2024 Best Public High Schools in America

• Reno, NV•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: I am a teacher and my husband is a bartender. Private school wasn't an option for us, and private school wouldn't have been able to meet our daughter's academic needs anyway. Our daughter wasn't initially sold on the idea of moving to Reno and leaving her friends. After seeing the overview video, however, she was determined to go to the gifted school with the air hockey table. Now she is in her sixth year at the Davidson Academy, where she dominates the air hockey scene. She has the most wonderful friends and caring teachers. We moved here for the academics (and air hockey). As expected, they are the best of the best. Only in hindsight do we now see that it's the teachers' genuine care for students' overall wellbeing that makes this school so special. Davidson Academy is more than a school. In a world with limited opportunities for those without unlimited funds, Davidson Academy breaks down barriers and paves the way for students to reach their full potential. Thank you!... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Durham, NC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  167 reviews

Parent: NCSSM has been an incredibly enriching experience for my daughter. The classes are unique and rigorous. I expected great science and math courses, of which there are many, but there is also a robust humanities department with equally amazing classes. Many of the classes are topics you typically only see offered at colleges. The teachers challenge the students and share their passion for their area of expertise. Students have opportunities for research, mentorship with professionals, and study abroad trips. There are also many clubs and activities to keep the students engaged. The boarding school community allows the students to grow socially as well. My daughter finally found her people! The administration is supportive and there is a continuous focus on mental well being. NCSSM has nurtured my daughter and helped her become confident in being her authentic self. I am so thankful she accepted the greater challenge!... Read 167 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 976

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  91 reviews

Alum: I was part of the inaugural class of 1993. The experience was eye-opening. Never before was I so challenged by the pace, curriculum, and mostly my fellow classmates. This experience was not only incredible to have as part of a college admissions package, but it also gave me the necessary perspective for all my future endeavors. All my classmates were incredibly talented, ambitious, and great people. Just keeping up, required me to learn and grow. Not only academically but also as a person. To say the program had a profound impact on me, would be an understatement! I loved my time in the Academy, and was very proud to be a part of such a highly talented group.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  428 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 428 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,167

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Oklahoma City, OK•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: OSSM is the best school Oklahoma can offer to students! The school prepared my son very well for college. He went to OU with 60+ college credits and a great scholarship package. He is in grad school now and his math and science foundation is very strong because of OSSM! Of course the coursework load is very tough at OSSM and the school is not for everyone. Cannot believe someone went to OU with only 3 college credits from OSSM!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  198 reviews

Junior: I highly recommend applying to TAG if you are in DISD. This school prepares you for college. Most of the teachers are user-friendly and willing to accommodate you as long as you communicate; work can pile up at times, and it can get challenging to juggle it all, but you can definitely power through. I've had a positive experience so far, and I am glad I came here!... Read 198 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 502

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Hartsville, SC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  172 reviews

Alum: I attended GSSM from 2015-2017 and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. During my tenure, there was not a heavy presence of arts and humanities, however, now it is my understanding that they have a new focus on this at the school to create a more well-balanced curriculum. The professors and staff were so supportive of my academic trajectory and were able to help out whenever I needed them. I spent many hours completing homework in my professors' offices, as well as studying for their exams and attending study sessions. I am forever grateful for my time at this institution, although sometimes, the workload was overwhelming for a 16-18 year old, it prepared me for college more than I knew. College was extremely easy compared to the stress and rigor of GSSM and that allowed me more freedom for self-expression. Following graduation, I still keep in touch with some professors to this day! If you are on the fence-- go!... Read 172 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  622 reviews

Alum: Northside College Prep High School, a crucible of leadership and challenge, stands out for its unique blend of empowerment and rigorous academics. The administrators shine in fostering a safe space where students take charge, leading significant events. This emphasis on student agency cultivates leadership skills, creating a vibrant sense of community. However, the demanding academic environment is a double-edged sword. Teachers set high expectations, pushing students to their limits, mirroring the challenges posed by college professors. While it prepares for higher education, the intense pressure can be overwhelming. If there's one change I'd propose, it's a greater focus on students' mental health. In such a competitive and rigorous setting, prioritizing well-being is crucial for a balanced and fulfilling educational experience... Read 622 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,027

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  586 reviews

Junior: I’ve been a student for 2 years now, and I’ve experienced good and, not so good. The general community at TJ is pretty great, most people are friendly and welcoming with, of course, a few exceptions. I’ve also had some AMAZING teachers, and some teachers I would prefer not to interact with. For a school that is so STEM focused, some of the STEM teachers just don’t seem to understand that not everyone learns the same way, or some people just won’t get it the first time. The expectations are HIGH, as everyone knows, but in reality, if you ask, some teachers will tell you that the average test scores for regular honors classes is about a B+ (this includes a bunch of As and a bunch of Fs). I don’t know much about AP and post-AP as I haven’t taken any of those yet though. Certain people will thrive at TJ, I personally am doing well academically as long as I take a portion of my time to study, but you wouldn’t really know until you try it out. But, overall, it’s an experience worth taking!... Read 586 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,902

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Aurora, IL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  377 reviews

Senior: IMSA is a fantastic school for students who want to take their education to the next level. The diversity and academics are excellent, and the shared culture between the students is incredible. That being said, the high workload causes many students to encounter mental health challenges. Lack of proper nutrition, hygiene, and sleep are more common at this high school than at others. Most students get an average of 3-4 hours of homework per day, which can be difficult to balance with mental health, clubs, and other commitments. There is a club for practically every interest a student could have, and there is always something to do on campus. The residential environment allows for deeper connections with peers and establishes lifelong relationships. The biggest issue at IMSA is the administration, which routinely makes questionable decisions that clearly do not consider student input. Overall, IMSA is one of a kind, and the positives of the school definitely outweigh the negatives.... Read 377 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 624

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  785 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 785 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,355

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,062 reviews

Parent: Excellent academics, almost every AP possible offered, lots of students taking post AP classes. Large school (~2800 kids), but brilliant student body with a wide range of interests and passions. This is the school where one can find high performing athletes with interests in performing arts and computers science or biology or math or physics or engineering. As one of the Specialized high school of the city, students come from all boroughs, making a 2-4 hours daily commute a regular part their 4-year high school journey. Very large number of clubs, sports, student activities. Teachers and administrators are top notch and dedicated. Perfect? Of course not, as it is after all a public school, but the Alumni foundation and the Parent Association are extremely active and generous both with time and resources to make up for what the Dept of Education budget does not cover. Go Wolverines!... Read 1,062 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,985

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  696 reviews

Sophomore: I'm a sophomore at Townsend Harris, and my experience has been great! I really like that every year there are some school "holidays" that are special to our school only! The school was quite challenging academically since it required me to change my studying habits (I used to procrastinate a lot). The classes were nice. You could choose if you wanted to choose AP classes. But during freshman year you get automatically put into Pre-AP World History. Then in sophomore year, it's required to take AP World History. The students, teachers, and staff are all friendly! There are so many extracurriculars too, so if you're looking to do stuff in your free time there are a lot of options. The sports department is great too because of the variety. There's basketball, soccer, table tennis, badminton, handball, swimming, and many more!... Read 696 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,347

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Bay District Schools, FL•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: During my seven years in Rising Leader Academy, I witnessed my school change drastically throughout the whole years. When I first enrolled RLA, the school was just starting to get on its feet. We didn’t have extracurriculares, the school was small, and there weren’t a lot of staff. By now so much has changed. They expanded the campus, added more extracurricular, hired more and diverse teachers. I have so many good memories and made my closest friends there.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 335

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: The Academy is an all around highly-recommended high school experience. Starting with academics, Academy students are challenged everyday through a difficult and relevant courseload, fully preparing them for college and life beyond. Students have a great relationship with their teachers and with each other. The social environment of the academy is an extremely tight web of inseparable, caring, and competitive students. Although its place as a satellite academy causes administrative headache, this school is the center of the greatest academic and social livelihoods a student can hope for.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  1,179 reviews

Sophomore: Whitney Young is a great school with great academics and athletics. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from. The school prepares kids for academic success and college readiness. The teachers are caring and the administration makes sure there are rules set in place to help everyone in the school feel at home. The teachers, except maybe 1 or 2, have been the best and are always open to listen to you. The athletic teams always win championships each year and they are supplied with lots of equipment and everything they need. There are many resources helping students in many different ways, like the counseling department and much more. The students all feel well connected to the staff and the weekly newsletter, "The Weekly" answers the concerns or questions that a student may bring up. The school is very diverse, and everyone feels included. There are many safety protocols that everyone must follow to help everyone feel safe. Overall, my time at Whitney Young has been great!... Read 1,179 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,051

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  515 reviews

Alum: The teachers are very passionate about what they teach and the environment is super supportive! The schedule is very intensive and not flexible for students with major time commitments, and lunch is unfortunately quite short. Schedule accommodations are being made though!... Read 515 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,165

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  220 reviews

Junior: The school of science and engineering is a really prestigious school that offers great classes to students. It can sometimes be hard to balance all the work were given because of the challenging classes we take. However the teachers makes the experience a little less dreadful. They strive to make students the best that they can. But what I especially like about my teachers is that they are very strict. The are strict to where they want us to learn and to have a future; that is what I adore about them. Something I would like to see a change is the school spirit. My school doesn’t have the spirit I first thought it did. Not much people are united and interested in school activities. This could be due to the fact that freshman year for us was virtual, so we didn't make any connections. But now going into senior year, I wish my school was closer.... Read 220 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 501

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Austin Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  512 reviews

Junior: LASA is an overall good school and has outstanding academics along with an amazing councilor team and is rated among the best for college readiness. While I think the school provides many good opportunities through AISD and their personal attributes like the library and office administration, due to it being an incredibly competitive school, the students are typically rude and create a hostile environment. Not a day goes by at LASA that you don't have at least 20 conversations a day regarding grades, colleges, or internships. Upon entering, it's nice because you are surrounded by people who want to pursue their career, but after time you see the manipulative ways in which they do so, and the amount of fake aspirations, and people who have no other life purpose than getting it job, and it is exhausting. Being at LASA is depressing, and almost everyone has academic stress. The amount of stress and anxiety that is filled within the campus makes it not worth it to me.... Read 512 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,309

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 2-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  369 reviews

Senior: I've attended Pine View School from 2nd grade through 12th grade. This place is great and offers many advanced classes for those who are consistently performing above their grade level. Once a student reaches high school, they have so much freedom in what classes they take and what path they want to go down with their academics. This school teaches kids to be independent and work hard. On the other hand, unfortunately, being gifted comes with its fair share of consequences as well. The levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses here is much higher than at other schools. Consistently pushing oneself to ace rigorous courses takes a toll on one's mental health. Pine View has good resources and understanding staff when it comes to this, but all I want to say is that it is NOT FOR EVERYONE. Just because you or your child are gifted does not mean you should attend. Be prepared to have your limits tested... I hope you have a good work ethic! Personally, I owe PV everything.... Read 369 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,745

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Muncie, IN•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  380 reviews

Senior: As someone who was looking for a more rigorous curriculum to finish my high school career with, the Indiana Academy was an excellent choice for me, and it has delivered in most respects. My teachers are all incredibly motivated toward helping me succeed, and students are offered a remarkable support system to prevent burnout. However, I feel as though recent controversies in the student body are undermining the credibility of the institution, among other things, like the character of incoming students.... Read 380 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Long Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  498 reviews

Parent: After sending our son for a year, we are happy to tell that the school is filled with wonderful people. CAMS students are kind, friendly, supporting each other across grades, and caring younger students very well. Parents are very nice and supportive, too. Most teachers have decent backgrounds/careers. It's easy to communicate with teachers and school staffs. Minimal donation/volunteer requests. The school is for students like Engineering, Computer Science, or Bio-technology. Required courses include manufacturing with CNC machines & industrial 3D printers, computer programming, CAD designing, and college level Bio-tech curriculum. Located on CSUDH campus, junior/senior students may take the college classes at reasonable cost. More than 50 clubs to choose from. 1/5 students join FRC or VEX Robotics teams. While sports teams are limited, good players compete at tournaments. Dancing teams actively perform at various school events. A lot of fun and exciting opportunities at CAMS!... Read 498 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 667

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,161 reviews

Sophomore: Stuyvesant is a school that expects students to work their hardest. That being said, there is a lot of independency: if you need help, you are expected to reach out to the teachers or seek out help yourself. Generally, the teachers are looking out for you, with some exceptions, but you are the person that determines how well you do in school. Outside the 10 classes, Stuyvesant offers a wide range of extracurriculars that each have a supportive community in each. For instance, the annual SING! shows are where you can meet a variety of people who share your interests and make friends. Basically, Stuyvesant is a good school with a supportive community that expects independence and hard work from its students.... Read 1,161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,304

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Evansville, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: If you've seen any rankings/reviews, you know this school is rigorous. But because students choose to attend this high school, the student body consists of like-minded individuals who like learning and pushing academic boundaries There is a spot for everyone here—as each class is ~100 students, Signature has a very close-knit community. The faculty is amazing without exception; their love for teaching and care for the students is clear Signature feels like home. The countless clubs—with focuses in service, language/culture, academics, pride, sports (esp. recent years), etc—encourage intergrade interactions & relationships This school has an open campus! Many students go out to eat and most enjoy lunch outside. There are currently 3 buildings, and for this reason (considering it's in downtown Evansville), students must take extra care to be safe. However, the administration oversees and prioritizes student safety so this isn't really a concern 10/10 recommend applying&shadowing :)... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 383

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  353 reviews

Senior: Poolesville High School is a 3/4 magnet school with academically ambitious and intelligent individuals. During my experience there, I'm constantly challenged by our projects and curriculum, and have received a top quality education thanks to our hardworking teachers. I enjoy how small Poolesville, and especially my program (SMCS), is, because it fosters a tight-knit community of like-minded peers who want to succeed, but also want to help each other succeed. One thing I would like to see change is the maintenance of our school setting, where our building is old and unreliable, and the air is often poor due to badly-timed construction.... Read 353 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,272

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1