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2020 Best Private High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Private High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 8,374
Best Schools
8,374 results

  1. Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Private School
    • Exeter, NH
    • 9-12
    • 233 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: Phillips Exeter Academy is an amazing institution with renowned facilities, faculty, and alumni. The financial aid is unmatched; I will be forever grateful for the generous financial aid package that my family received. It's a diverse school, and although it's not always perfect in handling issues surrounding equity and inclusion, it's definitely a school that tries really hard to make sure each student feels safe. Stress levels are extremely high here, the workload is intense, and the New Hampshire winters can be extremely dreary, but I have made the best friendships here and have grown so much, both academically and personally. Even through the tough times, I have never regretted saying Yes to Exeter and I know that its all worth it. Additionally, it IS possible to have fun here! Even in a small town, we find ways to just live life and be teenagers.
    Read 233 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,085 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. St. Mark's School of Texas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1-12
    • 52 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Attending this school is the best thing i’ve ever done in my life. This school prepares you for college and life out in the real world. The teachers genuinely care and the community of St. Marks is extremely generous. The experience of learning at St. Mark’s is the best that money can buy. If you want you child to be successful, virtuous, and well rounded, send him to St. Mark’s. I will be forever grateful for this school and the 90 brothers that I gained from the moment that I stepped onto 10600 Preston Road. God Bless and Go Lions!
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 863 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Phillips Academy

    • Private School
    • Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 94 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in America

    Middle School Student: Phillips Academy is a wonderful high school! The summer session there is amazing! It's educational but has loads of fun with it! It's cool how you could interact with people around the world. Everyone here is very friendly and amazing! The food there at Paresky Commons is delicious! I would recommend middle schoolers to come and try out the summer session, and upcoming high schoolers and high schoolers to come and apply there at Phillips Academy!
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. The College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 71 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: I really love my experience here, so much that I'm part of the student ambassador team! The vibrant community, supportive learning environment, wonderful teachers, and beautiful campus have all contributed to an incredible four years here.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 364 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Trinity School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 54 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in America

    Niche User: Amazing school. Superior academic, athletic, and fine and performing arts programs. Great teachers. Bright, academically driven students. Great facilities. Superior financial aid and college placement programs. Strong and successful commitment to diversity. Half the senior class gains admission to at least one ivy league college; a record unmatched by any other high school in America. For the right student, one who is bright, highly motivated, task oriented, and talented in one or more non academic areas, Trinity is a superb fit. For students who don't possess a first class work ethic, Trinity can and will knock you down, even bury you. All in all, for a bright, talented, and highly motivated student, you really can't do any better.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,001 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 128 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: My son started at HW in the 9th grade. He looked at many schools when his prior school ended in 8th grade. We took a leap of faith, as the decision to attend HW meant: he would know very few, if any, HW students; he would catch the daily shuttle at 6:30 am; and we had very little prior personal knowledge of HW, except by reputation. Hands down, he could not have chosen a better school, both by fit, quality of teachers, close friends he has made, and pure enjoyment of the opportunities HW offers. As parents with initial reservations, we are one of HW's biggest fans. Yes, it's challenging, but HW's approach to address competitiveness is to be commended. My son said he thinks his 4 years at HW will likely be the best years of his life.
    Read 128 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Stanford Online High School

    • Online School
    • Stanford, CA
    • 7-12
    • 121 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: The teachers are experts in their subjects and their excitement about the material creates challenging and engaging classes for the students. But make no mistake, these are difficult classes! When my girls have had outside tutors, the common response is awe at the depth of the material they are covering in middle and high school.
    It is a surprisingly social school too! The kids are always on the group chats with OHS friends talking, goofy around or even watching movies together. The families are also great about getting together often and letting the kids visit each other. The best part is that it is cool to be smart and doing something positive and unique. This is the best type of peer influence you could ask for in high school!
    My daughter has taken summer classes in more traditional “work on your own” virtual schools and, while they have their own strengths, if you are looking for a truly challenging school and a real school community, OHS is a great place!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 804 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Choate Rosemary Hall

    • Private School
    • Wallingford, CT
    • 9-12
    • 123 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: There is so much to love about Choate. The faculty and administrators are deeply invested in educating well-rounded, world citizens who are prepared to enter any industry or academic discipline. From sports to Model UN to the performing arts, everyone has school pride!

    My only critique is that the competitive nature of the school culture can be overwhelming for young students - but there are classmates, teachers, and academic or health counselors who are always ready to lend a helping hand.

    Go Choate!
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 850 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Castilleja School

    • Private School
    • Palo Alto, CA
    • 6-12
    • 45 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: Too good for words. Castilleja is an all-girls, friendly environment. In the classes, they don’t consist of a lot of students, so teachers can get one on one time with their students. The food is absolutely yummy! The tie ceremony is my favorite event! It means the start of a new and amazing year here at Casti. I attended the camps as a CILT (Counselor In Leadership Training), and it is super fun! Castilleja is a tightly knit community, and almost everyone knows the other people in their year! I love Castilleja School, and when I graduate, will miss it forever.
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 434 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Lawrenceville School

    • Private School
    • Lawrenceville, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 110 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: The Lawrenceville School is a wonderful place. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in so many ways. Over the course of four, three, two, or one years, you will learn a lot more about who you are as a person. I had a lot of trouble adjusting my freshmen year, but as a senior, I can look back and see how much I've grown each year! I am grateful for this place.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 822 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 116 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: Recent graduate (2019) - review limited to 1000 characters.

    Academics: superb accelerated + honors classes, but no APs.

    Diversity: plenty of geographical, racial, political diversity. Lots of commuters. There's a focus on underprivileged students.

    Teachers: go above and beyond.

    Clubs & Activities: major ones are sports, speech/debate (Hearn), theater (Regis Rep), and student publications (Owl = newspaper, etc) + many smaller clubs that meet every 1-2 weeks

    School Culture: small/connected - students make friends with their classmates and study with them, low competition

    Administration: They fire teachers they don't like, censor the curriculum, and make daily life harder for students. But at least they've finally started saving money.

    Sports: Limited facilities due to Manhattan location, but teams do well in their divisions.

    Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks available every day. Good (pricey) food.

    Facilities: Great building but aging. They renovate one big thing a year.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Horace Mann School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 121 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Going to Horace Mann challenged me both mentally and emotionally. I had never experienced a curriculum as stimulating prior to me going to Horace Mann. Their facilities, resources and academic opportunities have allowed me to be both socially and politically conscious of the environment around me. The students that you meet strive for nothing less than perfection. But I will admit that this yearning for perfection can be emotionally and mentally taxing on students. It can be hard to be in a school where almost everyone is a perfectionist and where the school grooms you for college from the very beginning. It can be overwhelming and tiring to have such expectations placed on you. But without the pressure put on by teachers and administration, I would not be as ready for college as I am now. Horace Mann guided me every step of the way through the college process and helped tremendously with anything I needed financially. The challenge is worth it, and so is attending Horace Mann.
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 22 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in America

    Freshman: Overall incredible experience after my first ten years. Can't wait to see what comes of my last three. My brother goes to Trinity, and we can both agree Collegiate is a way more superior institution. Collegiate is forward-looking, fresh, vigorous, immeasurably fun, and overall great school
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Lakeside School

    • Private School
    • Seattle, WA
    • 5-12
    • 86 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I attended Lakeside for high school and absolutely loved my experience. The classes are challenging in the best way and each student has access to an amazing support network of teachers, faculty, administrators, counselors, peer tutors and more. The connections I made at Lakeside I know will stay with me throughout the rest of my life and I am extremely proud to be a Lakeside alum . I would highly recommend Lakeside to any student looking for an unforgettable high school experience that prepares you for college and beyond!
    Read 86 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Brearley School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 57 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: My daughter began in Kindergarten and (still) loves it! She’s now in high school. It's a nurturing place for learning. The staff and faculty are incredibly supportive. They know each child. The curriculum is top-notch. There is a methodical approach to the curriculum that begins in the Lower School and continues in the Upper School. One example is in the writing program and how it evolved from Kindergarten, building on each girl’s capacity and capability, each year. Our daughter now produces papers for many courses that are well-written and well-argued! We feel that Brearley is our second home in the city. My daughter has life-long friends. Our family has also found families who will remain in our lives for a very long time.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 720 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 95 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. The Hotchkiss School

    • Private School
    • Lakeville, CT
    • 9-12
    • 60 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: Hotchkiss was the best high school experience that I could have imagined.
    Firstly, the academics were incredible. Hotchkiss attracts a very special type of teacher -- one who is so dedicated to his or her students that they want to live in the middle of nowhere, where they will spend most of their time teaching, coaching, and advising. The teachers, combined with small classes and bright peers, makes academic life unique and enriching. Outside of the classroom, students develop families -- on their sports teams, in clubs, and in dorms -- that make the place so special. Within these communities, students will become leaders and make change, valuable lessons that aren't as accessible on anonymous college campuses. Finally, Hotchkiss is fun. Living in a dorm with my best friends and spending days watching games or going to the lake are memories that I'll never forget. I especially loved our main building, because it served as a space where the whole school could hang out.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. St. Paul's School

    • Private School
    • Concord, NH
    • 9-12
    • 66 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: This year was my first at St. Paul’s School, and so far I have only good things to say about my experience. Overall, SPS has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons into different activities, subjects, and ideas which have, in my opinion, helped me grow as a person. Due to its selective nature, the school is made up entirely of students who want to be there and this affects classes and everyday life for the better. Because it’s relatively small, I find that it’s really easy to make friends and the student body feels more like a family than anything else. There are still a lot of things that the school needs to work on, such as greater diversity and art culture, but the administration is very receptive to the feelings of our students and has addressed them constructively. I would recommend SPS to anyone!
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 534 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Crystal Springs Uplands School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • 6-12
    • 30 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Crystal prepares students for college!

    The only major downside is that I wish that there was more racial/ethnic diversity. There are only a few African-American students, roughly 5% of the entire school population, and it can be extremely isolating. Additionally, it has also been hard for me due to the fact that I am transitioning to male and as much as the school is trying to support me and understand, I think there is still A LOT of work to be done in regards to supporting LGBT(+) students.

    With that said, the academics are world-class. It definitely gives (and gave) me an advantage in testing, access to higher-level education, study skills, and essay writing.

    To those who are looking to apply, the biggest advice I would give is: Don't be afraid of the cost. The school gives excellent financial aid to those who truly need it.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 539 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Pingry School

    • Private School
    • Basking Ridge, NJ
    • K-12
    • 81 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Yes, Pingry has a reputation for being academically intense and it is certainly well-deserved. Expectations are high at every grade level, but the academic rigor is worth every penny. Having had children in other local private schools I can say Pingry is solidly a grade level ahead- if not two. Our child learns a week’s worth of material in a day and Loves every minute. Our public schools are excellent and I feel like it’s tough to justify dropping $40k a year, but with Pingry I can say I sign that check without hesitation. The value is there.
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,125 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 34 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Deerfield Academy

    • Private School
    • Deerfield, MA
    • 9-12
    • 35 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in America

    Niche User: I am from Eaglebrook school and I go to DA every week. The amount of freedom the Deerfield kids get is jaw dropping compared to the amount of babying in Eaglebrook school. The community is diverse, I am friends with a few alums who think the school is great! I might attend here soon.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 97 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: My experience at Poly has been unforgettable. I entered as a freshman and immediately became involved in the sports and clubs they offered. The school offers several ways for students to follow their passions including student-run clubs, classroom projects, and service opportunities. The school also ensures students grow outside the classroom through international trips and outdoor education trips. I traveled to Nicaragua for a week with peers and teachers to teach the students there English, and it was an eye opening experience. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip, and I'm thankful Poly made it financially possible for me to go too! The teachers are also incredibly supportive and make it their priority to help students reach their full potential. My chemistry teacher met with me before school at 7:30 in the morning just to go over topics that I was struggling with. Overall, Poly is a great place, and I could not imagine high school anywhere else!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 859 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. The Nueva School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 29 reviews
    #24 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: The main appeal of the Upper Nueva School is the quality of education. A remarkably low teacher-to-student ratio ensures that each student receives a personalized, tailored, and accessible educational plan with a well-defined expectation of success.

    Beyond this, students have vast educational freedom. People have access to an extensive library, couches or isolated workspaces, and peer help. Outside of midterm and finals week, I complete my homework at school more often than not.

    The main drawback is that the administration tries too hard to differentiate us from similar schools. For example, during finals week, the administration took 25 minutes to unravel a massive yarn ball- literally- and connect it to 400+ student. When people tried to chat with friends, we were shut up. When introverts reached for their phones, stern faculty yanked them away. We do something like this every Monday.

    A remarkable school in terms of education, but the administration is downright terrible.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. John Burroughs School

    • Private School
    • St. Louis, MO
    • 7-12
    • 55 reviews
    #25 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: I cannot say enough good things about this school. The staff is absolutely top-notch. They have nurtured, challenged, and loved our daughter from day one. The curriculum is tough (well it would have been tough for me at their age!), but they support the kids in a way that pushes them to be their best, and to believe in themselves and their abilities. If you stumble, they're there to help pick you up, teach you to move on, and learn from mistakes without being debilitated by them.

    There are so many opportunities to try new things (arts, sports, every kind of club you could imagine), and the feeling of community and kindness really lends itself to allow kids to come into their own. Both the staff and the other parents really work hard to welcome new families into the JBS community. And don't get me started on the head of school, Andy Abbott- what a rock star! I couldn't imagine a better school to prepare my child for the adult world. I only wish I could have been a student here!
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 641 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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