2024 Best Public High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania

• North Allegheny School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  769 reviews

Senior: North Allegheny School District in McCandless, PA is known for its competitive nature and top-tier clubs and athletics. The school has been recognized as the top sports school district in Pennsylvania and fourth in the nation. It has also been ranked as the No. 1 high school program for athletes in the state. The success and drive of the students contribute to the overall competitiveness and strength of the school. In addition to its athletic achievements, North Allegheny offers a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. These clubs provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop their skills outside of the classroom. The culture of success contributes to the overall competitiveness of the school. Overall, North Allegheny School District is considered one of the best in the state of Pennsylvania. Its strong athletic programs, top-tier clubs, and successful students make it a competitive and high-performing school.... Read 769 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 36

• Dallas School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: While my time at Dallas Senior High School hasn't always been great, this school has helped me grow as a student, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a performer, a competitor, and an overall person. I have to admit that while I might not be too fond of high school right now, I will be able to look back at my time at Dallas Senior High School positively. I have been a student in this district since Kindergarten, so I m excited to be seeing myself graduating from this district in just under a year. I truly feel as though my time at this school has helped prepare me for college and beyond, as I go on to become the most successful person I can be. One negative thing I will say is that my school does not seem to care about programs that aren't sports. They will go above and beyond for their football team even if they lose the big game, but band, choir, academic clubs, etc. all seem to be either forgotten about or just flat out treated unfairly.... Read 115 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 30

• Lower Merion School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  268 reviews

Junior: Lower Merion is a great high school, and I am certainly going to miss it when I graduate. There are a lot of people here with a variety of interests, so you will be sure to find someone with similar interests. There's a lot of amazing clubs and activities at the school, such as the theater program, LM Players (clubs could use more funding though). School spirit and sports are great and highly celebrated (ex. Dawg Pound shows off school spirit at games). Teachers are overall great, and STEM is strong. The music department is especially great! Diversity could be a little better. Facilities are pretty good, and there are a lot of resources for college and more. We have a program called lunch and learn, which is one hour in the day students can use to eat lunch anywhere in school and do work or get help from teachers. Administration could be better, because they sometimes try to hide stuff up. Overall, I love LM and I can't imagine being anywhere else!... Read 268 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 32

• Radnor Township School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  153 reviews

Junior: rising junior here! i'm having a fantastic experience at radnor so far but i'm a rich white gifted kid so that clouds my experience lol. the academics are GREAT i feel like i've learned so much and am so so prepared for college. workload can sometimes be hard to manage but overall i love my classes. i've fostered really close relationships with a lot of my teachers and i think they put a lot of effort into teaching. we also have a huge array of super fun electives. i'm a member of a couple clubs and also a club president. radnor has a load of clubs and makes it really easy to start your own which is nice, but certain activities (football) get more recognition and funding than the rest lol. my only real gripe is that the school is really white and rich and it only gets worse as the classes get smarter. i'm super unaware so i can't really speak to bullying but my friends have had problems with cliquishness.... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 31

• Wyomissing Area School District, PA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  97 reviews

Junior: Wyomissing Area has such a way of making me truly excited to learn and succeed, and provides its students with so many amazing opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, and the various clubs. As a junior I am already feeling confident about my post-secondary education, and am more than thankful for the teachers, staff, and administration for the execution of our education. All good things!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 39

• Spring-Ford Area School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  597 reviews

Senior: As a high school senior, I really flourished throughout my time at Spring-Ford High School. I had a great education and feel that I am fully prepared for college. I would highly recommend this school district to future students. The teachers and administration were amazing! It would be nice if the district added drivers training/education and would recommend a pool.... Read 597 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 25

• Cumberland Valley School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  499 reviews

Junior: There is a lot of variety in the courses that you can take at Cumberland Valley High School, and the staff is generally very open to discussion with students about any topic. However, some teachers don't really provide much outside resources that students who are struggling can use to understand material. The only thing I'd like to see change is the amount of outside resources teachers can confidently recommend to students who are struggling with certain concepts.... Read 499 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 28

• Downingtown Area School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  207 reviews

Senior: I loved Downingtown west! From the football games to the classroom I loved every aspect of my school. I believe the teachers and administration are responsible for the welcoming and excitable culture. The teachers and student body made me excited to learn. I've shared so many laughs and made so memories in this school, and am happy to carry them with me into the next stage of my life. I think that speaks a lot about my overall experience as Downingtown West Whippet. West is both academically and athletically driven. There is a strong sense of competitiveness, but Downingtown instills the idea that success is not always individual. I feel lucky to have been a Whippet; for that, I know this school shaped me into the best version of myself. I am confident that I am equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to take me far.... Read 207 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 25

• School District of Upper Dublin, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: Upper Dublin is a great school for academically inclined kids. There are a variety of honors and AP courses for students to take, and it is a fantastic place to learn, but the downside is the lack of access to resources for kids who aren't as "smart" as their peers. There's never been a time where I've wanted to go to a different high school, I'm very content to be at Upper Dublin, but there are times when safety has been a concern of mine while at school. UD also has a very good theatre program despite all the money we spend on our sports teams!... Read 284 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• North Penn School District, PA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  670 reviews

Senior: There are so many incredible opportunities offered at North Penn. Between clubs, classes, and teachers and staff that help find resources and connections, students are given many chances to take steps towards their career and interests. Both the engineering and the art department are amazing, with amazing teachers and resources. I would like to see more young, engaged teachers that are passionate about their subject. I would also like to see the admin and counselors do more to listen and help the students in troubles with classes, teachers, or events. Some policies are unfair and far too strict, so it would be good to see them revisit them or look closer at the "why" of any given situation (e.g. vapes, fights, voting for school-promoted contests). Overall an amazing school where students can grow and engage with others!... Read 670 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 31

• Marple Newtown School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  291 reviews

Parent: With so many private and parochial school options around, this public high school continues to deliver and constantly evolve. From an entire STEM curriculum with competitive enrollment to the state-of-the-art athletic fields unmatched across the Philadelphia area public schools. Academics are demanding - no inflated grades here. Small, private school-like atmosphere with an invaluable local school community and highly acclaimed and trained teachers and coaches, without the price of private school. We are so lucky to be part of this community. The kids and families are amazing!... Read 291 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 23

• Central Bucks School District, PA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  369 reviews

Senior: I am proud to have been able to call CB West home for the past four years of my life. The teachers and staff helped guide me and my education every step of the way, from providing extra help during lunch or after class to review class material, to effectively adapting to a sudden brand-new virtual learning environment brought upon us during the pandemic. I find CB West to be a special school, in that when it comes to Clubs and Activities, they aren't afraid to let the students take charge. All of the clubs at school are completely student led and operated, teachers are their solely for supervision or to provide assistance if needed. These clubs that they have allowed us to create and run serve as social groups to meet others with similar interests, to come together to discuss and debate about modern problems, and even plan events and fundraisers to help support our local community. The environment of CB West has always been a place that I am proud to call my home.... Read 369 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 25

• Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  423 reviews

Senior: My time at Conestoga High School was a great experience (so far). I am enjoying my time there as I am constantly getting what I need from the resources they offer. For people thinking about coming into this district, I would day do it! But wait, make sure you can advocate for yourself. There are so many opportunities that Stoga has to offer, but if you do not push yourself to open the doors that are already unlocked, no one is going to do it for you.... Read 423 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 18

• Upper St. Clair School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  282 reviews

Senior: The education that I have received since Kindergarten until now, as a senior in high school, has been outstanding. Teachers in all subject areas demonstrate a clear understanding of their materials and subject matter. The only issue that I have had with Upper St. Clair High School is bullying. I find that students often are not disciplined as they should be when they make harmful comments that could be constituted as bullying to other students. Otherwise, USCHS has provided me with a very well-rounded education. I feel extremely prepared for college in the fall because of it.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Southern Columbia Area School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: Southern columbia has great teachers that help your child no matter what level that they are on. It also has parent participation often. I think that my daughter is prepared for college, and will succeed in her future.... Read 66 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 14

• Central Bucks School District, PA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  428 reviews

Alum: Most of the teachers are dedicated to helping their students approve and achieve and they hold a high standard. I always felt that I was surrounded by many students who desired to constantly try to be their best self and who were very ambitious. This always pushed me to do better and be better to reach the standard that was set around me. Due to this, the academics at East are certainly very reputable and they have prepared me well for my next journey in college. There are many clubs to get involved in at Central Bucks East. I think very highly of the girls lacrosse team as that was a sport I dedicated four years of my life to and wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m addition to this, the key club and student council are great ways to get involved at East as well as in the community of Doylestown and beyond. Overall, this school deserves its high rating as students thrive in a competitive yet nurturing environment.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 26

• Hermitage School District, PA•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  157 reviews

Junior: Hickory High School is a place where I've made many positive experiences throughout the years I've been here. As a junior, I have the chance to look back on what has worked and not worked for me. What I enjoy about Hickory is the range of opportunities available. For example, our school music department has a lot of participants and is emphasized by the school. Additionally, our drama department is large and puts on a musical every school year. My time in drama club as a student has been exciting. I also like that Hickory offers a nice range of classes in a variety of areas of study. However, Hickory could improve in that there seems to be a sense of a lack of unity at times and that it feels the administration may value certain students over others who seem to be more high achieving. I also think Hickory lacks in diversity and post high school options education. Although things like college and trade school are talked about, it seems to be brief and not as thorough as it could be.... Read 157 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Parkland School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  692 reviews

Alum: There is a wide range of academic courses ranging anywhere from science classes like chemistry to electives like drawing, astronomy, and different languages. The amount of extracurricular activities and clubs are huge. Overall, the teachers are supportive and are passionate about what they are teaching. There are a lot of resources available and you will usually get the classes that you want. Some things that can be changed are the quality of the food.... Read 692 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24

• West Jefferson Hills School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  191 reviews

Alum: Thomas Jefferson is an amazing community to be a part of. As a student, there are so many opportunities to share and grow, as well as start-up your own ideas. The school loves student lead initiatives! Although, the teachers are the real prize at this school, as TJ houses one of the best staffs in all of PA--who honestly love their students and provide them with excellent educations. Although being a smaller school allows for smaller class sizes and an advantage in the class room. TJ is behind with the classes it offers, as it caters to a smaller group, so it lacks the schedule diversity you would find in larger districts. Like many other high schools, it also places a big barring on athletics over academics, but has made serious ground in recent years to change this. Beyond this, the school is criticized for its lack of diversity, but it has seen a growth in its Multicultural Student Union. The MSU has taken great steps to make TJ a more welcoming place and has succeeded in doing so.... Read 191 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 20

• Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  305 reviews

Senior: Srath Haven is an amazing school! The counselors are very helpful in college preparation and are always there to answer questions. The majority of the staff is friendly and welcoming. The only thing that isn't the best is that there is barely any diversity amongst the students and, particularly the teachers. Strath Haven would become an even better school if they hired more diverse staff.... Read 305 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Lower Dauphin School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  285 reviews

Alum: I attended LD High School in my senior year in 2020 which is when everything was largely shut down due to the pandemic. Socialization was made very difficult during this time, so I any assumptions or generalizations made would be inaccurate. Great sports opportunities! Good education provided where success revolves around the desire of the students to succeed. Suburban-rural areas.... Read 285 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 21

• Owen J. Roberts School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  379 reviews

Senior: OJR is a good school when it comes to academics and athletics. Most teachers want to connect on a personal level and the clubs are nice when you're not overly stressed. A warning to incoming juniors: Don't take all the hardest courses. That year was one of my hardest yet. The food is pretty good, and since covid, they have been having free meals with an entree plus fruit or veggie. As far as workload, it depends on the type of class (College Prep, Honors, AP, IB) along with the teacher. Typically it is outlined in the syllabus or you can hear from older students/siblings. There is a wide variety of electives to choose from, but if you like a lesser known field, you might have one elective and that's it, such as oceanography or interior design. Diversity wise, it is mostly upper middle class white people. It is a little difficult to make new friends with people who have known each other since elementary but you get through it. LUNCH IS THE HARDEST. FIND FRIENDS!!!... Read 379 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 20

• Selinsgrove Area School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  194 reviews

Junior: After two years at this school, I can pretty much rate Selinsgrove as one of the best high schools in the area. Yes, it has its faults- the transition over to distance learning last year was messy and confusing and there was a lack of support for students. Otherwise, my experience here was overall a positive one. There aren't a lot of activities available- although it is a very small school. But there are opportunities to form your own club and to make a difference in the pre-existing ones. There isn't a lot of diversity in the school and it's largely very conservative christian, but I get along well with most of my peers despite our differences. In my experience, the administration is adept and the teachers are very good. Very sports-centered but that doesn't really affect most people. Clean building, nice environment, and good students (for the most part). It's a public high school, don't set your expectations high.... Read 194 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Total number of sports 22

• Central Dauphin School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  391 reviews

Junior: CD is overall a great place to go to school. Most of the teachers care that their students are successful, and the classes are well taught with no busywork. Connections classes are usually not successful, but there are some classes where students really do make connections with their classmates. The music department, drama department, and athletic department are all really successful, with musicians making it to state competitions, actors winning local awards, and high win streaks, especially for the girl's basketball team. There are also great support systems for these. There's also a wide variety of clubs at the school, and you can join as many as you want. Four Diamonds, for example, raises funds for local cancer patients at Hershey, with their biggest fundraiser of the year being mini thon, a 12 hour event at the school. Other clubs include art club, quiz bowl, mock trial, science olympiad, and so on.... Read 391 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24

• Springfield School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: Springfield High school opened the door for many opportunities for me and other fellow students. The education given at Springfield high school prepares its students for careers in mostly anything they would like to achieve. I took classes such as human anatomy, astronomy, biology, AP biology, and other science classes to help me prepare for a career in stem which I am now pursuing.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24