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2020 Best Public High Schools in the Syracuse AreaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 41
Best Schools
41 results

  1. Fayetteville-Manlius Senior High School

    • Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 152 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Fayetteville-Manlius High School values the education of its kids, as well as the values that are incorporated in us. We hold assemblies that inform us about the harmfulness of drugs and also those that teach us about diversity. There is also an annual Dance Marathons that raises money for Camp Good Days, sending kids with cancer to a happy few days at camp. The teachers at school may be strict but nice and the students are very friendly. Everything is good other than the school food, which I think is really overpriced.
    Read 152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,428 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Jamesville-Dewitt High School

    • Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 146 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: There is a strong sense of community at Jamesville DeWitt. Everyone is welcomed and treated as equals. The administration reaches out to students for feedback very often. Teachers are incredibly helpful, and students are widely successful. Sports teams are also very successful, and have won numerous state championships.
    Read 146 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 963 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Skaneateles Senior High School

    • Skaneateles Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 82 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: The teachers are great at what they do, the location of the school is awesome. You could not feel any safer when attending school there. They practice fire drills, lock down drills, etc, just to make sure everybody is on the same page and knows exactly what to do if an emergency does come about. Skaneateles varsity sports have shown their great potential by winning multiple state championships and then more league and regional championships; such as football, boys ice hockey, girls ice hockey, girls basketball, etc. The music and drama programs are outstanding, every play and concert I attended, I was astonished on how well every person was, individually and as a whole. Skaneateles also has quite a few students who have disabilities. The program is incredible, for sure the best in the area.
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 485 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. West Genesee Senior High School

    • West Genesee Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 131 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Parent: Overall the school system is very good to excellent. Teachers and staff at West Genesee are friendly, helpful and passionate about the pupils. The school district offers a lot extra help if needed and has clubs for the students to be involved in if they want to be. It's clean, well maintained and pretty safe. The sports teams and coaches are very good and have a fairly successful season year to year. We've had a few bumps in the road with our transportation department in 2019 and also our administration department. Hopefully, all the issues have been resolved for our last year at the high school. I believe all schools have good years and bad!
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,604 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Charles W. Baker High School

    • Baldwinsville Central School District, NY
    • 10-12
    • 197 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Overall a good experience, a great place to be! The teachers( for the most part) are great and truly care about their students. The sports are awesome along with the clubs. The diversity is lacking, but that is just due to the surrounding area. The school could do more to make the environment safer and to also hear kids opinions. Sometimes it feels like administration only cares what adults think about the system which can be frustrating at times.
    Read 197 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,382 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Marcellus High School

    • Marcellus Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 74 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: Great school with some great teachers! The social atmosphere can be cliquey at times but there are some very nice people, you just got to find them. The teachers are always open to help students no matter what. The school definitly boasts athletics sometimes more than the arts, which can be a let down if you're into that kind of stuff! Otherwise, my experience at Marcellus has been wonderful and something I'll never forget.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 562 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Cazenovia High School

    • Cazenovia Central School District, NY
    • 8-12
    • 77 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Caz is definitely a great school for getting a public high school education. The academic aspect is well known and all of the teachers work hard to help their students get the best grades possible. On the other hand, influential parents and scared administrators allow kids to get away with A LOT. The constantly changing administrators are extremely biased and give less harsh punishments to sports players and other students whose families are well known. Most kids are hard workers and super friendly. If you stay out of trouble and take advantage of AP and honors classes, Caz will be a really nice school.
    Read 77 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 641 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Liverpool High School

    • Liverpool Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 299 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: I had a great high school experience. I had numerous teachers who cared immensely about the success of their students. The music program was excellent, allowing for opportunities for students to travel and learn. The academics were pretty good overall - I felt prepared for college by the time I graduated for sure!
    Read 299 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,227 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. East Syracuse Minoa Central High School

    • East Syracuse Minoa Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 123 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: East Syracuse Minoa Central High School offers its students so many opportunities for academic, athletic, and social growth. It is one of only a few comprehensive high schools in NY and is also outstanding in its special education program!
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,018 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Westhill High School

    • Westhill Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 104 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Sophomore: Overall an amazing place to attend but social groups are extremely clique-y and when it comes to teachers, everything boils down to a hit or miss.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 581 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Cicero-North Syracuse High School

    • North Syracuse Central School District, NY
    • 10-12
    • 477 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Cicero-North Syracuse high school is a large school filled with unique students. The staff values their students education and I loved the increased school spirt between the students throughout my 3 years here. There’s plenty of different classes and electives you can choose from, so you can get an aspect from many subjects if you choose. Opportunities are endless for you to take part in, whether it comes down to clubs, sports, jobs or any other after school activities. Class sizes are a bit large, but that doesn’t stop you from making many new friends and teacher connections like I did. This high school continues to expand academically, in which I’m happy to see how far they’ve come in the future.
    Read 477 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,048 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Fabius-Pompey Middle School High School

    • Fabius-Pompey Central School District, NY
    • 6-12
    • 38 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: I would definitely want my kids to come here! The teachers for the most part are pretty great, I learned alot from most of my teachers. The sports are very fun and you can easily get on a team if you want to. Bullying for the most part is pretty under control. Overall a 3.5/5 school!
    Read 38 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 368 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Chittenango High School

    • Chittenango Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 79 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Sophomore: I love going to chittenango, most if not all of the teachers are amazing! they really connect with you on a personal level rather than just doing their job and getting over with it, they really care about your education and that you pass with a good grade, the athletic programs are very good, though a lot of people don't participate. Whoever does love the programs! For music the classes they offer are absolutely amazing! I participate as many as possible and I enjoy it so much, all the music teachers are amazing at what they do and I hope to be a musical teacher one day and come back to work here!
    Read 79 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. John C. Birdlebough High School

    • Phoenix Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 50 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: John C. Birdlebough has an amazing staff and there is always a wonderful support system for students within the school. Classes are run efficiently and teachers handle all different types of students very well. There is an overwhelming sense of community within Phoenix. There are not a lot of college preparation resources available, including a lack of AP classes, however the one's that are available are extremely helpful and preparatory. The extracurricular's are enjoyable and easy to become involved with, and the clubs and organizations are widely varied, especially for a small district. Overall it is a wonderful place to spend high school and does very well for itself.
    Read 50 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 585 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. G. Ray Bodley High School

    • Fulton City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 102 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Parent: The school isn’t horrible but far from great also. Not a lot when it comes to college readiness other than typically a one day seminar. Plenty to choose from as far as sports go with basketball & wrestling being some of the best. Not much diversity as there is maybe a handful of African American students in the entire school. Lunches are by far one of the worst parts about the school & I havet seen any school lunch as bad and little as here. Faculty and staff are ok with a few that stand out as truly amazing! School is located in a town of mostly low income households though you wouldn’t always necessarily know it.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,084 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Paul V. Moore High School

    • Central Square Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 189 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Paul V. Moore is a great high school! Most of the teachers are willing to assist students outside of class. The school also has a variety of college level classes connected through some of the local colleges, as well as a strong music program. There are plenty of opportunities for students to participate in sports or extracurricular activities, along with volunteer work.
    Read 189 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,237 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Cato-Meridian Senior High School

    • Cato-Meridian Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 34 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: In cato everyone knows everyone! I love that i wake up every morning knowing I have great friends by my side that i met there. I truly believe it brings people together. It’s also good to have a good relationship with all the teachers.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 294 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Oneida Senior High School

    • Oneida City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 76 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: I think that Oneida Senior High School was a really good opportunity for me. All the teachers I had for all of my classes really cared about their students and wanted the best for them. Also there are many different activities to join and meet new people. As for the students, they are friendly and accept new students with open arms. The only thing that I would have to say that I want to change is the time between classes is not long enough for students to go across the whole building and being able to use the bathroom or take a drink.
    Read 76 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 621 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Tully Junior/Senior High School

    • Tully Central School District, NY
    • 7-12
    • 73 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: Tully was great! I didn't appreciate it when I was there, but after leaving I realized how safe and normal Tully is.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 414 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Weedsport Junior/Senior High School

    • Weedsport Central School District, NY
    • 7-12
    • 23 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Had an overall good experience here, not many complaints personally. Definitely have witnessed some situations I would have preferred been handled differently and seen a few questionable scenarios, but in general the teachers are good and personable and get the job done. Some more so than others but there's always a few questionable bananas in every bunch, right?
    Read 23 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 395 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Auburn High School

    • Auburn City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 91 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Alum: After going to private school K-8th grade, high school was a big change for me. All the teachers I had were very attentive to all their students. If you needed help on your homework they were there for you. Also had an academic support center to get any help you might of needed on homework or studying for exams. Toward the end of my 10th grade year I had decided that I wanted to graduate early. My school counselor made this happen for me! All I had to do was double up my classes and take some courses at the community college. I graduated on time and it felt great! The one thing I did not care for was the school lunch. Other than that I enjoyed it very much, made so many friends and memories throughout my 3 years there.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,272 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central

    • Syracuse City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 29 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: I have been a student at ITC for over 4 years. I love the small setting of the school; this helps create a closer between students and teachers. For students who are interested in Media, Computer Engineering, Culinary, and Automotive, this school is perfect for you. The only change I hope to see in my school is the implementation of more rigorous courses to academically challenge gifted students.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 551 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Jordan-Elbridge High School

    • Jordan-Elbridge Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 56 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area

    Senior: Jordan Elbrige is a school in which students are given endless amounts of opportunities to further their education and participate in countless activities. Personally, I was involved in so much thanks to Jordan Elbridge. I got to participate in volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, musicals, plays, art club, yearbook club, CUBS, and I was president of my class for four years. None of this would have been possible without the support of Jordan Elbridge’s teachers and administration. When I was younger, I had the choice between Baldwinsville and Jordan’s a Elbridge. I chose Jordan Elbridge and I will never regret that choice. JE was the best school and gave me the best education I could’ve asked for.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 433 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School

    • Public School
    • Syracuse, NY
    • K-12
    • 44 reviews

    Alum: I loved the way the teachers cared for every one of their students. Even the ones who gave them a hard time. The staff is amazing and helped me get through high school there. I would like to see more parent involvement and better tasting food. Another important thing that is a problem among other high schools as well that I noticed was a little bullying, not as much as other places but it still isn't right. Other than that SASCS is good high school.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Onondaga Senior High School

    • Onondaga Central School District, NY
    • 7-12
    • 46 reviews

    Senior: A great small high school with everything to offer a student. Teachers know every student and work hard to help them, a community feel exists in the whole school. An above average campus for a small school, with a history of famous alumni from NFL stars to national tv newsmen. Successful athletics in a variety of sports.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 415 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • 1-12
    • 135 reviews

    Senior: Extremely competitive environment. Takes a special type of ambitious, intrinsically driven, child to thrive here. Teaches kids skill such as confidence in ones ability to perform as well as how to talk to adults in a professional manner, these are skills that just can't be learned in public school. There is a lot of extreme social, academic, and athletic pressure to perform well here. There is little to no space for type B personalities and you will find a lot of extremely driven "Work hard play hard" type students here! its always "go go go go time" at NA
    Read 135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,203 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Review Your School 
  35. Sponsored

    St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

    • Private School
    • Alexandria, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 104 reviews

    Parent: We have experienced the lower, middle, and upper schools and our children have had extraordinary teachers who have taken the time to get to know and appreciate them as individuals. Small class size (around 16 kids per class) contributes to this, but it’s just as much about the genuine interest and care that they show our children. Every time our teenagers rave about their teachers at dinner (a frequent occurrence!) my wife and I feel so fortunate that the strong connections they formed with teachers in the Lower School have been replicated in the other divisions. Our kids have different strengths and interests and they have each found a home and great friends through academics, the arts and athletics. Speaking of the arts, our daughter was so excited to watch the Tonys with friends and then learn that next year’s theater/arts trip to NYC will include seeing Hadestown and having dinner with the cast!
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,133 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 22 reviews

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 453 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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