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2021 Best Public High Schools in America

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24,396 results

  1. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • HACKENSACK, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 518 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Bergen County Academies is a school for intellectual and talented students with numerous opportunities and resources. The school has a wide variety of classes in all sorts of fields including different sciences, medicine, engineering, business, computer science, culinary, visual art, theatre as well as music. The school has highly trained and educated teachers as well as facilities more advanced than a normal high school. Students are given the opportunity to do high-level research starting in their freshman year and even have programs abroad where students can learn about other cultures, lifestyles and learn from mentors that are quite successful and well-known. Overall, Bergen County Academies is an excellent, rigorous school that provides its students with many opportunities and resources that give them an advantage moving forward in college.
    Read 518 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,086 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. MA Academy for Math & Science School

    • Public School
    • WORCESTER, MA
    • 11-12
    • 68 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Mass Academy is a wonderful school for high schoolers looking to pursue math and science. With the collaborative environment, I improved my math skills along with my STEM knowledge. Besides that, I became much better at presenting, working in groups, and writing. I highly recommend!
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 99 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 547 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I've had a lot of fun at TJ. I'm a senior and I've really enjoyed my 3.5 years at TJ so far! Fingers crossed for college decisions.

    I like the nerdy atmosphere. It's really nice to sit around before school starts talking about the latest research and our favorite books.

    I've also had really good luck with teachers. Every teacher in all four years has been really good. I especially like DNA and Biotech. Lots of fun toys and we get to design our experiments!

    Marching band is really fun and anyone who plays a band instrument should join. You make a lot of friends that way.

    Homecoming is always really fun. Homecoming will probably be delayed. I hope COVID vaccines will be out for the general public by the end of the year so we can have senior homecoming! It's very rigged so the seniors always win even if they don't show up. :-)

    About workload, I've never been overwhelmed and I had time to goof off and relax even during junior year.
    Read 547 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,809 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

    • Public School
    • DURHAM, NC
    • 11-12
    • 91 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is fantastic. I've learned more within a month than I could have ever learned in my home high school. The community is so kind and nonjudgemental. They have every kind of club or organization you can think of and tons of different classes in various subjects. While occasionally dramatic as most high school, there's never any huge scandals involving any staff. The staff are so kind and understanding while pushing you to become the best student and person possible. The school helps prepare you for college in a while I never imagined. There's a lot of freedom as it is the school is either online or residential. The diversity within the school is incredible. I've met so many people from various backgrounds and cultures and so many first generation students that are so excited to share their culture.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 680 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • RICHMOND, VA
    • 9-12
    • 121 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: MLWGS is a wonderful place, and I could not have made a better decision than to come here. The teachers are so talented and engaging, and they make learning truly enjoyable. Contrary to popular belief, MLWGS isn't only good for its international studies or social studies classes—it has fantastic STEM and arts programs, as well, and the students have really diverse passions and strengths. What we DO have in common is that most of us are nerds... but our athletic programs are fantastic, and our football team is undefeated (lol)! If you're the type of student who likes challenging yourself with rigorous classes and expanding your worldview through exploring various extracurriculars (from Quiz Bowl to Bhangra), this is the school for you, and you will find students and faculty who share your interests and are willing to support you in all of your undertakings. And don't be scared off by rumors about the rigor—the workload is super manageable, and teachers are really understanding.
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 1,064 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I enjoy the environment that Stuyvesant promotes especially with the students that particularly create the experience. The student agency allows for an interwoven network of clubs that host movie nights, guest appearances, and musical performances.
     Moreover, I feel as if the Tribeca area adds a lot to the Stuyvesant experience. Being, in the heartland of Manhattan, local delis, as well as Battery Park and the harbor makes for unique experiences. Clubs such as the Environmentalist Club takes advantage of this by breeding oysters and releasing them out into the sea.
     Not only that, but teachers play well into the Stuyvesant culture. Many, while unorthodox relate to students through popular media, music, modern events, and even video games. The staff as well continually show support for students with free water bottles and even allowing the entire student body to vote for where $2000 funding could go towards waterbottle refilling, printing, or charging stations!
    Read 1,064 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,384 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. The Davidson Academy

    • Public School
    • RENO, NV
    • 5-12
    • 67 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Throughout my years as a student I have been to private, public, magnet, and online schools, but none of those experiences compare to the DA online campus. When I first joined Davidson I was worried. I had been to two other schools just the year before (one magnet and one public) and neither had worked. Not to mention my online school experience was very small as I had only taken a few asynchronous online classes before. But at Davidson, the live sessions were stimulating and engaging, the teachers were invested in my learning, the work was actually interesting, and my peers were amazing!
    I’ve made strong friendships and connections throughout my two years. Davidson has helped be become a successful student too. I’d always had trouble taking notes, planning, and studying but DAO has let me create my own strategies for each! The school is meant for gifted kids and it shows in everything they do. Thanks to Davidson I finally feel at home at school.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 178 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • AURORA, IL
    • 10-12
    • 323 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I'm a senior here and the academics are top-noch, although it would be nice to see some more Engineering-focused options. However, for those looking to studying in medical, chemistry, mathematics, or physics-related industries, this is definitely a school you want on your list!
    Read 323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 631 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Payton College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 383 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Although Walter Payton is a PWI, the school culture and atmosphere are very welcoming and feels like a community. There are people of many cultures and backgrounds which makes finding friends easier and natural in this school setting. Even academically the teachers are very welcoming and want you to succeed. There are afterschool and enrichment clubs and programs created by students and teachers that offer tutoring and community building. There are clubs that allow you to explore your hobbies and find new ones! Also, clubs that connect you to others of similar ethnic/ racial backgrounds as you like BSU (Black student union) and LAC (Latin American coalition). Walter Payton wants everyone to feel like they belong and makes sure to discuss injustices that happen in the world around us to promote allyship and support minority students. Overall Walter Payton offers great academic classes that prepare you well for college and makes sure you know you belong and are capable of great things.
    Read 383 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,220 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. High Technology High School

    • Public School
    • LINCROFT, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 98 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Choosing this high school was one of the best decisions of my life! From amazing teachers to peers that support and get along with each other, High Technology High School provided me with the best possible high school experience I could have asked for. The academics are rigorous but manageable, and the clubs provide great opportunities to meet and become friends with others who share your interests. The hour long lunch in the middle of every day is a perfect time to get some extra studying done as well as generally hanging out with friends. I have met so many great people by going to this school, and I believe that I changed for the better having gone here over my home high school. There are people from every walk of life and by going to this school I was able to learn so much, not just from academics but also from my fellow students.
    Read 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 293 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 581 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I am very lucky to attend Northside College Prep. Starting high school was a difficult transition- I had attended the same elementary school my entire life, so I had zero experience starting at a new school. However, I was lucky enough to find my niche. I joined the cross country team, and it was the best decision I could have made. I started the school year knowing people, which made the transition easier, and I found a hobby that I am passionate about. The best part about Northside is that it has a smaller community for everyone. I have found my place on the cross country and track teams; in the journalism class; and in the environmental club. There are places for everyone! From anime club, to the basketball team, to theater programs, Northside offers opportunities for everyone. Like any other school, Northside has its fair share of issues, but it provides countless opportunities for anything you might be interested in.
    Read 581 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,078 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • COLUMBUS, MS
    • 11-12
    • 177 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: MSMS provides an outstanding and unique academic platform with a stellar school community (as a whole). The quaint environment allows for individualized connection between student and instructor. MSMS provides tools for true future success! During the pandemic, the administration has taken into great consideration for safety . They are very dedicated. MSMS embraces us and encourages us in a way that is irreplaceable. The available curriculum is amazing, along with the open opportunities with MS State, etc. MSMS is a great launching pad into a bright future!

    The dorm restrooms need a great deal of work, the food options could be adjusted (add healthy grab and go meals and snacks, etc.), and possibly add an additional student counselor to the staff.
    Read 177 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 238 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 719 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: The Tech experience is really what you make of it!
    I came to Staten Island Tech as a transfer. Going from a 6,000+ student school to about 1,500 was a very big difference and personally, I prefer bigger schools. However, SI Tech provides a very close and nurturing environment. Things like SING! and Multicultural are super fun and help you meet so many people and fit in. There are lots of APs and unique opportunities here which is great, I just think funding is very misplaced. The art programs (like band) deserve more! I love the environment of dedicated students. The people themselves are not all the best, not much diversity at all either, but the good outweighs the bad. I definitely advise any transfer students to reach out and investigate their opportunities before their school year starts because I missed out on many opportunities due to my lack of knowledge! I did not get to take AV or CAD, and I am already going to be a Junior. So definitely take the time to learn more.
    Read 719 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,334 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 481 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: What I love most about LASA is our teachers and staff! Though courses are challenging, they're also exciting and immersive. There's also a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration among students, which makes completing coursework easier. And teachers host numerous opportunities to help students one-on-one. Counselors are very invested in student wellbeing, especially our college counselors.
    Read 481 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,285 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 967 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in America

    Freshman: The Bronx Science community is really nice and helpful. The teachers and even the students are very kind and welcoming. It is a very challenging environment but the workload is worth it. I can tell from my first experience at Bronx Science how passionate the teachers are at what they do. If you need help with a certain subject, they are always there to assist. The students are very phenomenal too. Almost everyone can find their place at Bronx Science and bullying is very uncommon. Even though the workload is heavy, it is manageable because of the great support from peers and teachers. It is a very nice environment and the people surrounding you always encourages you to become the best version of yourself, if only you are willing to that is. Don't be shy, don't be afraid to ask for help! If you really want a productive and fun experience at Bronx Science, you will make it happen!
    Read 967 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,983 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

    • Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 471 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: As a current junior at GSMST, I can say first-hand that it is truly such an amazing school to prepare students for college and even for life after college! With an extremely rigorous and demanding curriculum, students learn valuable time management and cooperative skills. For any students living in Gwinnett who are considering attending this school, I would completely recommend it if you're looking to challenge yourself and grow to be stronger academically. We Are GSMST!
    Read 471 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,154 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,227 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Amazing, always caters to the students' future goals and ambitions. Classes for absolutely every interest and an awesomely decorated and qualified staff. I transferred here my Freshman year and it was the best decision my family and I have made. Although large in size and numbers, it's easy to fit in and find your tempo in this college-sized campus. Also, the coffee shops and cafeteria food adds this ambiance of adulthood and your student will learn the concepts of being independent just in time for university. The different departments are all staffed by the best in their fields and I truly felt like I was being educated much more thoroughly than at my previous school because of the abilities of the teachers. All productions, whether musical or athletic, are astronomically funded and pleasant to attend. Clubs, bands, classes, and more give a variety of choices to every student, making it simple to find comfort among those with your same interests. Go Pats!
    Read 1,227 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,271 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

    • Public School
    • HARTSVILLE, SC
    • 11-12
    • 130 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Typically, if you complete all of your assignments on time and engage in class, you’ll do very well academically at GSSM! But there are certain teachers at this school who cause even the best students do poorly in their classes. I personally was fortunate with my teachers in junior year since I was never at risk of doing poorly in a class and I loved most of the classes I took.
    Additionally, GSSM does not have a great amount of diversity. In the 2020-2021 schoolyear, the student body was only 9% Latinx and 5% Black. Out of that year’s juniors, there were only about 6 black students, which puts the black students at the school on alert.
    Overall though, going to GSSM has helped me mature as a person. This school has given me a lot more opportunities academically and extracurricular-wise than any other school I have gone to because I can take many AP and college-level courses here, do research, take independent studies, and lead different clubs. So I’m glad that I attend GSSM.
    Read 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 270 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. BASIS Scottsdale

    • Public School
    • SCOTTSDALE, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 97 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in America

    Parent: The faculty, staff, volunteers, boosters, teachers, and students all are there to improve the world. The numerous clubs, from Amnesty International, Model UN, Medical Leader Club, Public Speaking Club, and the 50+ clubs for students to join, are a huge asset for building future leaders through learning first hand. They also offer many sports, arts, music programs. They have taken the best learning techniques from Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States and brought their own techniques to life with a low teacher to student ratio. Having teachers, that are accomplished as educators and having worked in specialized fields outside of the classroom, brings a wealth of knowledge for the students. BASIS Scottsdale is rewriting what education should be. If more schools followed their path, the world would be a much more intelligent and caring place. I feel lucky to be able to have my son receive such an amazing WORLD CLASS EDUCATION!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,123 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Biotechnology High School

    • Public School
    • FREEHOLD, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 113 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: Biotechnology High School is a great place to become interested in the sciences and also learn about a variety of other disciplines. This school has a great environment filled with supportive teachers and friendly students. I liked how Biotech challenged me from an academic standpoint, but it also provided me great social activities and extracurricular clubs to participate in. One thing I would recommend to change would be to give slightly less homework, as sometimes there can be a lot of homework assigned from multiple classes on the same day.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 314 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. School for the Talented & Gifted

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 170 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: When I first applied to the school, I was not too keen on attending. A lot of my friends from middle school were going to a different school that was also a lot closer to my home. I thought I was going to regret the decision of going here. However, I was totally wrong! The workload may not be easy but the teachers are very understanding and I am sure I learned more here than I would have been able to at any other high school. The (relatively) small class size that does not feel too small is perfect, especially within the positive environment that TAG is so proud of. I have grown unbelievably within the few years I have spent at this school and I am proud to say that this is the high school I attended.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 409 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 636 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Overall, one of the best aspects of Townsend Harris is the way the curriculum prepares students for higher education. The rigorous expectations throughout all classes make us great contenders for top universities, through our full transcripts and learning skills. There are also many activities at Townsend, which is my favorite part about attending the school. As a rising senior, I can definitely say that the variety of options in extracurriculars is astounding, from sports, academic teams, arts productions, and many more! However, with the pros of a strong education also come the cons of stress. Most, if not all, students feel overworked or burnout at some point during each school year. Administration could be doing a better job at ensuring resources for mental health, which should be a given in schools with such a competitive environment. I will say that there are definitely improvements being made in resource accessibility for students, as well as transparency from administration.
    Read 636 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,221 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Jericho Senior High School

    • Jericho Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 163 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in America

    Sophomore: There are a ton of clubs and extracurriculars to choose from! Teachers are generally nice and want to help you but there are some that are notorious for not being able to teach their course well. Students constantly talk about college preparation from an early age, making academics and extracurriculars more competitive. School lunch is a bit better than New York City public schools but it’s overpriced for their value. There are a lot of resources for anything and everything and the schools make efforts to prioritize students
    Read 163 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,164 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

    • Public School
    • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
    • 11-12
    • 36 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I'll be completely honest when I say that going to Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics was the best decision of my life. For those of you first learning about OSSM, let me tell you how amazing it is.
    OSSM is a free room and board school that provides a college level education for all students interested in fully immersive academic life. Many students here come from small schools that have Algebra as their highest level math class. We also have students coming from massive city schools. Nevertheless, all students who come here are challenged to overcome any and all obstacles that come their way in the Academic world. My experience here has been nothing but amazing. I come from a low-income family and I never would have been able to apply for any Ivy league colleges if it wasn't for OSSM. I personally will be giving back to this school in future because it truly is a one-of-a-kind school. This is certainly the best school in Oklahoma and, I believe, the best school in the nation.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 150 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 8-12
    • 205 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Although I have mixed feelings about the school's overall curriculum, I have been grateful for many of the teachers who have taught here. This school heavily pushes STEM classes, mostly math, and leaves little room for electives until probably around junior or senior year. However, the teachers here (sometimes) recognize what we have to deal with and will encourage us to work our way through it. If stress is something you're trying to avoid, this is not the place for you! My hope is that the toughest times at SEM will be proof enough that we can handle the worst of college. I am also very grateful for all the help we got during the college admissions process - it's probably among the best in DISD. If I could change anything, it would be improving the quantity and quality of non-STEM classes students are allowed to take.
    Read 205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 492 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    K12 Private Academy

    • Online School
    • HERNDON, VA
    • K-12
    • 49 reviews

    Junior: K12 Private Academy has been a saving grace for myself, as a student, for the past 2 and a half years. All of my assigned teachers have been nothing but wonderful and very helpful! They are consistently checking up on how students are doing in their course and if they can aid in any way. No question is too little or too big. The comfort of working at home and being at ease has been so very helpful to me; especially when college comes around! The academic level of it has been challenging but very easy to navigate through.
    Read 49 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,821 Students
    • 43:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

    • Private School
    • SUFFOLK, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 55 reviews

    Middle School Student: I've been going to NSA since diapers. Currently, I am in the ninth grade, and I have already received access to so many opportunities. Along with education, NSA focuses on making everyone from everywhere feel welcome in our community. Sure, we have had our rough spots, but hasn't everyone? When I have trouble or drama, NSA is my safe haven to be myself. My teachers' goal is to help students achieve theirs. Honestly, so many of my teachers at NSA have helped shape my bright future. I am always eager to learn, and I always feel welcome in their classes. Along with this, I have always found NSA to be so creative and clever. There are so many fun social activities, especially the pep rallies and football games! Overall, NSA has taught me skills that will last me a lifetime. From making friends, to prioritizing education, NSA will always be my home. I wouldn't have anything else for the world.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 877 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Christchurch School

    • Private School
    • CHRISTCHURCH, VA
    • 9-12
    • 63 reviews

    Parent: Having 3 children who attended Christchurch School, we couldn’t be more pleased with the education they received. The faculty and staff work together in support of the integrated curriculum which prepares students to be not only successful in the classroom, but also instills life lessons, preparing them to successful members within their community. We highly recommend Christchurch School!
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 216 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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