2022 Best public high schools in America

• Reno, NV•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  72 reviews

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 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 234

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Durham, NC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  114 reviews

Senior: A great opportunity to learn and take classes not typically available in high school! Many of the classes count for college credit, and all classes are honors level or above. There is a great support system in place to make sure all students get what they need. Living in Durham is also a great experience and a lot of fun. The main adjustment for me was getting used to the food (which is free!), but it was doable.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: Mass Academy is an amazing school! The collaborative environment and assignments that are geared toward challenge and real-world applications make being a student here an inspiring and enjoyable experience. The academics are top-notch and challenging, and everyone will help each other. With the small size of ~ 50 students per grade, you get to know each of the faculty members and your classmates personally. The faculty offer a lot of support with independent projects and the college application process. Senior year at WPI prepares you well for college. Although you are always busy as a junior, most of the projects are truly enjoyable because you get to work in a group, including when designing an app and assistive technology device. There are also great classes in the humanities and language, so students gain skills in math and science as well as writing, English, history, and Spanish/French. I would strongly consider applying here if you are interested in collaboration and challenge!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Richmond, VA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  144 reviews

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 144 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 746

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  560 reviews

Alum: TJHSST offers a unique high school experience. The academics are definitely much different and difficult from what I've experienced in middle school. However, the communities and relationships formed at the school are unmatched. TJ offers many unique opportunities that can't be found at traditional high schools. For example, I learned the Russian language for four years. I know Russian is not a course offered at many other high schools throughout the US. TJ also offers many clubs through 8th period. We are able to choose 4 different clubs per week allowing us to further explore both our academic and creative interests during school. TJ is the perfect place for students who want to challenge themselves and always aim to do better.... Read 560 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  404 reviews

Senior: I've been here for all four years and I love this school! Truly, the best part of the school is the teachers. Of course, you'll have a few that aren't your favorite, but I've found teachers I really admire. They are here because they love to teach. The student body as a whole is also really great, at least for my years here. We went through a lot of administration struggles, but what pulled us together was our support for our teachers and the shared values that we have as students. The course load is challenging but manageable, but I also felt really well prepared from my elementary school. All that being said, Payton has many normal issues like any high school (some student drama, mediocre/bad food, people that you like and don't like, etc).... Read 404 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  595 reviews

Senior: Northside is very inclusive and lively. Students are involved in all parts of the school such as the production of a musical, the display of sculptural work, and even the spread of awareness for minority groups. At Northside, the individual is strengthened in personal and academic identity. It’s rigorous tasks and unique class schedules prepare students for college academia. As a fellow Northsider, I can say that there was a difficult adjustment to Northside’s expectations, however, I have found an amazing and supportive community alongside it. If you are considering Northside, I hope you are warmed by it’s strengths in education and community!... Read 595 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lincroft, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  104 reviews

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 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hackensack, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  531 reviews

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 531 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  185 reviews

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 185 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  1,094 reviews

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 1,094 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,357

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  998 reviews

Senior: The best specialized high school! Bronx Science offers more than 20+ AP courses. The teachers and faculty are so supportive and compassionate. There are more than a hundred clubs, everything from baking to anime. We also have our own Holocaust Museum, our own observatory with a state of the art telescope. We produce the MOST Nobel Prize Winners out of any other high school in the USA. Our new Stanley Manne Institute has state of the art science laboratories, an animal research room, and much more! We have a HUGE, BEAUTIFUL campus fully complete with out door seating as well.... Read 998 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,937

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Aurora, IL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  346 reviews

Junior: IMSA has great potential with the motto the claim to follow. "To ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition." They do offer a challenging education for their students and provide an atmosphere similar to college. The administration, however, has been going downhill. Racial discriminations has been an issue at school but admin doesn't solve anything when they claim they do. College admission has also been a problem at IMSA for some students because admin doesn't know how to solve the issues. The academics are good but in order to perform well at IMSA, you have to be independent in your studies. The teachers at IMSA are mostly there to answer questions rather than teach the entire class, specifically in the Math Department. For this reason, its important to pay attention in class or you'll fall behind very easily. Independence is also important because IMSA is a residential school.... Read 346 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio —

• New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  749 reviews

Junior: You will be exposed to a multitude of resources during your time here and welcomed into a great community! While this school may not be for those unwilling to take on a rigorous academic experience, you will certainly be given the choices to take easier classes. The courseload can demanding at times, but most teachers are reasonable as long as you communicate with them. Ultimately, Tech will offer you many things to enhance and enrich your high school experience, but it is up to YOU to take advantage, whether that be through an internship, mentorship, sport, club, SING, etc.... Read 749 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,336

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  658 reviews

Junior: The townsend harris high school is an excellent source of rigor without the restraint of standardize tests deeming admissions. Not only does this school have an excellent collaboration of humanities and stem it also has unique traditions including an ephebic oath and classical language classes. Overall, this school is a testament to the public school system and how normal teenagers can thrive in an environment!... Read 658 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hartsville, SC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  148 reviews

Senior: I have a mixed experience in SCGSSM. On one hand, the school is very heavily focused on academics and sports but mostly academics. It's excellent for those students that need or want a challenge. However, the administration can sometimes be overbearing if you don't adhere to every single small rule that they make. Living on campus can also be boring as you have walking bounds in Hartsville. You can bring your car but you can only take it out on the weekends. With that being said, the school has tried to counter that by allowing for trips to places for the students like Frankie's Fun Park or other places like the Florence Skate Park. All in all, if you are looking for a challenge and a lot of fun with an incredible amount of diversity, this is the place to go for sure!... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Columbus, MS•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  191 reviews

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 191 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  1,233 reviews

Freshman: My experience at SHS was pretty good this year as a freshman! Having this be my first year, I was pretty scared and a bit hesitant to continue the next 4 years at this huge school. But Stevenson is a super welcoming place, with amazing teachers, staff and students. They have this thing called freshman orientation, which is the day before school starts. A bunch of our juniors and seniors come in to guide us through the school, and answer questions we have. These same Fmp leaders are the main people for advisory, which is another program assisted to help freshmen meet new people. Advisory takes place during half our lunch, and in my opinion was pretty fun, we played games, did activities and I met a lot of close friends in it. I didn’t mind advisory, but I know a lot of other people didn’t like the fact that it was a whole year, so maybe a suggestion would be making it only for the 1st semester so we can have full lunch 2nd semester. But overall I thank shs for such a great first year!... Read 1,233 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,315

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Austin Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  491 reviews

Alum: I graduated in 2020 at the LBJ campus. Great school, great staff, great people. I encourage every prospective freshman to apply, do not be intimidated by the academics! Yes, LASA will be more difficult than your typical high school as most courses taken will end up being AP or Pre-AP (not counting some liberal arts courses). The college readiness this school provides is very strong.... Read 491 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,254

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Oklahoma City, OK•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  43 reviews

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 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Freehold, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  118 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed the academics at Biotech, although the classes were definitely difficult. I felt that I was being pushed past my limit at times, feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Some of my friends had bad experiences with staff members, and the mental health and morale of the school could definitely be improved. I would like to see some change in those areas, possibly through more peer meetings to talk about mental health or something similar. Overall, I think my experience was very good, because my overall experience was something that I will always have with me and to remember happy times.... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  484 reviews

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 484 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  1,141 reviews

Sophomore: WY is heavily involved in student life. Either offering or creating offers to accommodate all. A primary example is student sports. However, some sports receive more support than others. But, even when toggling busy sports, many students take college course of any field early on. Their ambition, initiative, and flexibility always shine through and inspire peers. However, some students struggle understanding one another's differences. They try, but it often leads to lengthy, passive (but non-threatening) debates, even transpiring in class. However, teachers always handle the situation with prompt, admirable care, keeping our safety in mind! Their lessons never suffer as a result, either. Although each teacher's teaching styles are often easy to follow along, if not, they always try to help! Perhaps parents seldom involve themselves in school matters because of the quality of the teachers! Administrators are also helpful but only when asked. Overall, I enjoy my time here!... Read 1,141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,121

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Manahawkin, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  164 reviews

Parent: Both of my children are MATES students. The level of education they’re receiving inside and outside the classroom is amazing! The administrators, teachers, and staff genuinely care about successfully preparing all of the students for college and beyond. I’m so thankful my children are lucky enough to attend this outstanding high school.... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 274

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Rockaway, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering is not only a well designed program for students in Morris County interested in STEM, but is also the catalyst for the formation of a community of peers. The facilities are exceptional, complete with 3D printers, plasma cutters, lathes, mills, drills, band saws, and laser cutters. Throughout their four years, students are able to explore a breadth of topics, ranging from sciences such as biotechnology to business courses. Another factor in which the Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering excels is its teachers; they are able to continuously portray their passion and love for their job and students through communication and laughter. By keeping students on their toes by joining like-minded competitive students, yet emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork, this school certainly provides an edge for its students in their future careers. Students that attend this school will find success no matter where they go.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio —