2019 Best Public High Schools in the Cincinnati Area

Best Schools

99 results

Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati City School District, OH
7-12
439
1 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Alum: I graduated Walnut Hills High School this past year, on May 24th. It was a very tedious school and although it was very challenging, I appreciate the way the school prepped me for college. I'm very confident in my upcoming freshmen year of college. One thing I did not like though, were the school lunches. They weren't cooked well and obviously didn't taste well either. I could never eat lunch there. But aside from that it's a great school and it will be missed!
Read 439 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,778 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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William Mason High School
Mason City School District, OH
9-12
680
2 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Freshman: Offers many opportunities in activities and options for academics. Has an amazing program where you can become a SIB to welcome freshman and become friends with people at school. Competitive in sports and academics but at the same time fun! Teachers are amazing and know how to incorporate learning into a way that encourages us to focus and doesn't bore us. School spirit is everywhere to be found whenever you turn your head. One thing I hope would be more incorporated is resources. For people new to WMHS it might be hard to find ways around to join clubs, get information about college, academics, volunteer work and how to join sports. Places like main office, counselor, drop offs could also have a way to help students navigate more easier because there is no map of the school. I really hope resources can further be improved. Other than that I love being a Mason Comet and am proud of the things my school offers for students.
Read 680 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,529 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Indian Hill High School
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
9-12
125
3 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Freshman: Indian Hill is an amazing school. The high school’s objective is to help you learn and prepare for college, so all of its activities and classes reflect that. They offer 27 AP courses and are always trying to improve the way they teach. However, the students there can have a bit of a high and mighty attitude. Indian Hill is such a good district because there’s a lot of funding, which means the rich students can bring somewhat of a negative atmosphere. Still, for the most part, the students are wonderful, the staff is friendly, and it’s a great place to go to high school.
Read 125 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
651 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Seven Hills School
Private School
Cincinnati, OH
PK, K-12
53
Parent: Seven Hills is an amazing place academically, socially and emotionally. The academic rigor, experiential learning, and study abroad opportunities are outstanding. The collaborative and supportive environment creates life long memories along with deep, engaged, meaningful learning. College counseling is top notch and students experience real academic challenge that prepares them for college!
Read 53 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
998 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sycamore High School
Sycamore Community School District, OH
9-12
220
4 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Junior: Sycamore High School prides itself on its diversity, and rightfully so. Differences are celebrated and cultures embraced. For example, just two weeks ago, the Jewish student union shared dances and delicacies with the entire school, along with clothing and music. Sycamore offers an open atmosphere where all are appreciated and cherished. The school district is also known for the span of opportunities available to the students, and how there is a place for everyone. Outside of school activities range from yoga club to a buffet eating club! Sport events can always count on the Ave Cave (cheer section) to support all teams till the very end. The most special characteristic is the students and their attitude towards school. Sycamore school district is a place filled with determined and wise students who will change the future for the better. Some of the brightest minds pass through these halls.
Read 220 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,646 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Wyoming High School
Wyoming City Schools, OH
8-12
109
5 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Junior: I have been in the Wyoming Public School System all my life. The education I have gain has been priceless, but even more valuable to me from my experience in Wyoming are the extra-curriculars offered at the high school. From our various sports offered to our academic focused clubs, there is certainly a spot for everyone. Our Model United Nations Club has ranked in international conferences. Our Drama Department is known for beautiful productions. Our Academic team has had opportunities to compete nationally. Our sports teams have a pattern of playing hard and winning games. There is always a place for people of all kinds to excel. However that is one piece of conflict which has kept the ranked from 5 stars. Wyoming is very structured in social statuses. You are stuck in the stereotype of "nerds", "geeks", "jocks", "popular" and any other title you can be given which works to strip your individuality. Although it is often hard to escape these titles, good friends are not hard to find.
Read 109 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
642 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Madeira High School
Madeira City School District, OH
9-12
116
6 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: MHS is an exceptional school with incredible teachers that really push you to succeed. It is evident that every teacher is there because they want to be, and they put great time into not only their lesson plans, but also the students. Every teacher is willing to spend extra time with students in order to ensure they comprehend the material. If I could change anything, it would be some administrative details like backpack policy and superfluous assemblies.
Read 116 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
421 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Highlands High School
Fort Thomas Independent Schools, KY
9-12
179
7 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Alum: I loved how challenged I was everyday, and safe the environment was! I am currently a freshmen in college, and I feel that Highlands prepared me well. I was able to adjust to college, and the work force very easily. The teachers and administration of Highlands High School are very hard working, and caring. The teachers went out of their way to make the classrooms a fun learning environment! They would also go out of their way to stay late after school hours and help students who needed it. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Highlands High School, and there isn't anything I would change! Highlands High School has taught me to have self discipline, a strong work ethic, help others, and to value my resources. I would recommend anyone to send their child to Highlands High School!
Read 179 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
992 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mariemont High School
Mariemont City Schools, OH
9-12
65
8 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Freshman: The academics and teachers are very good, if a bit difficult at times. The teachers and counselors do an excellent job of preparing you for college. Many students are involved in sports and football games are big events. However, the girls are very cliquey and there is a big problem with boys vaping in the bathroom.
Read 65 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
530 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Beechwood High School
Beechwood Independent Schools, KY
7-12
72
9 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Over the past 13 years attending Beechwood, I have had an excellent overall experience. I love Beechwood because it is small, so teachers form great relationships with every student, and administration truly cares about the students. Beechwood is, academically, one of the top schools in Kentucky, so there are many very smart students that I use as a source of motivation to do well in school. I am a part of the Superintendent Advisory Council at Beechwood, and we get to meet with our Superintendent every month to discuss changes that should be made to our school: this is one of my favorite parts about our school. Students get a say in what we want, and administration always listens. One thing I would change about my school is that students get more disciplined. I think that kids who come out of Beechwood are academically ready for college, but they are not always ready to be independent and to not be told what to do all of the time, constantly reminded when to turn in assignments, etc.
Read 72 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
642 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Public Middle Schools
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- 2019 Best Public High Schools for STEM
Turpin High School
Forest Hills Local School District, OH
9-12
267
10 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Turpin High School is all about community. They have several programs to help students feel more included and that your voice is heard. From mental health awareness to LGBTQ+, Turpin is inclusive in everything. Moreover, their academic programs help students achieve the best grades possible and provide different levels of classes to help accommodate the needs of every student. Their faculty helps students reach their best potential and care about the student body as a whole, not just the submitted work. Turpin is the kind of school you want to go back to and send your kids to.
Read 267 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,186 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Kings High School
Kings Local School District, OH
9-12
146
11 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Kings is an awesome high school! It is just the right size for all students to find something they are interested in without feeling intimidated by others. There are many opportunities for success in academics, sports, and leadership. The administration is very centered around the students and they try to listen and be fair. The facilities are clean and I feel safe attending there. The community is very supportive of the district and attends many of the sporting events and programs. They have a great fine arts department and also offer many varieties and levels of extra curricular activities. The academic offerings are more like a large high school. There are many AP offerings and college plus credit options. The teachers work hard to prepare students for college. I have been in Kings Schools since preschool, and I feel very prepared to attend college and be successful!
Read 146 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,278 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lakota West High School
Lakota Local School District (Liberty Township), OH
9-12
433
12 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: I transferred to Lakota West High School at the beginning of the second semester of my senior year of high school. Furthermore, decided to take classes full-time on the campus of Cincinnati State. Even though I wasn't on the campus my counselor did a very good job of keeping me informed on senior activities, important meetings, etc. My experience at Lakota West could not have been better. Go Firebirds!
Read 433 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,332 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Anderson High School
Forest Hills Local School District, OH
9-12
266
13 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: I love Anderson High School. The teachers are kind, caring people who want the best for every student. The amount of love the teachers show for the students is astonishing! The faculty will go out of their way everyday in order to ensure the learning, safety, and general wellbeing of the students. The Orange Heart program is unique and allows students to have private one on one conversations with their teachers about any topic. The link crew helps incoming freshman become aware of the events and opportunities that Anderson has. One thing I would change is the buildings structure. The school is old and with a few upgrades could enhance the learning even more!
Read 266 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,180 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Larry A. Ryle High School
Boone County Public Schools, KY
9-12
298
14 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: I love Ryle High School! My four year experience here has been awesome! From the teachers and class offerings, to the lunch room staff and the food they prepare and serve to us and everything in between, this school could not be any better! Let's not forget our fantastic Raiders athletic program, clubs and many extracurricular options! I've formed friendships here that will last a lifetime. These past four years have been the best of my life so far. Ryle High School has prepared me very well for college and I can't wait to start the next phase of life! Thanks Ryle, and as always, Go Raiders!
Read 298 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,843 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Randall K. Cooper High School
Boone County Public Schools, KY
9-12
212
15 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: My experience at Cooper has been amazing. I love how involved everyone is within the school. The teachers become very close with the individual student. They get to know them as people and how they learn best. All of the teachers I have been in class with, focus on the student as a whole and their future. The school spirit is another great aspect of Cooper. Students come out to every sporting event and support our school. The participation by administrators, teachers, and students during spirit week is very cool to see while walking the hallways.
Read 212 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,291 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lakota East High School
Lakota Local School District (Liberty Township), OH
9-12
436
16 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Lakota East High School is the best high school nationwide! The environment pleasing and safe for each and every student walking into the building. The staff is welcoming and highly professional. The principle of this school makes sure that every student is meeting his/her standards and is friendly, which is barely seen in other high schools. A great system of education and an even better place for the community to unite. The clubs and activities being offered here are amazing and can be accessible by anyone who is interested. Not just this, the food in the cafe is delicious with a great variety ranging from ice cream to pasta. The interior and exterior are comforting and pleasing. Highly recommend!
Read 436 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,579 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Loveland High School
Loveland City School District, OH
9-12
209
17 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Loveland has always provided a good atmosphere for learning, doing activities and making friends. The soccer program has grown in the last 4 years and the coach has become more involved in the players. Administration has kept up with safety standards with random canine checks in the building and safety drills. Parents are well informed of anything that is going on in the school and any changes to policies. I do however, think there are some teachers that need to be held more accountable for their performance and ability to do a good job teaching. The Loveland community is very supportive of students and families and I would recommend this district to anyone looking to move to a new place!
Read 209 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,418 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Milford Senior High School
Milford Exempted Village School District, OH
7-12
239
18 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: I'm in the marching band for my school, and that is what made my high school experience so fun. I was able to meet so many people and make so many friends. They classes really challenged me maybe a little to hard but all in all my experience at Milford was great!
Read 239 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,940 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Campbell County High School
Campbell County Public Schools, KY
9-12
178
19 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: I have had a great time learning from the courses available to me at Campbell county High school. I have already taken and passed 10 AP courses and received 5's on all of the test. I am currently taking 6 more AP courses for a total of 16 AP courses. I have been a member of Campbell county's Academic team for my four years in high school and three years in middle school and two years elementary school. I am a member of the National Honor society, I also am a national merit finalist., If I could change anything about my high school it would be to add more relevant AP classes such as Physics 2 , and computer science 2. Maybe linear algebra AP or not. The education is there if you are willing to work at it.
Read 178 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,556 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Conner High School
Boone County Public Schools, KY
9-12
194
20 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: Conner High School is a place where I have always been encouraged to follow my dreams and rewarded for my achievements. Conner provides a safe environment for students and takes every action they can against bullying and mistreatment. Throughout my 4 years here I have met some amazing teachers, like: Mrs. Karle (English), Mr. Hicks(AD), Mr. Shearer (Assistant Principal), and the list goes on and on. Teachers here do their best to relate to their students and have us prepared for the transition into college life. I could not have asked for a better high school experience and a better staff. I love Conner High School!
Read 194 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,401 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oak Hills High School
Oak Hills Local School District, OH
9-12
335
21 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: OHHS has over forty honors courses, thirty Advanced Placement courses, and exactly fourteen college credit plus courses. OHHS also offers numerous organizations and clubs for the student body to join including: National Honors Society, OHHS Drama Club, OHHS Key Club, Archery Club, Equestrian Club, various athletic teams, clubs correlating with every world language course, and many more. Oak Hills has a very qualified staff from it's talented faculty and custodial teams. Every teacher is trained to handle any emergency situation, typically well versed in other subject fields, and supports every student no matter their age, race, sexual orientation, gender orientation, religions, etc.Out of any school in Ohio, OHHS provides the most care and support to its students.If I could go back and choose which high school I should go to over again I would choose OHHS in a heartbeat.
Read 335 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
2,367 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ross High School
Ross Local School District, OH
9-12
110
22 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Alum: Attended and graduated in 2012. Loved it but there is almost no diversity. I hope in the future they will fix this. Other than that the actual school and environment/people are great!
Read 110 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
851 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lebanon High School
Lebanon City School District, OH
9-12
243
23 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Junior: After 3 years at this school, I can truly say that I bleed maroon! Your experience at Lebanon High School is what you make of it. There are groups that remain uninvolved, but many of the students are ambitious, and will do anything to create positive change in the school culture and community. We have strong athletic programs, and the academics to back them up. This school will continue to grow because of the quality of its faculty.
Read 243 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,586 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Clark Montessori High School
Cincinnati City School District, OH
7-12
94
24 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Parent: This is the first public montessori high school in the country and does a great job at learning in collaboration with others, learning by applying principles in real world situations, and learning how to be better citizens.
The challenges with this school many times comes from trying to mesh montessori principles with requirements of the Cincinnati Public Schools district requirements and the State of Ohio's ever-changing testing "guidelines"/ mandates. It sometimes makes it difficult to have enough time for teaching concepts. The teachers, however, are incredibly dedicated and work extremely hard to teach under compressed time situations.
Read 94 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
707 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dixie Heights High School
Kenton County Public Schools, KY
9-12
254
25 Best Public High Schools in Cincinnati Area
Senior: The teachers at Dixie have been wonderful at teaching their specified subjects, making sure to focus on each individual student and making sure those students understand that certain subject. During ACT prep time, all of my teachers were preparing us extremely well and making sure they took 10-20 minutes, or even a full class day, to prepare us. Another thing I admire about my school is the diverse amount of clubs we offer to students. With the large amount of clubs we have at Dixie, every student is able to be involved in some way. One thing that I found to be a negative throughout my four years is the communication between the administration, teachers, and students. Sometimes, there are things that are needed to be said and what needs to be said gets lost between everyone and there is sometimes a disconnect between everyone and things might get disorganized.
Read 254 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,403 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Covington Latin School
Private School
Covington, KY
7-12
134
Parent: Fabulous school! It is very small; but gifted students thrive here. It isn't for everyone. If you have a bright student, please look at this school. the teachers are fabulous and teach like a college professor. Homework is demanding, but these students will get into a top college. The religion program is also top notch. The students attend mass weekly and have the opportunity to serve for the bishop. The acceleration and grade skipping is perfect if you have a student who is bored in a traditional high school. My daughter loves going to school and for the first time is not bored. The students help each other succeed. There is nothing like a CLS education!
Read 134 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
206 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Grand River Academy
Private School
Austinburg, OH
9-12
11
Parent: The staff and teachers care about the boys and it is clear that they want to help their students be successful. The campus is pretty, the dorm rooms are basic – it isn’t the fanciest boarding school, but they get the job done. Most of the teachers live on campus, which helps when anyone needs special attention. They have a variety of class options, particularly around their “intensive” sessions that last 2 weeks. There are a lot of activities to keep students occupied. My son has been there for 2.5 years and has grown tremendously. His grades are up and he is in a club and sports. Small class sizes and the availability of the teachers keeps him on track. The teachers encourage him and applaud his successes; they will get on his case if he needs that too. He was failing in the public school and I couldn’t help him anymore. GRA staff and teachers stepped in and started him on a positive path.
Read 11 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
85 Students
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 4

Walnut Hills High School

William Mason High School

Indian Hill High School

The Seven Hills School

Sycamore High School

Wyoming High School

Madeira High School

Highlands High School

Mariemont High School

Beechwood High School

Turpin High School

Kings High School

Lakota West High School

Anderson High School

Larry A. Ryle High School

Randall K. Cooper High School

Lakota East High School

Loveland High School

Milford Senior High School

Campbell County High School

Conner High School

Oak Hills High School

Ross High School

Lebanon High School

Clark Montessori High School

Dixie Heights High School

Covington Latin School

Grand River Academy