2019 Best Public High Schools in the Syracuse Area

Best Schools

40 results

Jamesville-Dewitt High School
Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District, NY
9-12
138
1 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: I have had a great four years attending Jamesville-DeWitt High School. The majority of my teachers have been truly committed to the success of their students, as well as all of the staff. The student body is very diverse and a great size: big enough to have a new mix of people around you at different times, but small enough that there is a community among the students and we all know each other. If I were to change something, I would play with the idea of different learning styles in the classroom. Some classes were very engaging and interesting, but others were taught in outdated, monotone fashion that didn't keep my peers and I interested. Many immensely successful businesses and companies today work in environments designed to stimulate the mind through creativity. I believe designing a classroom similar to this environment would be very beneficial for many students not only in my high school, but around the world.
Read 138 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
959 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Fayetteville-Manlius Senior High School
Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, NY
9-12
138
2 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 138 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,427 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Charles W. Baker High School
Baldwinsville Central School District, NY
10-12
178
3 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Junior: Baker is a very good school in comparison to other schools in the area. They have a solid academic program, great lunch program, and have good sports teams and music program. However, there are things that need to be improved. Bullying is an issue that goes unnoticed or victims are not helped. There is also an issue with where extracurricular money is going. There are select sports teams (football, soccer, volleyball) that constantly get money funneled to them. Other sports teams do not get that luxury, as well as other clubs or activities related to music, art, science, or something else.

Overall, Baker is a good school. Great teachers, great safety system, and plenty of good resources. However, favoritism is showed towards certain students and certain organizations within the school. this favoritism is only encouraged by the administration and needs to be stopped so that all students receive the highest quality education.
Read 178 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,411 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Knox School
Private School
St. James, NY
6-12
11
Works Here: The Knox School is such a unique place! The diversity of students, the strength of the faculty, and opportunities that are available to students are endless. I am proud to work in such a special place.
Read 11 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
142 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Skaneateles Senior High School
Skaneateles Central School District, NY
9-12
81
4 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: The teachers and staff here are very involved, and they truly seem to have their students best interests at heart; be it academically or personally. Moving here my junior year was difficult, but it would have been infinitely harder without the resources I had for help. The guidance office makes applying to colleges so simple, they have answers for everything. The students truly have a voice in what happens at this school - our opinion matters.
Read 81 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
517 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West Genesee Senior High School
West Genesee Central School District, NY
9-12
121
5 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Alum: West Genesee High School is a great place for all students. Everyone is included and welcome at the school. The main problem with this school is that athletics and music are very competitive. For example, if you haven't played lacrosse since you were in elementary school, don't bother trying out for the team. Luckily, with things like marching band (That have won 34/40 state championships that have existed and 5/10 national championships they've been to.) there are no cuts, anyone who plays an instrument or has an interest in learning one can join. There are four bands and they are the competitive part. The good thing about the competitive nature of sports and music at west genny is that you have groups/teams that are full of talent and it feels like an honor to be in the higher groups. The teachers at west genesee are great for the most part, with some exceptions. The school is easy to figure out and the classes are large. (about 500 students per class)
Read 121 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,592 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Liverpool High School
Liverpool Central School District, NY
9-12
278
6 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: My experience at Liverpool High School is fairly positive. It is a large public school with almost 2000 students, but classes are not too big, and I still get time to interact with teachers individually. The school, in general, has good security and is very safe. The teachers that I’ve had so far have been mostly good, some a lot better than others. The counselors, honestly, are not the most helpful when it comes to college help since they have to cater to hundreds of students, but I can also ask teachers for help if needed.
Read 278 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
2,225 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marcellus High School
Marcellus Central School District, NY
9-12
72
7 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 72 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
575 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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East Syracuse Minoa Central High School
East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District, NY
9-12
117
8 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: East Syracuse Minoa offers unique learning opportunities for their students that other schools typically do not have. Project Lead the Way courses allow students that are interested in Engineering to use 3d printers and software that is used by many Engineering companies. The Automotive department allows students to work on a car throughout the year to eventually raffle off. Cosmetology department allows students to to learn skills that they would use in a hair salon or barber shop. There are other great electives that they offer such as Culinary and Child Development that really makes this school unique.
Read 117 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,026 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cicero-North Syracuse High School
North Syracuse Central School District, NY
10-12
441
9 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: I had some very good teachers that really made it a great experience to have taken their classes. I feel there were a lot of individual clicks. There are a lot of clubs you can get involved in. I myself am not involved in sports but there is a lot of opportunities if you are. I think academically, if you are a motivated student, there are many courses and programs you can take to very well prepare you for college. My counselor was very helpful to me. Overall, I had a good experience. My favorite year was my senior year because I was involved in an OCM BOCES New Visions Medical Program which I learned so much and also earned college credit towards my medical career that I am going to pursue. My best advice is to get involved in clubs, keep up your grades, keep to yourself and don't get involved in childish games, keep good attendance, and just enjoy yourself!
Read 441 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
2,021 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Public Middle Schools
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Cazenovia High School
Cazenovia Central School District, NY
8-12
73
10 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: Very good school. Teachers work hard to make sure students are well prepared for life. I played on some sports team which were fun. The cafeteria food is terrible. Regardless, the academics are excellent!
Read 73 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
631 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Westhill High School
Westhill Central School District, NY
9-12
105
11 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 105 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
576 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chittenango High School
Chittenango Central School District, NY
9-12
72
12 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: Overall my school is fantastic. Though we students sometimes can't see it, our teachers really care. We get a quality education. Our student body is also very nice. We place special emphasis on involving our special needs students in activities. I feel very well prepared for college after an education from this district.
Read 72 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
630 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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G. Ray Bodley High School
Fulton City School District, NY
9-12
91
13 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: I am proud to say I am graduating from G. Ray Bodley (affectionately called GRB) this coming June. This school has given me so many good memories to reflect back on when I am old and gray. The diverse amount of subjects offered at GRB are taught by teachers who are very interested in their subjects. The teachers will go above and beyond for students who are interested in their subjects, which is extremely helpful. This school prepares students for college success, if the student is willing to work for it. There are a number of extracurricular activities, and almost every student in the top portion of their class is involved in something, whether it is a sporting team or a club. I wish that before I graduate though, some of the top students could actually get some real recognition for their hard work instead of applauding lazy students with a participation award. It's very demeaning.
Read 91 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,120 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Fabius-Pompey Middle School High School
Fabius-Pompey Central School District, NY
6-12
38
14 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
392 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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John C. Birdlebough High School
Phoenix Central School District, NY
9-12
45
15 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 45 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
620 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Homer Senior High School
Homer Central School District, NY
9-12
93
16 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Alum: Homer high school is an average sized school. I recently graduated from Homer high school and feel that they are a good school. Most of the teachers are committed to helping their students and are willing to work around their schedules to do so. One thing that should change would be the food. Some of the meals are okay but most tend to not be so good. Most students would leave for lunch or have seniors who could leave bring food back for others. Though the food is not the best Homer has very good sports teams and coaches as well as school pride and support. The games were always packed with supporters within the school and community to cheer on the teams.
Read 93 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
678 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School
Public School
Syracuse, NY
K-12
41
17 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: In all honesty I'd say my time at sas has truly helped me to become who I am today as a person. What I did like about the school was how the classroom size was just right. Not too many students, but it was also never crowded. Therefor your teacher eight time out of ten always had time for you one on one if you needed help with something. Something that I would like to see change is the strictness level they have all because of a cell phone. Yes in this generation it is one of the biggest distractions to us young adults but they go to very high measures just to look for a phone. It'd be a good thing for the students to have their phones because most the time the office doesn't deliver messages to the students like how the children's parents ask to do. I'm not blaming the offices secretary, for she is down there all by herself and does great job but even her she can't remember everything.
Read 41 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
877 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cato-Meridian Senior High School
Cato-Meridian Central School District, NY
9-12
34
18 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
297 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Paul V. Moore High School
Central Square Central School District, NY
9-12
176
19 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Alum: Paul V Moore is essentially like any other high school. It's an overall satisfactory school where you can finish your mandatory education and graduate. The school population is primarily composed of caucasian people with a conservative mindset, with little to no diversity. The staff is overall excellent, each one being dedicated to helping each child succeed. However, some of the teaching methods are ineffective or outdated, parent involvement could be improved, and there are almost no programs or other efforts to prepare students for life out of high school, so students leave with no idea what to expect when going to college or when entering the workforce.
Read 176 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,264 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central
Syracuse City School District, NY
9-12
28
20 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Junior: My experience at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central was rather interesting. Its fairly new facility, therefore it has a lot of great classrooms, computer labs etc. It's a small school so you will be very focused. There is barely time to get caught up in drama because everyone knows everyone. They offer a lot of great programs such computer science, media and communication , culinary arts and many more. The staff is very kind and personable to their students. Teachers have very flexible hours. Most will be available after school everyday or during lunches. I would like the climate of the school to change a bit. It's an academic driven school but having a bit more of inclusion would be great.
Read 28 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
473 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Auburn High School
Auburn City School District, NY
9-12
80
21 Best Public High Schools in Syracuse Area
Senior: Auburn isn’t a bad school as long as you stay out of the drama. There’s a lot of bullying and sometimes doesn’t stop until someone gets hurt. The kids are monsters now and you get overloaded with work all the time and it’s hard to balance it all
Read 80 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,242 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oneida Senior High School
Oneida City School District, NY
9-12
74
Senior: I liked the teachers at this school. Whenever I asked them a question I felt like they answered it in a way that I understood why that was the answer. I felt like anytime I needed to stay after for a class that I was always helped. The principal and the staff have always encouraged me to do my best and to go to college.
Read 74 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
672 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Jordan-Elbridge High School
Jordan-Elbridge Central School District, NY
9-12
53
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 53 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
436 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Nottingham High School
Syracuse City School District, NY
9-12
149
Alum: Excellent school, with great diversity and many options of classes to take. Teaches are extremely dedicated and want to see their students succeed. There is also a large amount of programs for students to take part in. Many of the programs are funded from outside sources so all students are welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Read 149 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,330 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tully Junior/Senior High School
Tully Central School District, NY
7-12
72
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 72 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
455 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
9
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 9 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hoosac School
Private School
Hoosick, NY
8-12
198
Parent: We transferred jr year from to Hoosac(specifically for their academic program and school spirit) and they made the transition incredibly smooth & pleasant! My daughter came out of her shell at Hoosac and was filled with school pride for her school.More importantly, I have told many parent since the switch I wish I’d done it earlier because their academic program is unparalleled! They start in Jr High with college prep, SAT’s and preparing our kids to become adults. What a student completes in on year at other high schools, they complete in one semester. That notion scared us at first but, again, the teachers there made it easy for her/us! The teachers, counselors and staff are always caring, accessible and the communication is top notch!
I am incredibly grateful we made the switch!
Read 198 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
130 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 2

Jamesville-Dewitt High School

Fayetteville-Manlius Senior High School

Charles W. Baker High School

The Knox School

Skaneateles Senior High School

West Genesee Senior High School

Liverpool High School

Marcellus High School

East Syracuse Minoa Central High School

Cicero-North Syracuse High School

Cazenovia High School

Westhill High School

Chittenango High School

G. Ray Bodley High School

Fabius-Pompey Middle School High School

John C. Birdlebough High School

Homer Senior High School

Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School

Cato-Meridian Senior High School

Paul V. Moore High School

Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central

Auburn High School

Oneida Senior High School

Jordan-Elbridge High School

Nottingham High School

Tully Junior/Senior High School

BASIS Independent McLean

Hoosac School