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2019 Best Public High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 23,759
Best Schools
23,759 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 242
    1 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
    Read 242 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 451
    2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: TJHSST was the perfect place for me to spend the most important parts of my development. My experience taught me a lot about myself; my interests, my passions, and my weaknesses. The school provided so many experiences for me to really find my passion and explore different paths through the courses offered. The teachers are so kind and helpful and the students are so diverse and accepting. However, academics can get tough and my time at the school has been stressful and challenging. But I learned from my experience; it prepared me to college and taught me tips on how to stay efficient and organized.
    Read 451 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,823 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 312
    3 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Read 312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 24

    Senior: Totally prepares you for college courses and college life! The teachers really work with you and care about you. The campus is 1200 acres, truly amazing. It's an all boys school grades 9-12 with about 100 boys per grade. It's boarding students only (no day) so your friends are with you all the time.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 399 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 889
    4 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I am a rising senior, class of 2019. There’s a whole array of students here. But the majority of the students are academically driven. It’s not too hard to stay on top of your courses if you work for it. There will me many sleepless nights if you procrastinate. But if you can manage you time efficiently and are dedicated to your schoolwork, then classes will be doable. There are so many elective to take. Personally, I don’t have the best academics because I wanted to ensure that I could also fully enjoyed my high school experience. It’s been a stressful three year. I’ve come close to a lot of meltdowns, but I’ve also had a lot of pleasant memories here!
    Read 889 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,328 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 577
    5 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Staten Island Tech prepares students very well for college, and also makes sure to update students about opportunities (scholarships, contests, internships, etc.) frequently. SIT is also a fairly competitive school, though like all schools, there are high and low achievers. All the teachers are nice and genuinely want to help the students; they make you feel comfortable. The workload isn’t heavy if you have good time management, and more often than not, I find myself with a fair amount of time for myself. School facilities like the library are useful, and the guidance counselors are all friendly and open.
    I rated SIT four and not five stars because of the lack of languages taught here. The only available language is Russian, which is disappointing for many students. In comparison to other schools where various languages are offered, SIT is extremely limited; the only compensation they have is taking an online course for a different language during senior year.
    Read 577 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • Columbus, MS
    • 11-12
    • 114
    6 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: The faculty is brilliant, which shows in our test scores. However, some of the science teachers are researchers at heart and can be difficult to follow for lots of students. The mathematics instruction is top of the line, and the school does a good job of establishing a solid foundation on which to build upon. English is also very good depending on the teacher. Definitely the best high school in Mississippi. Most problems stem from a lack of funding--hopefully that will change in the future!
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 245 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. BASIS Scottsdale

    • Public School
    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 66
    7 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: BASIS has succeeded in fostering a culture of competition and high achievement without sacrificing a sense of camaraderie and genuine concern for students' wellbeing, mostly thanks to the closeness between teachers and students. I hope to see a more diverse student body in the future, as well as greater investment in the school from the owners, especially given its success in rankings and standardized testing!
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 739 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 510
    8 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: Northside College Prep has one of the most rigorous academic curricula in the nation; as it constantly places amongst the top 25 high schools. The social structure within the school's student body and staff is very liberal/left-winged, where almost everyone is accepting of each other.

    Despite this, there is an extreme stigma on the grades acquired by students' peers, where if you don't have anything higher than an A- in a class, you're made an outcast; this creates an atmosphere which at times can be very hostile and rejecting of others. This example of grade-based stigmatization is further seen amongst the administration of the school, no one will help you unless you have at least a 3.8 GPA, this has led to students fending for themselves academically as well as psychologically.

    The school's teachers, however, are phenomenal and 9/10 of them deserve the highest regards in terms of providing my peers and I with the support we needed at tough times and for making learning fun!
    Read 510 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,032
    9 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: The school itself is able to provide its students with a wide range of opportunities. They also have the financial capabilities to have a wide range of clubs, classes, and passionate faculty to encourage students to pursue any career path. However, the atmosphere is uber competitive and can be very stressful at times. My biggest piece of advice to fully enjoy the school is focus on doing what you like, because you're bound to find your niche (no pun intended!) at this school!
    Read 1,032 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

    • Public School
    • Worcester, MA
    • 11-12
    • 56
    10 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: Phenomenal teachers (with 1 exception) and a very homey and personalized experience. Classes are small, the teachers are knowledgeable and flexible, and the students are mostly interesting and motivated. The activities are well run. I gained a lot from this school and owe them a ton (particularly Mr. Regele).
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 385
    11 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: I loved coming to the Liberal arts and Science Academy (LASA)! The academics at the school are both rigorous and fun, and the teachers are the best I could possibly ask for. The only downside is a lack of monetary resources, in some cases, because LASA is magnet school in a poor school district. However, the incredibly string PTA helps get money as much as possible and supports the school fantastically.
    Read 385 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,016 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 429
    12 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Bergen County Academies is a great high school to attend if you are looking for a challenge. It is most definitely more difficult than your local town high school, and it is not for the faint of heart. There will be many nights spent studying, and a lot of time being spent on school work.
    That being said, BCA is a school that not many, if not none, regret coming to. The school prepares you for college like no other. You are forced to learn how to utilize your time wisely, with opportunities such as free periods available to savor or to squander. Secondly, the classes, clubs, projects, and electives offered are countless. There are so many opportunities to take hold of. Lastly, the people at this school are amazing, passionate, and work hard to accomplish their goals.
    There is much to learn at this school, whether it be about chemistry, building relationships, or time management. No matter what, one thing is for certain; I would not trade this high school for anything else.
    Read 429 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

    • Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 374
    13 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Going to the Gwinnett School if Math, Science, and Technology was honestly one of the best decisions in my life, not only because of how well the school culture fits my personality but because it allowed me to follow my passion for STEM related subjects. GSMST is a STEM-oriented school and for students who are hoping to pursue a STEM career the opportunities GSMST provides are very advantageous. GSMST also provides strong courses and education for those who may be more language arts and humanities oriented. The teachers, faculty, and the student-organized clubs here are great and I would definitely recommend this school.
    Read 374 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 966 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 955
    14 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: My experience at Whitney Young has been irreplaceable. I've learned so much about the world we live in just by attending. However, the social and political spheres reap the consequences of the diversity we celebrate. The school's administration actively ignores problems that are resultant, e.g., mental health, racism, bullying. This leads (the targeted) students to either normalize and not know how to respond to hate or to fight it and be silenced. In other aspects, though, Whitney Young promotes individuality, free expression and creativity. Our visual and performing arts programs are both very impressive albeit underfunded. Most of our sports rank first in city competitions annually. There are numerous teams and clubs. There are tutoring centers for every subject. Whitney Young has something for everyone. I only wish the school valued its students more than its image.
    Read 955 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 50
    15 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: An amazing place that shaped who I am. I've been successful in found and growing my own international company, and I really do owe it to skills and mindsets I developed the Governor's School! Diverse, wonderful school culture, and a place that fosters growth and development of useful skills... while also having great academics. The track and cross country teams are top class, and a great community. I'm still close with Governor's School friends, and we've met up around the world. It's amazing to see the incredible things that my classmates are doing now to make the world a better place!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Canyon Crest Academy

    • San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 479
    16 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Canyon Crest Academy has a student body like no other. We've got the feel of a liberal arts academy, but in reality, we're just another public school. Just recently, we've outgrown our neighbor Torrey Pines in student population, which, if you're familiar with the area, is pretty impressive. CCA's arts program is amazing, and we offer classes from drawing and design to digital composition to rock band to improv! Not to mention that the sports programs are quickly gaining a winning reputation. I gave it 4 stars because the academics are intense and stressful if you sign up for too many APs. Since we're on a 4x4 system, it simulates the college experience a little better. The class schedule never changes during the semester, allowing for more learning to get packed in during classes. You learn faster, but you definitely have to be willing to keep up with the workload. Other than that, our students are super friendly and weird (we want to keep it that way).
    Read 479 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,255 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 772
    17 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Bronx Science has given me opportunities I never would have had if I went to another school. That being said, it is very easy to get crushed in the ridiculous amount of pressure the school puts you through. I would say that it was easy for me to get help from the guidance department though, and that the school does offer many services to students who are struggling.

    Teachers generally teach for the tests, but once you get to higher level classes you can truly explore your passions and it becomes more about learning for the sake of learning (note: take Post-AP Chem if you can! It's a 10/10) It's honestly hard to fail a class because there are so many ways for you to improve. The teachers hold Small Group Instruction at least once a week (you don't even have to go to your teacher for help, if that's an issue. Ask other teachers as well) and NHS members tutor in the library. The only way I could imagine a student doing badly is if they chose not to be proactive about their learning.
    Read 772 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,011 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. High Technology High School

    • Public School
    • Lincroft, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 79
    18 Best Public High Schools in America

    Parent: There are a lot of excellent teachers who really care about the kids. There are also lots of opportunities that other school districts may not even be aware of. My son has competed in Technology Student Association, which he has won on the state level and went on to compete in the national tournament. He has also competed in several hack-a-thons, which are really rewarding experiences. He entered into a math competition at Princeton with classmates, placing pretty high for their first time. All freshman enter into a state-wide science fair, his team having won a prize for their submission. The teachers and fellow classmates are very supportive and encouraging, it is a wonderful place to go to school.
    Read 79 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 115
    19 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students. Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet - you'll quickly see that the students are friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic. The clubs and activities they lead, especially the STEM-related ones like Robotics and Science Olympiad, are a lot of fun - and of course great learning experiences! The school offers so much support for students, whether through funding, resources (like the brand new makerspace and on-campus fitness centers), or fantastic guidance counselors.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. BASIS Oro Valley

    • Public School
    • Oro Valley, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 56
    20 Best Public High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I went to BASIS from 8th-10th grade. This school is very meticulous and unforgiving on its students and functions very similarly to that of a business. However despite that, this school will definitely teach you how to study effectively, how to maximize what you are learning, and give a general appreciation education. The environment is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE here! I currently go to Purdue university, and in my opinion attending BASIS is equally as stressful as attending a credited university. If you are coming to this school it is highly recommended that you have an established work ethic, and that it was your choice to come to this school. Remember this school is #3 in the nation, so do not take this school lightly and be prepared to work hard. Further more this school does not ensure that you go to a good college- it ensures that you go to college. With that being said if you are going to this school good luck!
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 537 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Henry M. Gunn High School

    • Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 259
    21 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: I miss registering for and attending classes at Gunn. Registration was so stress-free (especially with the Jacoubowsky's assistance). Classes were engaging--almost every teacher was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and willing to learn if they were new to a subject. Just remembering them brings a smile to my face. They were so quirky!

    There were some horrible teachers. If they were better, this school would be excellent. One was outwardly dismissive of certain political views. One never returned assignments and was rumored to pick course grades out of hat--she got fired. One admitted she was crushing our dreams by giving low grades. One would not post course material online. One gave only one lecture.

    Many of my peers made up a group of the most inclusive, intelligent, and accomplished individuals I know. The administration should listen to students more. These students are experts about their own mental health and their personal lives and concerns.
    Read 259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,918 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 529
    22 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: It's been a few years that I've graduated from Townsend and I have to say, it prepared me so well for college. I ended up going to an ivy after high school and not only was I prepared academically, but I was more than prepared to face the competitive environment surrounding me. I realized early on in Townsend that you should not compare yourself to your peers and just always put your best foot forward, and that's exactly what I did during my time there and in college now. Furthermore, Townsend students are textbook definition of nice kids. Everyone was really respectful and friendly and promoted positive peer pressure, i.e. caring about learning, and education. I cannot recommend Townsend enough! Private school education for a public school price :).
    Read 529 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,132 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 169
    23 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: The overall experience was great, more so because of my friends. The counselor was difficult to work with in my case because I have to admit that I was a bit of a slacker but she always scared me by staring me down and raising her voice. I had one teacher humiliate me in front of the entire class my freshman year but they fired her. The rest of my teachers were helpful and amazing people! The security was a little overboard for the kind of school that Townview is but I understand, it's their job. Other than that, the students all applied to be there so there were rarely any fights and it is an amazingly diverse school.
    Read 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Conestoga Senior High School

    • Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 299
    24 Best Public High Schools in America

    Parent: Conestoga is supportive, inclusive and adaptable to the various levels of their students' needs. Students are offered different levels of courses and can choose the level that best supports their strengths and (weaknesses) courses that they may find more challenging. The counseling and teaching staff are supportive, encouraging and the school has a great infrastructure and resources for students to use for areas of support. They have programs in place that can both challenge students and offer additional support when needed. The school communicates with parents often and teachers and counselors are easily accessible to students when needed. Conestoga also does a great job preparing them for college. They offer AP classes if students want the option. The even offer an SAT prep class as an elective. The course selection and electives are very impressive.
    Read 299 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,062 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. The Davidson Academy

    • Public School
    • Reno, NV
    • 6-12
    • 55
    25 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: The school could definitely stand to be more diverse in a lot of ways; for example, it could improve its ethnic diversity and admit more students from low-income backgrounds. It's also quite small, and this can feel very insular at times. However, the teachers are some of the most caring human beings I have ever met, and the school continues to feel like a home even after you graduate. I think anyone who goes here will receive an excellent education that will take them far in life, but they would also do well to remember that there's a far bigger world out there beyond its walls (and to interact with it more). Oh, and many of the students here are middle schoolers or early high schoolers--sometimes it can feel like older students are glossed over a little bit when it comes to creating special events or opportunities for them. Overall, though, this school is excellent, and I think all of these problems are definitely solvable.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Our Lady of Mercy School

    • Private School
    • Potomac, MD
    • PK, K-8
    • 1

    High School Senior: The teachers allow for growth and nourishment.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 226 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 8

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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