2023 Best Public High Schools in Suffolk County

• Half Hollow Hills Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  310 reviews

Senior: I liked the overall interior of the school and the majority of my teachers were very nice and supportive! I felt like I could go to them if I needed help with something. There was also little to no bullying among students, which is pretty rare in schools. The school is a little difficult to navigate because a lot of hallways look exactly the same, but once you get the hang of it it’s not so bad. If I disliked any teachers, it was a personal dislike. I would advise against taking the Media Arts course though, since it is extremely outdated and barely teaches you any skills you can use (especially if you were already studying film, art, and animation).... Read 310 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,116

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Half Hollow Hills Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  472 reviews

Senior: Since will have only spent my senior year at Half Hollow Hills High School East, I do not have much material to base my thoughts around. However, during my short time here, I can safely state that the academic aspect of the school is superb. The teaching staff is effective overall, with a wide variety of electives being available as well. As for the social aspect, it can be easy for one to feel lost due to the large student body, and significant ethnic population differences.... Read 472 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,609

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Three Village Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  482 reviews

Senior: I cannot portray how excellent this school truly is. As a current student of Ward Melville, I can say that there is no better school in Suffolk county. The teachers are very good at their jobs and provide many resources for students to improve. There is an absurdly large amount of clubs that the school provides -- all run by the students themselves. The sports is also a wide variety of sports that will allow many to reach out and make more friends while having fun competitively. Along with this, many of the top students of each graduating class are able to continue their studies at Ivy Leagues or highly competitive schools. Not only are the extracurricular's outstanding but there are over 23 AP classes offered by incredible teachers -- this was most impactful in my high school career. I have made some of my closest friends at Ward and I have had an overall positive experience my three years of high school.... Read 482 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,570

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Harborfields Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: Harborfields very friendly environment. There are excellent teachers and well-rounded students. It is a small community in Centerport and Greenlawn where everyone has each others backs! Wonderful atmosphere to raise children and gives kids many opportunities to succeed in any field! Go tornadoes!... Read 167 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 994

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• South Huntington Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  275 reviews

Alum: Walt Whitman is a unique experience. While I was a student, I had some very fond memories of the crazy things we did in class. The teachers I had were excellent. They were there to help us and support us when needed. Most teachers were approachable and understanding of life problems. The sports teams have seen improvement in the last complete of years, but that is probably attributed more towards the talents of the students. However, while I was a student, I believed there to be always clear favoritism towards the more well-known sports. Club-wise, there was always a diverse array of things to get involved in and if you couldn't find something, the process of creating a club was not that difficult.... Read 275 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,985

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Cold Spring Harbor Central School District, NY•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: Cold Spring Harbor High school has helped define who I am in more ways than just me education. Cold Spring Harbor High School for me is where I learned how to learn, where I learned who I was as a person, and where I learned how to make the friends that have helped me further become a better person. Unlike other schools Cold Spring Harbor's commitment to excellency and uniquely small neighborhood feel helps to establish a learning community within it. This environment than helps individuals thrive in the learning process of uncovering the challenging Honors and AP courses to which the school, and its students strive to achieve new heights within it. This two factors then helped me become who I am today. I can surely say that my experience with Cold Spring Harbor High School truly has been excellent.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 794

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Smithtown Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  349 reviews

Senior: The teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff members have been extremely helpful in resolving any issue that may come up. They whole-heartedly work with us to assist us with any problematic situation that may arise, keeping safety at the forefront of their priorities. They exhibit a sincere concern for our well-being, in all aspects, physically, emotionally, as we as academically. The school offers a lot of AP and honors courses, as well as extracurricular activities and sports. This starts from 8th grade, where they offer an "advanced" track by taking 9th grade Algebra. They also offer PLTW (Project Lead The Way) for students who do not wish to take the advanced track. This latter option still offers fun and exciting ways to experience, partake in, and learn STEM courses and activities. The district is a large district with many schools and very different needs, so it is more challenging to accomplish this, but they do their best to help students be the best they can be.... Read 349 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,415

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  231 reviews

Senior: Coming from the South Bronx to a small town on the north shore of Long Island was a big move. I came to this town into this high school not knowing anyone. When I got here it felt like a maze. It’s so big, there’s people willing to help you everywhere you go. You build relationships with the teachers and they’re always there when you need them. I’ve even made great relationships with teachers I never even got to have myself! Unfortunately, there isn’t much diversity compared to my school in the Bronx, but there is so much opportunity for you to excel. The electives, clubs and sports you can be apart of are out of this world. They give so many options for the students to find what they really want to do. My experience in this high school has been nothing but positive. It was definitely worth the move. The opportunities and experiences that I’ve gained are all thanks to this school!... Read 231 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,764

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Commack Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  822 reviews

Senior: Being a student at Commack High School, I have seen and heard many conversations, stories, lessons, and interactions that associate with happy and not so happy memories. High School is supposed to be some of the greatest years of your life and I can confidently agree with that. Over the years, I was able to find my interests and see establish my strengths and weaknesses. The quality of my education is incomparable and it was easy to initiate positive relationships with the teachers and other students. We are a very school-spirited school and always go above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable and included. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 my high school years were choppy but it is wonderful that for my final year we have returned to normalcy.... Read 822 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,058

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Elwood Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  122 reviews

Junior: JGHS is a wonderful school! Our high school staff create a community at which developing students' leadership abilities are fostered. Staff give students so many opportunities to work together as well and also educate us to know we are part of so many communities, local and global. JGHS is a place of learning and development that values each student as a critical member.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Southampton Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  128 reviews

Senior: Everyone is great It is a nice place, it practices many sports, the counselors are very helpful and teachers are very kind and nice. Most of the students are nice, all events are fun and a great experience for the community. I came from Ecuador 1 year ago and everyone has helped me in different ways, and now I can understand, speak, writw and read in english!, it has been a great experience so far.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Port Jefferson Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  100 reviews

Parent: Earl L. Vandermeulen is an amazing high school for Academics. The teachers and staff help each student to reach their full potential in all areas of school. The teachers are very good at teaching and supporting the students and make themselves available. Many of the students participate in sports, clubs and we have one of the best Music/Art programs in our county. The school wants to prepare the students for college and master the skills to succeed. The school culture is like one family helping each other for the kids to do well. The electives in this school are very good including Science, Tech. and Math. In a small school the class sizes are low and the attention each child gets helps them learn in an environment that supports them. The school is safe and food is good. Its a great school for any student to be happy and learn and grow.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A

• Students 353

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Sayville Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  104 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed my time at Sayville High School. Overall, the town vibe was amazing. Small town, everyone is kind and fun. School spirit is incredible. Teachers are phenominal and most are alumni. The town always comes together to celebrate eachothers wins and help eachother during hardships. All critiques are taken seriously and involvement is there by faculty and staff... Read 104 reviews

• grade A

• Students 968

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Huntington Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  236 reviews

Senior: I feel privileged to have grown up in the Huntington Union Free School District and Huntington High School has been instrumental in shaping who I am as a person. The diversity of the student body has opened my eyes to new perspectives and fostered an environment rich with collaboration. The school's administration could not have been more considerate and accommodating. The vast opportunities in music and the arts (marching band, chamber choir, orchestra, drama club) combined with a myriad of STEM exposure (namely the robotics team, science olympiad, etc.) along with humanities programs (National History, School Newspaper) ensure that any student can pursue their passions. AP courses have prepared me for college curriculum. The school's security team succeeds in providing a safe and welcoming educational environment. I love Huntington; Go Blue Devils!... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,451

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hauppauge Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  216 reviews

Alum: Hauppauge High School was a wonderful experience for me. I feel blessed that I was able to grow up in a town with such a great school district. They offered AP classes, College Classes through Syracuse and The International Baccalaureate Program. They encourage their students to receive the highest education and allow for a fantastic preparation for college. The music and arts programs and the athletics are a plus for this school. The faculty is great and they are continuing to work on facilities for students. The golf room could use some improvements, but the pool is a huge plus.... Read 216 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,170

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Smithtown Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  240 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience with Smithtown High School East has been educational and enjoyable. Smithtown High School East not only has various choices in the courses that individuals can take such as Advanced Placement and Honors classes, it has multiple music, sports, and other extra-curriculars to make the high school experience be much more enjoyable. In addition, my high school has five foreign language options (French, German, Italian, Spanish, and American Sign Language) to the student's advantage. Finally, Smithtown High School East is ranked sixth in Suffolk County, New York to show the prime education the students are receiving compared to the school's neighboring competitors.... Read 240 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,507

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• East Hampton Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: East Hampton High School is a good place to learn. While their are many amazing teachers it is also easy to get stuck with a bad one. Out of all my teachers i've experienced maybe 5 bad teachers. The schools sports are competitive, but still fun. The school also offers many clubs.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westhampton Beach Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  204 reviews

Senior: As a senior at WHBHS, I definitely cannot say I had a bad high school experience. My teachers engaged with the class in almost all my classes and made learning easy and fun. The security guards are guaranteed to brighten your day, and administration/guidance has been extremely helpful to me and my family. I was a cheerleader for the football team, however our school offers really any sport you might desire to participate in. Coaches are great and help student athletes reach academic and athletic goals. It is extremely easy to make friends and there are tons of things to do around whether you like to party and go out or stay in and do more quiet activities. Mostly white, but there is slight diversity amongst students. Great school.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,007

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mount Sinai School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  135 reviews

Sophomore: Mount Sinai is a good school, even with its flaws. Most of the teachers care about the kids and try to engage their students in class. The science department could use some work, but it’s okay nonetheless. The school offers a variety of AP courses which are very helpful and interesting. The athletics department is incredible, and there are also a myriad of clubs to choose from. I would like improvements in the school lunches and more funding to go towards things that the students actually want. Overall, I would say my experience has been enjoyable at Mount Sinai so far.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A

• Students 760

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bay Shore Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: Absolutely love the school, the teachers and students are so kind and amazing here! I feel safe to make new friends. There are tons of programs and activities you can't find anywhere else.... Read 258 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,974

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Connetquot Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  287 reviews

Senior: Connetquot High School is an above average school. From the courses offered to student involvement, it excels academically. There is definitely a place for everybody from its various clubs. Not the most diverse school, but not the worst. Students will find people to rely on from classmates to teachers to counselors. Go T-birds!... Read 287 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,753

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Islip Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  194 reviews

Junior: Islip High school has offered me many opportunities to expand my learning. They offer a variety of clubs and sports. The school is full of supporting teachers and coaches who are there to help with any issue you may have. It is a welcoming district. My grandparents, my mother, my aunts, my siblings and myself have all gone through Islip schools. My mother, who graduated from Islip, now works in the district. My family has lived in Islip for my entire life and I plan to put my future kids through the school as well.... Read 194 reviews

• grade A

• Students 943

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• East Islip Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: I personally feel that East Islip High School is a great school because it provided me with a lot of options. The AP classes that were available to me as well as many other extracurricular classes allowed me to decide my strengths and weaknesses, as well as what subjects I do and do not enjoy. I also appreciate that the school is inclusive of all different students. While sports are heavily praised, the music department is equally massive and important. Events such as the school musical and the school concerts are held with great importance because the school values music education. The time I have spent in honors symphony, chamber orchestra club, honors choir, tri-M, and the school musicals have had a major positive impact on my life. This experience would not have been possible at many other schools. I also got the chance to be part of the varsity cross country and track teams for some time. I gained a great deal of knowledge about discipline, strength, and teamwork through this.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,160

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  101 reviews

Junior: The classes offered at Bayport Blue Point High School are excellent for all students. Whether you want to challenge yourself with an AP class or need some help with a modified class, the option is yours. Most of the teachers are fantastic, and provide their students with a great education while forming bonds with them. BBP High School also offers many clubs, such as debate club and science Olympiad, and students can request to start their own club. The school also takes pride in its sports, with many options and a very high participation rate among students. The science and math departments offer many accelerated or modified classes to accommodate the students, and these classes are very informative. Perhaps the best department in Bayport Blue Point High School is the art and music department. There are numerous classes, orchestras, classes, AP music theory, ceramics, and many more. Several music extracurriculars are offered, including chamber orchestra, the musical, and jazz choir.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 721

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Lindenhurst Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  302 reviews

Junior: Lindenhurst High School occurs a variety of Regents level, Honors, College, and AP classes. Along with this, there are tons of clubs to choose from. The clubs offered are well suited to the student’s different interests. There are a large variety of sports, both junior varsity and varsity offered. The diversity at this school isn’t the best, since there are few minorities. Although this school isn’t very diverse, teachers make an effort to be inclusive and respectful to different cultures. There are a lot of language classes to choose from, and the Spanish classes are very popular. There are many teachers or administrators with controversial opinions politically which can make students feel uncomfortable. But there are still many teachers that remain neutral about politics as well. There is a lot of support for the LGBTQ+ community in this school, but bullying isn’t often noticed.... Read 302 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,873

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1