2023 Best Public High Schools in America

• Durham, NC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: The adjustment was hard initially, but overall very worth it. The school has incredibly counselors and teachers, and all the support for new students was especially helpful for me. Even though this is a STEM school, the Humanities and Fine Arts departments are incredible and there are many opportunities for growth within them. Through the Research Experience in the Humanities program, my ability to analyze texts and write has significantly improved. There are a wide variety of extracurriculars available for everyone. The student run cultural fests and activities were some of the highlights of my year. A fair warning, the classes are harder than any I have ever taken before. One of the things I would like to see improved are better coordinated office hours. The chemistry department and precalc teachers hold office hours at the same times, so it can be challenging for a student enrolled in both to maximize the amount of time spent in office hours. Overall this school was very rewarding!... Read 140 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  421 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 421 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio —

• 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 165

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  73 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 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  607 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 607 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Aurora, IL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  364 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 364 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  572 reviews

Sophomore: Overall TJ is an excellent school for those who are willing to be apart of a very academically rigorous environment. Education wise, it has some of the most talented teachers who’ve done years of professional training in whatever backgrounds they’ve pursued. The students here are one of the top kids in the state and have done lists and lists of impressive things. You can imagine how much of an overwhelming environment it is…Going into it makes you feel less capable than your peers who’ve launched space rovers or worked on political campaigns. As a student there, my GPA may not be good and my grades may look unexpected, but what I do know is that every student in this school, including myself, are the most hardworking and driven people I’ve ever seen. Sure high school will be undeniably difficult, but the students here will be more than prepared for whatever comes next.... Read 572 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Richmond, VA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  154 reviews

Junior: Although the workload and stress at this school are incredibly high at times, and the competition increases as students age and college applications approach, this school is definitely worth it because of how rewarding our efforts ultimately are. Most teachers are people you can form connections with, and the overall community is so tightly-knit together that it starts to feel like family. I can leave my stuff around the school anywhere without fear of it being stolen, and I have never felt threatened or scared to voice myself because of how inclusive the school is. There is such a wide range of class options that are not granted at any other high school in Virginia, and the vast number of clubs and volunteering opportunities means there will always be a way for you to involve yourself in the school. The school is also devoted to diversity which is why we have the largest language class selection and many events like the Multicultural/International Assembly to celebrate all students.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 746

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  105 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 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  1,164 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 1,164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,121

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: The best experience I could have possibly had in high school. Great teachers, resources, facilities, and most importantly, people. I met people here I'll never forget. At first, the schoolwork was difficult and I thought I might not be able to stay, but the community helped me get through it. I was able to thrive at AMSE thanks to that same community and would recommend it for anyone interested in STEM in the future!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Urbana, IL•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  178 reviews

Junior: Overall, I’ve had a really good experience at Uni! Academics are mostly really good. I’ve had some less than stellar teachers—many of whom are knowledgeable in their subject areas, but struggle teaching them at a beginner level—but others have been incredible. The workload‘s tough, but manageable if you’re not overloaded with extracurriculars. There’s a diversity of personalities in the student body, but kids are generally passionate and motivated, and mostly very friendly. There’s some competition in academics and extracurriculars (especially related to college apps), and also somewhat of a culture of cynicism and negativity. Still, I’ve met some amazing people, and I wouldn’t swap my experience for a more typical high school one. I’d say the biggest advantage of Uni is the breadth of opportunities offered by our connection with the U of I, from enrolling in college classes to working with professors to attending undergrad events to grabbing boba on Green St. during free period.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 314

• Student-teacher ratio —

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,030 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 1,030 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,937

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,126 reviews

Junior: Stuyvesant High School is extremely rigorous, and the experience is super different from any other school in New York City, even other specialized high schools. However, the Stuy community is also unlike any other, and despite the difficult and college-level classes, the school provides a large array of materials and resources to ensure that students can preform to their best ability. Not everyone is going to be happy at Stuy, and I think a genuine love for learning and education is really important so as not to get overwhelmed here. However, if you want to challenge yourself, I think Stuyvesant is the best school in the city. If I would change one thing about Stuyvesant it would definitely be the diversity. The school is over seventy percent Asian, and a lot of other ethnic groups don't get an equal opportunity at getting in. However, a great many diverse groups are represented in the school's clubs and organizations, and the school is making an active effort to be more inclusive.... Read 1,126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,304

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  548 reviews

Sophomore: When I first entered BCA, I was nervous about the rumored difficult courses and being in a new environment. Over time, I've grown to love the community here, its teachers, and the opportunities given to its students. My friend group is very supportive, and I've met so many people that I wouldn't have in my regular town high school.... Read 548 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hartsville, SC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  161 reviews

Junior: It is a place where everyone can rely on one another knowing that there will always be someone there for you. Be prepared for anything and everything as your experience there will not be what you expect. It isn’t the hardest and strictest school, but it is known for its hard and rigorous academics. But once you look past the hardships you will see the many wonderful connections that you will gain as a result.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 261

• Student-teacher ratio —

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  771 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 771 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,336

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Oklahoma City, OK•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  46 reviews

Senior: OSSM is a place that I am proud to tell people that I attend, but the stress of being there makes it hard to appreciate in the moment. Just like any school, there are things that I wish were different, but they are severely amplified because we live with them every day. Even so, the stress and difficulties are what bring everyone together and make a strong supportive community of intelligent individuals. There have been many moments where I consider giving up, dropping out, and going back to my home high school. Whether it is for pride or for completion, most of us stay and finish. Coming to OSSM was one of the best, but also most difficult, decisions that I have ever made and I have never regretted it.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 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 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  1,236 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 1,236 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,315

• Student-teacher ratio —

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  681 reviews

Sophomore: Townsend has many extracurriculars, classes, and fun people to offer, although its flaws arise with its teachers. Several teachers are, accordng to my own and my peers' opinion, unfit for the job and simply do not teach their subjects well enough for their students to grasp. Although this doesn't apply to every single instructor at Townsend, there are quite a few that fit this criteria.... Read 681 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,270

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  500 reviews

Senior: One of the standout features of GSMST is the opportunity to take so many courses at the collegiate level; I was able to participate in 13 Advanced Placement (AP) classes throughout my high school career. This allowed me to challenge myself academically and prepare for college in a way that many other high schools could not dream of replicating. One of the highlights of my time at GSMST was the opportunity to see a bypass surgery live through the "Live from the Heart" program. It was a truly unique and enriching experience that I will never forget. Overall, GSMST is an amazing school for students interested in STEM. The school provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with real-world applications of STEM concepts through internships, research projects, and hands-on learning experiences. The teachers and staff are highly supportive, and the school has a strong sense of community. I highly recommend GSMST to any pursuing a STEM-focused education.... Read 500 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  120 reviews

Freshman: I like the education and the people in the school, but the environment can be very stressful especially during important tests because everyone crams a lot of information. This also leads to a lot of people being depressed and overly stressed out about college. That is because it is an IB school and all of the classes are more rigorous and demanding. The school has some great teachers too on the bright side, especially in the science section. If you like science and you liked to pushed to the best of your abilities, I would recommend this school.... Read 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Austin Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  506 reviews

Senior: Liberal Arts and Science Academy is a very difficult and rigorous school, and often does not hesitate to pile on the academic stress and critical thinking within every class. It's difficult to truly 'make it' at this school, and easy to get through burnout. The culture here is very much oriented around assignments, grades- but I have a lot of appreciation for the career-oriented and extra-curricular opportunities that are offered there. The general nerd-ing out makes me feel very at home, because there's always a little spot to explore our passion, and there's little serious bullying. It gears us to real life, and yet the student body can recognize as a whole that we're all a little lost. And that's okay.... Read 506 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,254

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  143 reviews

Senior: Magnet is a school that is very near and dear to me. Throughout my time here, I have made many friends that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I relish the opportunity to interact with so many intelligent people and feel that the culture is one that stimulates growth and improvement. The teachers are above average and it feels like they truly care about their students. I would highly recommend any students in the Union County area to apply to Magnet. It will absolutely be worth it.... Read 143 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1