2020 Best Public High Schools in America

Best Schools

24,450 results

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
495 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: In terms of academics, I liked being challenged, going more in depth on some topics, and the idea of a more project-based environment (even when some of the projects weren't organized well by the teachers). There are so many opportunities available for students - the number of clubs is comparable to some colleges. The community I found was wonderfully supportive, most likely because we were all more arts-oriented. I know that there are always the show-offs and the jerks and they were definitely present, but I could avoid them. It's always a plus not having the bathrooms smell like drugs! However, the school is pretty notorious for being a breeding ground for mental health problems.
Read 495 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,789 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Public School
Aurora, IL
10-12
283 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: I think that, overall, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a great school. The teachers I have had are super nice and always supportive, and are willing to help outside of the classroom. The curriculum is challenging and there are many fun student-run events! I love the opportunities that are offered here and I think that the school has really helped me grow as a person with all the hard work we have to do and also the mandatory activities outside of the classroom.
Read 283 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
647 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
345 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in America
Parent: WPCP being a CPS Selective Enrollment School, your teen must live in Chicago.
We weren't sure we'd like the system of several classes one day, the rest the next; but they really get to dig in to a subject this way. Once every 2 weeks is "seminar day" - interesting things for the half-day, from pet shelter volunteering to judo, a local nature preserve to films.
Top-notch sci teachers, esp "Ms. Fig". 1 Lit teacher w/chip on her shoulder. Ms. Hudson is fab, for college prep/gen support; we love the comfort dog.
Sports: many choices, NO AstroTurf.
Theatre can't be beat, 2 productions/yr.
Tutoring run by members of the NHS.
8am's tough for teens, if later could = more sleep!
Read 345 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
977 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Stuyvesant High School
New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
9-12
964 reviews
#4 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 964 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,368 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bergen County Academies
Public School
Hackensack, NJ
9-12
471 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: One's time spent at BCA will heavily be influenced by their academy. Even though each academy has different workloads, there are some academies with bigger workloads than others, meaning students in those academies have to sacrifice more of their time to get the same high grades as students of other academies. Some classes are geared to a specific academy, meaning students only of a certain academy are allowed to take them. However, there are many clubs, electives, societies, and sports students can take to enrich themselves in various ways. Also, the school is structured like college, having multiple free times throughout a day, allowing students to relax, have fun, take extra classes, or work on schoolwork throughout the day. BCA's student environment can get very competitive, but at end of the day all the students are respected by others. The students thrive with the help of teachers, administrators, and, of course, their peers.
Read 471 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,069 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Public School
Columbus, MS
11-12
146 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: MSMS is such an amazing school. My first year at this school was pretty good. I will admit, this school is NOT for everyone, and even still, you need to do a little adjusting. Upcoming juniors: take advance of every opportunity and stay focused on your work. I know the first semester will seem terrible (or maybe not) but it gets better. The teachers and staff work so hard to make sure we all succeed. My peers are so intelligent and creative; it's really mindblowing. This school is just really good!
Read 146 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
245 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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High Technology High School
Public School
Lincroft, NJ
9-12
86 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: Overall, my high school experience has been anything but ordinary. HTHS as a school demands hard work and dedication to your studies, and if you are not able to work at this high caliber and keep up with the rigorous coarse work, you can find yourself in a bit of trouble. All of the teachers are wonderful and supportive, and are really some of the best teachers I have every had. The students are competitive, but that is to be expected when you are thrown in a pool with so many intelligent and driven people. Although some students prefer to read their physics textbooks over having face-to-face human conversations, HTHS is charming in a nerdy way. Accommodations for health issues, however, are far and few in between which really puts a damper on all of the other positive attributes of the school. However, High Tech is still a great school full of opportunities for those willing to work hard and take on the challenge that is High Technology High School.
Read 86 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
291 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maggie Walker Governor's School
Public School
Richmond, VA
9-12
85 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: Over the course of the past four years, I have found that Maggie Walker is most definitely a make-your-own-experience kind of school, but regardless, its student end up very prepared for college. While it has an extremely competitive environment and poor mental health, your general experience at MW are defined by the classes, clubs, and people you choose to surround yourself with. MW has hundreds of clubs, from our acapella group Deadbeats to dance teams to our many competitive academic teams like Model UN and Debate, so every student can be sure to find a club that interests them. Compared to most other local schools, MW has a much larger array of classes with classes like Arabic and VCU Web Design. Ultimately, I would never trade my experience at MW. I have found that each class is its own tight-knit community of 180 students, which is something you can find at no other school. This school provides many incomparable opportunities, so if you get in, I encourage you to join us!
Read 85 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
746 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Scottsdale
Public School
Scottsdale, AZ
5-12
79 reviews
#9 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 79 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,081 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science
Public School
Worcester, MA
11-12
62 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: I absolutely loved MAMS! The teachers were kind, but there was a lot of work. Ultimately, I think that MAMS brought out the potential in me as I was motivated to work harder from friends and teachers and stop doing the minimum to get by as I had done for my sending school. Overall, great experience 10/10 would recommend!
Read 62 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
97 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
547 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 547 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,069 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Union County Magnet High School
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
127 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in America
Junior: Union County Magnet High School is an excellent school! The student community feels like family and the teachers are available to their students often. It’s a very safe environment both physically and emotionally. There are no sports through Magnet, but students can participate in the programs of their “sending districts”, which is nice. It would be great if they fixed the sinks in the bathrooms, but other than that there isn’t much to complain about.
Read 127 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
298 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology
Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
9-12
420 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: GSMST is the best public school in the state of Georgia. However, I think the school needs a lot more improvements to ensure that students are getting the best academics and social life. One change that the school surely needs is more mental health awareness!
Read 420 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
979 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Public School
Lincolnshire, IL
9-12
1,144 reviews
#14 Best Public High Schools in America
Alum: Extracurriculars, academics, music, sports, hobbies, this school has it all. It truly is a wonderful campus with awe-inspiring students from all walks of life. It provides the myriad resources necessary for a student to thrive and find their interests, and the sheer size of the school provides avenue for growth and exploration. There are numerous school-wide events that encourage philanthropy, school spirit, and that do not exist at other schools. This school has excelled in multiple state and national championships in sports, academic clubs, and fine arts awards. It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two giant gyms + numerous sports fields, cavernous fine arts theater(s), glass atriums and hallways, coffee bars + 4 student cafeterias, and 6 parking lots. Might be overwhelming, but every student can find their place.
Read 1,144 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4,028 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Staten Island Technical High School
New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
9-12
627 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in America
Freshman: Staten Island Technical High School provides students with many opportunities through rigorous courses and clubs celebrating diversity. Students take Russian for three years (four, if they choose to). This gives students something rare to put on their resumés. However, there aren’t as many sports for females as there are for males. This gives males more chances to succeed athletically. On the other hand, the school is full of encouraging staff members. The school even has a therapy dog for students who need to relieve stress! We are also taught about substance addiction prevention. The teacher helps us open up about problems and questions we have. The school enforces a strict policy against academic dishonesty, and always reminds students to be honest about their work. For instance, the guidance counselor advises students who do not have enough time for an assignment to ask the teacher for an extension instead of cheating.
Read 627 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,313 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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School of Science & Engineering
Dallas Independent School District, TX
9-12
188 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in America
Parent: The staff are expert and caring! Students, parents and the community are a high priority. Students leave with a first rate education! Parent and community involvement is highly encouraged.
Read 188 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
418 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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School for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas Independent School District, TX
9-12
153 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in America
Sophomore: I am currently a sophomore at the School for the Talented and Gifted, and I have not regretted choosing to come to this school. TAG not only has a challenging curriculum, but the environment is also welcoming. The faculty tale the time to get to know us as students, are dedicated to their jobs, and actually pay attention to how the feedback of the students. The school has created its own culture over the years where everyone is free to express their opinion, and TAG genuinely encourages you to show who you are as a person. I love my experience so far, and I know I'm receiving a great education!
Read 153 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
261 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Davidson Academy
Online School
Reno, NV
6-12
58 reviews
#18 Best Public High Schools in America
Parent: There is a reason families are willing to move to Reno for their kids to attend this school. The teachers are amazing! The administration cares more for the kids than any other school we've known.
Read 58 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
160 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Townsend Harris High School
New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
9-12
577 reviews
#19 Best Public High Schools in America
Freshman: The three months that I have attended this school for have caused me to have a positive impression on it. Freshman year of high school comprises a myriad of difficulties and with the assistance I am currently receiving from all the staff, I haven't experienced any of the hardships I expected yet. The school's welcoming nature allows students to adjust rapidly and call it their second home in no time. One of my favorite things about this school is how much they care for the students, for there is a testing schedule to prevent stress and to help us manage the rigorous course. Despite all the phenomenal aspects of this high school, much of the student body, including me, wish the physical education class wasn't this intense, as we are mandated to run unpleasant miles frequently. Aside from that, Townsend Harris High School is an overall outstanding school and I am looking forward to gaining an amazing high school experience throughout all the years to come!
Read 577 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,109 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
7-12
1,034 reviews
#20 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: I like WY for its pride in racial diversity among the students and teachers. I love the school and the entire design of it, the classrooms not being too hard to find considering how large the school itself is. Even with three buildings it is pretty simple to get around. I love that most of the students are so nice and respectful and really take initiative in their learning, it’s such a healthy environment. My only complaint is the huge chunk of teachers who do not teach at this high school and then give hard tests that everyone fails. I’ve run into at least one of these teachers every year I’ve been attending Whitney, but maybe that’s just me. Anyways, good high school overall that I definitely do not regret attending!
Read 1,034 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,153 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bronx High School of Science
New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
9-12
849 reviews
#21 Best Public High Schools in America
Senior: Bronx Science was a surprisingly great experience. I say surprising because I thought everything would have been way above my head, academically, but I was able to juggle my busy sports schedule (cross-country, track) and my homework. I think much of this was due to the excellent in-class teaching and the staff. Like at all schools, I had talented teachers, and not so brilliant teachers, but for the most part they were enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
The student body is serious and diverse, both culturally and economically, which was a unique experience for me. My classmates were serious yet knew how to have a life outside of the rigors of Bronx Science. Overall 5 stars!
Read 849 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,977 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Liberal Arts & Science Academy
Austin Independent School District, TX
9-12
424 reviews
#22 Best Public High Schools in America
Alum: I'm proud to be a LASA alum. I was constantly challeged by both my classmates and teachers. LASA is stressful/high-pressure as students are generally super focused on grades, so it's not for everyone. I had fun high school experiences with the marching band, homecoming, prom, traditions, etc. It's hard, but it will prepare you for the hardest of college programs. Taking 5+ AP classes in both junior & senior year is the norm. Students are equally competitive and supportive of each other. Most students participate in summer programs, study abroad, internships, competitions, etc.

Sharing a campus with LBJ can be awkward/stressful, but many students (especially in fine arts and athletics) are friends with LBJ students. I think the exposure to this situation is good for students as they are faced with the reality of life every day and can make their choice on what they want to do about it. Of course, this will all change once LASA moves to a new campus in a few years.
Read 424 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,111 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Raleigh Charter High School
Public School
Raleigh, NC
9-12
184 reviews
#23 Best Public High Schools in America
Alum: Raleigh Charter was amazing! Small and personal relationships with teachers. Teachers who are knowledgable and passionate--most are doctors. A school setting that doesn't restrict students but encourages them to be themselves and embrace every part of them. Feels like a small community where everyone knows everyone and gets together. Incredible academics. Definitely prepares you for college.
Read 184 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
562 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Biotechnology High School
Public School
Freehold, NJ
9-12
106 reviews
#24 Best Public High Schools in America
Alum: I loved my experience at Biotech. My freshman year, it was very difficult to adjust to the workload, but as I utilized my classmates and teachers I learned how to study and succeed. I made some of the most amazing friends that I can now call my family. This institution prepared me to the fullest extent for college. I especially loved how Biotech uses the IB program. It made me understand the information on a deeper level. Now at Vanderbilt University, I am so grateful that I spent my time at Biotechnology High School.
Read 106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
330 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Public School
Hartsville, SC
11-12
103 reviews
#25 Best Public High Schools in America
Junior: I started at GSSM in 2017, and I'll graduate in 2019. The school is great overall! The faculty really cares, the students are amazing, and the classes are interesting and engaging. The workload is crazy, but teachers are almost always availible after hours for tutoring, and there are tutoring centers open from 8-10 every weeknight. The dorms are pretty decent, and each floor has two lounges that are normally pretty clean and quite. The campus is small but there is always something to do; there's a movie room, pool, a student kitchen, videogame room, art studio, music studio, and a full training/workout room. Student clubs are super active. It's hard to stay put-together, but I wouldn't trade GSSM for the world. The administration needs a serious reality check, but the student-admin communication channels are always open, so change is more than possible.
Read 103 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
280 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 978

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Walter Payton College Prep

Stuyvesant High School

Bergen County Academies

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

High Technology High School

Maggie Walker Governor's School

BASIS Scottsdale

Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

Northside College Preparatory High School

Union County Magnet High School

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Staten Island Technical High School

School of Science & Engineering

School for the Talented & Gifted

The Davidson Academy

Townsend Harris High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Bronx High School of Science

Liberal Arts & Science Academy

Raleigh Charter High School

Biotechnology High School

South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics