2020 Best Public High Schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Best Schools

283 results

Minnetonka Senior High School
Minnetonka Public School District, MN
9-12
569 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Minnetonka is in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, the high school has over 3,000 students in attendance . Minnetonka is an incredible place to be for competitive student. From IB, AP, PSEO, research, to vantage programs the range of available classes is astounding. Of course, International Studies, a course where students get to learn about and subsequently travel to a country, is also available. Clearly, the wide variety of classes available points to how many resources Minnetonka wants to offers its students.

There are also many art classes available at Minnetonka. The school takes its art classes as seriously as regular classes, and invests into them. From photography to jewelry, Minnetonka works incredibly hard to help students find their passion. There are also AP Art classes that are easily accessible to students. The vast resources at Minnetonka point to how hard the faculty work to ensure the success and exploration of every student who steps into its building!
Read 569 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,124 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Wayzata High School
Wayzata Public School District, MN
9-12
395 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Wayzata High School has been a great place to learn!
It has high expectations for everyone, especially the staff. The staff and teachers are friendly, and in my experience they always are willing to put in extra time to help you.

This is not an easy school to graduate from. It is a school of almost 4,000 students, and it sometimes feels easy to get lost in the croup. However, the school does a lot to make it seem smaller! There are a ton of clubs and activities that help connect you with others.

The school is also very clean. You can spend time with your friends on some couches in the commons, or get a bite to eat in between classes. You don’t need to worry about sitting somewhere dirty, because there really aren’t many dirty places.
Read 395 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,267 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Edina Senior High School
Edina Public School District, MN
9-12
344 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Edina High School offers a lot of variety in classes and many extracurricular activities with friends. Many AP classes are offered, so you can get that rigorous schedule if you'd like or just take base level classes. Many graduates of my high school have been accepted to prestigious colleges around the nation; you are put in a healthy, competitive environment if you put the work in. If you are interested in athletics, Edina is the place to be. With 8 state championships won in the same year(2018-2019), we have very strong teams all across the board. The school is very safe and I feel there is a lot of parent involvement through booster clubs, volunteering, or just checking up on their child's grades. However, it is difficult to fit in if you're from a low income household. The affluent population is often brand-conscious and there is not much diversity in the student body; it is predominantly white.
Read 344 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,050 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eden Prairie Senior High School
Eden Prairie Public School District, MN
9-12
590 reviews
#4 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Freshman: I like the opportunities that Eden Prairie High School has. They have a wide variety of clubs and there is a spot for everyone. I wish that they had more opportunities for classes like more AP's and more science classes. The music department, specifically orchestra is heavily underfunded. I wish Eden Prairie prioritized more by not putting so much funding into football. All in all, I love being in the Eden Prairie District. Go Eagles!
Read 590 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,018 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Math & Science Academy
Public School
Woodbury, MN
6-12
54 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Math and Science Academy is overall a great school, preparing their students for college and success. The school's diversity is one of my favorite aspects of the school because it always allows for learning opportunities. The academics are rigorous, but you receive extra help when needed. I would recommend this school to everyone who doesn't mind having an authentic high school experience(football games and huge graduating class).
Read 54 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
508 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eagan Senior High School
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
9-12
461 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Since the beginning, I’ve felt very welcome in the school! I made good friends very fast and quickly got familiarized with the school. The school is very well kept and the staff is always ready to help when you need it. There are many resources available in the school, and teachers and staff are always ready to help whenever a student or parent needs it. The layout of the school si relatively organized and well thought out. There are endless things you can be part of in the school and everyone is willing to help in some way. The atmosphere in the school is very positive and good camaraderie as well as friendly competition gives people a push forward to do better. Overall, it is a good place to grow and learn.
Read 461 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,020 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School
Public School
Stillwater, MN
9-12
127 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Junior: I began my experience at St. Croix Prep as a freshman. Most of my classmates had already been attending there since kindergarten. At first I was worried that I wouldn't fit in. However, the Prep community is like no other, the bond students share is tightly-knit yet accepting of all new students. Though a school that seems focused strictly on academic achievement, St. Croix Prep also takes the time to recognize the talents of all students, whether they thrive in the classroom or just survive in the classroom. St. Croix Prep has changed who I am, and certainly for the better. The community has allowed me to thrive in my academics, practice my leadership and communication skills, and most importantly to enjoy my high school experience. It is certainly, undoubtedly, always a great day to be a Lion!
Read 127 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
352 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mounds View Senior High School
Mounds View Public School District, MN
9-12
321 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Alum: Mounds View may seem like any other high school, with questionable food and a grumpy teacher every now and then. But Mounds View's unique qualities supersede many cliche stereotypes. The school offers a competitive academic environment made evident by its astonishingly bright student populace. In Mounds View, advanced classes are regarded as 'normal'. It is considered taboo to not be enrolled in at least one AP class. The Information and Learning Centre (a glorified library) offers numerous resources for students, from free (3D) printing to free access to laptops, iPads, and the internet. It also boasts a coffee shop, affectionately known as 'Mustang Mocha'. The lunches are okay, with Tuesdays being the most popular for its popcorn chicken. There is always the option to buy non-government subsidised food. But most notable of all at Mounds View are the people. Students & staff (teachers, admins, even the lunch ladies and custodians!) are amiable and bond well despite their differences!
Read 321 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,802 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eastview Senior High School
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
9-12
357 reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Alum: Teachers and administrators were incredibly helpful. This school was the definition of college prep! The environment at the school was filled with positive attitudes and spirit. I always felt supported and important at this school.
Read 357 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,207 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Orono Senior High School
Orono Public School District, MN
9-12
173 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: At Orono High School, I enjoyed how the teachers would work very closely with students throughout the years to ensure that the student was getting the best education possible. There was a lot of built in free time during the day for students to go talk to teachers if they are struggling in an area. All the students at the school are kind and are willing to help each other out to see each other excel!
Read 173 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
947 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Nova Classical Academy Upper School
Public School
Saint Paul, MN
6-12
57 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Parent: I have two daughters at Nova and have been very pleased with the level of care the teachers and coaches take to ensure they are challenged--yet nurtured. It's been such a positive experience. Students are friendly and kind and welcomed both of my daughters when they were new to Nova (last year and 3 years ago). We feel extremely lucky to be a part of such an amazing school. We were worried about the rigor and homework loads, being new to Nova, but teachers do an incredible job of setting the expectation early on--along with stressing the importance of daily preparation in order to stay on course.
Read 57 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
481 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Woodbury Senior High School
South Washington County School District, MN
9-12
426 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: I transferred to Woodbury Senior High School midway through my junior year, so I was the new kid at school. All the teachers were really helpful in getting me caught up in classes and all the students were helpful in helping me adjust to the school layout. I met some new friends, joined some extracurriculars and have been getting the best grades I have ever had in my high school career! Thank you, WHS!
Read 426 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,903 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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East Ridge High School
South Washington County School District, MN
9-12
351 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Sophomore: East Ridge High School, home of the Raptors, is a young and thriving school. East Ridge was established in 2009, and since then has fostered an engaging learning environment through dozens of clubs, activities, and classes to choose from as well as an incredibly supportive staff. Over the last year, the people I have met and competed alongside have helped to shape me into a more round person. I've learned how to be more compassionate, accepting, and how to be more engaged in my studies. I am proud to call East Ridge High School my home, and will continue to do so for the next three years!
Read 351 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,801 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eagle Ridge Academy
Public School
Minnetonka, MN
K-12
74 reviews
#14 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: The classes are hard but the teachers will help you through it .Most of the teachers come in early to help students and stay late. Our school is really small but is growing quickly so recently our administration is working on creating more community events. Course offerings in high school are not very diverse, but as our student body grows the school has shown interest in expanding course options. As an incoming senior who has been there since fifth grade, I have been through several moves and renovations with the school as it grows in size and each time we get a new space it is used and students are generally pleased with its use. We just got a new catering service and the pizza is so good I can't wait to try more of the food! Our school is small and rigorous, if you put in the work you will be well prepared for college and beyond.
Read 74 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,240 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mahtomedi Senior High School
Mahtomedi Public School District, MN
9-12
181 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: I liked the academic programs at Mahtomedi high school. Most of their teachers are great and really care about their students. They also have a really good special ed program! I did not like the students however, because they like to party.
Read 181 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,164 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chanhassen High School
Eastern Carver County Public Schools, MN
9-12
275 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Parent: Child graduated 2013. First class to go all four years when opened. Can’t say enough about state of art high school facility, technology, excellent teachers, academics/activities and parent involvement. High participation in student activities, graduation and students who pursue secondary learning. Students return to live and start their families in this district. That says alot about school and community!
Read 275 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,682 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maple Grove Senior High School
Osseo Public School District, MN
9-12
429 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Maple Grove Senior High is a standout school that deserves significant recognition. While there are hundreds of different areas I could praise, three specifically stand out to me. At Maple Grove Senior High, the outstanding staff, academic courses, extracurricular clubs have all truly transformed my life for the better. To anyone looking for a welcoming environment, I would highly recommend this school. The staff works endlessly to make students feel welcome, the academic courses are engaging and add significantly to knowledge, and there is an extracurricular club for every interest. This is a place where everyone feels welcome, included, and wanted. For anyone looking to be involved in a community where they can further their education and build meaningful relationships, I cannot recommend Maple Grove Senior High School enough.
Read 429 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,295 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hopkins Senior High School
Hopkins Public Schools, MN
10-12
367 reviews
#18 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: My experience at Hopkins High School has been excellent. The teachers genuinely care about the students - not only that they are learning the material but also how they are doing as people. There is a wide array of courses offered, with many AP and honors classes along with many interesting electives. There are many sports and clubs and it is very easy to start a club of your own. The school lunches are truly delicious and the facilities are amazing. I am so happy that I got to be a student at Hopkins - it is an outstanding district!
Read 367 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,656 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Irondale Senior High School
Mounds View Public School District, MN
9-12
317 reviews
#19 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: I loved the inclusivity and diversity that Irondale offers. There is always a resource, club, teacher, for anything that you need. I personally feel like the classes and rigorous courses that were offered to me were extremely helpful in preparing me for a post-secondary career. I plan to apply for college in a few months and I will definitely be reaching out to a few connections throughout my high school to help me throughout the process. My guidance counselor has played a large part in my high school career, also. She's been able to direct me on the right path to a future that I'll fit into and it's helped me mentally and physically. The relationships I've built while at Irondale are sure to last a lifetime, even once we all graduate. Thank you Irondale for everything that you have done for me and I will always be a Knight supporter!
Read 317 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,670 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Southwest Senior High School
Minneapolis Public School District, MN
9-12
382 reviews
#20 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Parent: I've had 2 students at Southwest - one graduated in 2019 and one is graduating in 2020. My daughter was involved in theater and had a wonderful experience. It helped her to become way more confident and discover a passion for all aspects of theater, not just acting. My son was on the soccer team every year and had a great experience. He is currently also in a couple clubs - Academic Bowl and Model UN. There are so many wonderful and diverse clubs and activities at the school. We have also been happy with the majority of their teachers and the administration.
Read 382 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,794 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Central Senior High School
St. Paul Public School District, MN
9-12
356 reviews
#21 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Parent: I have on child that graduated and one child still in attending Central. The general academics has been at a very high level for both of my kids who previously attended a gifted and talented school with access to AP, IB and college level classes. My son graduated from Central very well prepared for his first year at a very competitive technical university. The athletics are inconsistent and there is some room for improvement consistent focus and coaching particularly for girls sports. The arts - particularly the music department is first class, with support and educational advantages that equal or exceed most large suburban schools. This is the most diverse high school in the state of MN. The advantages of a diverse and cooperative community are priceless. Resources due to budget issues are a challenge but the schools does well in spite of it. Parent input is considered and there is good parent involvement with booster clubs etc.
Read 356 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,764 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Great River School
Great River School, MN
7-12
23 reviews
#22 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Freshman: Ah, Great River. All hail Maria Montessori, our lord and savior. Child labor builds character. Service. Restitution. Tami. Nelson. Michael Flood. Going on walks in the middle of January to go to the woods and talk about plants. The metro transit bus system.
I would rate it 10/10, would never do again, an experience like no other and simultaneously the best place I have ever experienced. I'll remember you all in therapy.
Read 23 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
307 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rosemount Senior High School
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
9-12
280 reviews
#23 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Alum: I liked the school overall! It was very inclusive and teachers prepared students for college well. One thing I would improve is the teacher and administration attitudes. I found quite a few teachers and administrators working at Rosemount having poor attitudes about communicating with students or teaching. Otherwise, I loved this school!
Read 280 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,193 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Prior Lake High School
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, MN
9-12
363 reviews
#24 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: Overall, Prior Lake High School has characteristics that allows it to categorize as an elite suburban high school. As I digress, Prior Lake’s teachers are outstanding. The English department, in my opinion, is the best and most well structured. Aside from schoolwork, the culture at Prior Lake High School is divisive as well as cliquey. Typical of many other high schools, the general high school culture promotes drinking, juuling, and partying as superior to achieving good grades or acting straight edge. Many students can’t even go to the bathrooms without scenting the potent aroma of a cherry juul being directed towards them. On a more positive connotation, a majority of the students are helpful, lively, and make this environment positive. In conclusion, I would definitely recommend parents to send their students to PLHS due to the positive culture, outstanding and focused staff, as well as a versatile area of growth through clubs, activities, and student groups.
Read 363 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,566 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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School of Environmental Studies
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
11-12
120 reviews
#25 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Senior: I love the School of Environmental. The teachers are amazing! They care so much about you and because there are less students they really get to know you and spend individual help time with you. The people are also amazing because they all choose to be there. The curriculum is really great and helps get me ready for college.
Read 120 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
419 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Catholic Memorial School
Private School
West Roxbury, MA
7-12
52 reviews
Parent: We have been part of the Catholic Memorial community for 8 years and will continue to have a student there for another 5.... it just keeps getting better and better! The academic programs are excellent, not only do they prepare the students well, but the curriculum is relevant and thoughtful. The teachers truly know the students as individuals and provide encouragement for the students to excel in all areas. The administration is extremely organized and the parent communication is outstanding.
Read 52 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
650 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Minnehaha Academy
Private School
Minneapolis, MN
PK, K-12
69 reviews
Alum: This school is warm and welcoming. It is advertised as Christian but is very accepting of people of all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs. The school is college preparatory and rigorous in its coursework, but not unmanageable. Minnehaha has many extracurricular activities including but not limited to sports. The school is extremely accommodating of students who need a little extra help whether that be with physical disabilities, psychological issues or other issues. The school could improve on its college counseling department. There are only two college counselors for the entire school, so they are extremely overworked and often don't have the needed time to give to each student. The upper school campus has been completely rebuilt in 2019 after a devastating explosion several years earlier. You were really able to see the school come together through the explosion. It showed the true "Redhawk spirit" (the school's mascot).
Read 69 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
810 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dedham Country Day School
Private School
Dedham, MA
PK, K-8
7 reviews
Parent: My son has thoroughly enjoyed his experience at DCD. The teachers are caring and engaged. I can text with the teachers during the day, and my son is able to stay late doing a variety of activities (Spanish, Chess Club, piano lessons, dance) as I finish work. He is only 6 and does yoga at school! If you looking for a school that invests in the whole child, with a lot of individual attention, you should look into Dedham Country Day School.
Read 7 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
291 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 12

Minnetonka Senior High School

Wayzata High School

Edina Senior High School

Eden Prairie Senior High School

Math & Science Academy

Eagan Senior High School

St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School

Mounds View Senior High School

Eastview Senior High School

Orono Senior High School

Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Woodbury Senior High School

East Ridge High School

Eagle Ridge Academy

Mahtomedi Senior High School

Chanhassen High School

Maple Grove Senior High School

Hopkins Senior High School

Irondale Senior High School

Southwest Senior High School

Central Senior High School

Great River School

Rosemount Senior High School

Prior Lake High School

School of Environmental Studies

Catholic Memorial School

Minnehaha Academy

Dedham Country Day School