. The majority of the teachers at Poolesville were really amazing and super engaging .The biggest problem with the school is the building itself. It is old very very old, and slightly rundown. The school consists of two buildings one is very new and is beautiful its the main building that is lacking in beauty and practicality. The environment at the school is amazing I loved going to school there.
    Read 246 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,225 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 5-12
    • 185
    22 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Overall, the school itself is pretty good with relation to its academics. The school is very competitive and there's lot of people really worried about which college they want to get in. University of Pennsylvania is a very popular choice in this school. The food is mediocre. The party life is surprisingly more than you would think, albeit not too high either. Probably 40% of the high school do drugs or drink alcohol. But other than that, there's not much social interaction between the students as many of them are really focused on their schoolwork and not on parties or having fun. The school is not preppy either, as many would think. There may be some students that think they are better than everyone else because they get higher grades but that's the exception, not the norm.
    Read 185 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,180 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. The School Without Walls High School

    • District of Columbia Public Schools, DC
    • 9-12
    • 335
    23 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Alum: People have always said that Walls was a challenging school and they are right. The collegiate environment, the rigorous course load, and the opportunities that arise at Walls are nearly unmatched in the city. The culture of Walls allows students from all corners of DC to break down any educational barriers and succeed. The school is a refreshing pool of intellectuals, leaders, and talented individuals. The orchestra/Jazz band, art department, and sports teams are on the rise. There are a ton of clubs to match any teen's varying interest. I will not lie and say that Walls doesn't come without its fair share of struggles. However, the stress, tears, and sleepless nights definitely prepare students for college, which (if you ask most Walls alum) is almost a breeze. Walls is definitely demanding, but it is well worth it in the end. Go Penguins!
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 590 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Academic Magnet High School

    • Charleston County School District, SC
    • 9-12
    • 197
    24 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Sophomore: Academic Magnet is a school for people who constantly want to learn more and are focused on working hard for success later in in life already at the high school level. While the academics are rigorous, most teachers assist students enough so it doesn't feel impossible. The only problem with the academics is the rigid structure in the classes required. Students have very limited choice in the classes they can take especially with the extracurricular classes offered. Additionally, the requirement of four years of the same foreign language at Academic Magnet is absurd. Personally, I believe once students have completed the necessary course credits for foreign language to graduate from a South Carolina high school, then they should be allowed to switch languages if they desire.Overall, Magnet is a good place for people who are solely focused on academics.
    Read 197 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 644 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts

    • Public School
    • Natchitoches, LA
    • 10-12
    • 115
    25 Best Magnet High Schools in America

    Senior: Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is truly a college prep school. Not only is it a residential high school, the teachers have terminal degrees in their field and have extensive experience in their respective fields. LSMSA fosters academic growth and personal maturity in high school students and better prepares them for the transition into college and dorm life. All the students at LSMSA share a passion for higher learning and highly selective colleges recognize the type of students that attend LSMSA.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 308 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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2018 Best Magnet High Schools in America
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