2021 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

About this List

The 2021 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.

Best Schools

369 results

Benjamin Franklin High School
Public School
New Orleans, LA
9-12
Rating 3.88 out of 5 428 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Sophomore: At Franklin, students are given the opportunity to learn more about the world around them every single day. Despite how challenging others made out this school to be, counselors offer you millions of chances to keep your grades up, all teachers offer tutoring after school, and the environment is one of thee most accepting environments I've ever been in. No matter your identity, Ben Franklin will love you and support you!
Read 428 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
995 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies
Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
6-12
Rating 3.97 out of 5 315 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Freshman: Haynes Academy is a vibrant, cultural school with amazing academics! Everything you can ever want and need. There is an array of clubs of all kinds, whether it be anime, gay-straight alliance, black student union, quiz bowl, environmental, academic games, youth and government, mock trials, and SO MUCH MORE! On the academic side, this school is one grade level higher than other schools. The classes offered are honors, gifted, AP, and DE or Dual Enrollment Classes. The school spirit is high because everyone loves it so much. I would recommend anyone and everyone to take the CoGAT Test if they want admission at this great school.
Read 315 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
854 Students
29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
6-12
Rating 4.2 out of 5 139 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: My favorite thing about Patrick Taylor is the teachers. They have the best teachers. They utilize technology and make learning fun! All of the teachers I have had actually care about the students and want them to succeed. I will definitely miss my school when I graduate. However, I will not miss the lunches. I wish the lunches were better. Actually, some days the lunches were awful. I also wish we would have had a gym at school. Overall, I have loved all 7 years at Patrick Taylor.
Read 139 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
721 Students
27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts
Public School
Natchitoches, LA
10-12
Rating 4.54 out of 5 160 reviews
#4 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: I really like LSMSA because the teachers are incredible. I feel as though they truly care about their students' success and well-being. The atmosphere at school fosters an inclusive and collaborative community. The academics at LSMSA are very challenging and offer a wide variety of different courses. LSMSA truly enables students to be prepared for college. Even though this is an amazing school, there are a couple of things that could be improved such as the music department. The music department is very small, and the ensemble for instrumentalists is not challenging. However, LSMSA is a wonderful school, and I definitely recommend applying.
Read 160 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
360 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lusher Charter School
Public School
New Orleans, LA
K-12
Rating 3.87 out of 5 236 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: The school has a good mix of arts, academics, and athletics leading to a well-rounded experience. The academics are considered top-notch and teachers tend to be pretty helpful at catering to each student's preferred style of learning. For instance, I'm more a visual and current events learner so when I took AP Government I thoroughly enjoyed the class because our teacher took time to relate the information we learned to real life events. The art is also amazing and there's a class for everyone from media arts (film, photography and graphic design) to jazz, the school has it all. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Lusher and think anyone can love it.
Read 236 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,825 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Baton Rouge Magnet High School
East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.01 out of 5 704 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: Baton Rouge High is a school that excels academically, artistically, and socially. Individuality amongst students is encouraged and celebrated. All forms of creativity are honed rathe than shunned, with many opportunities for performance and other artmaking for students. There are a wide array of classes and courses for students to take, allowing students to explore many niche interests. The largest problem is the level of stress placed upon the students--with such an academically focused environment, the students are bound to push themselves too hard and become competitive about grades and accomplishments. Even so, the school is excellent and trains students for colleges and futures.
Read 704 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,509 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Caddo Parish Magnet High School
Caddo Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.18 out of 5 517 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: This school was a perfect fit for me! The faculty and students are very welcoming and accepting of every student. When it comes to academics teachers are always looking out for their students and often have tutoring times. The school has many clubs that you can join and they allow you to start your own if one doesn't seem to fit you. The school has movie nights, picnics, and unique pep rallies.
Read 517 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,025 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Early College Academy
Lafayette Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.19 out of 5 67 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Alum: I enjoyed my time at the Early College Academy! It equipped me with an associate's degree at the age of 18, allowing me to save money on all of my general studies. It was full of compassionate teachers and advisors who took care of me every step of the way. It allowed me to learn the time management and responsibility of a college student, even though I was only 14 at the time. The only thing I could say I didn't like was that I felt that I was left out of some high school experiences such as sports and pep rallies. Overall, it was a great opportunity.
Read 67 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
257 Students
32:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dutchtown High School
Ascension Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.04 out of 5 360 reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: Dutchtown High School is the Top 10 academic school in Louisiana. The school has excellent student body that each puts in effort to achieving their goals. The teachers connect with students to help them succeed in school. They talk to their student, schedule retesting to improve sore, provide after-school tutoring, etc. Other than teachers, the faculty care for students' academics by finding ways to improve their grades. They also try understanding their students home and personal life in order to better help them.
Around campus, everybody is big sports, especially football season. Everybody tries to represent the school by wearing the spirit clothes and gear and schools colors. Some of clubs cheer our football team by posting wall poster all around. During football season, the school gets into campus spirit where each grade compete to win field day for last day of school.
Read 360 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,362 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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University Laboratory School
Public School
Baton Rouge, LA
K-12
Rating 3.87 out of 5 82 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Sophomore: They provide a lot of different academic paths. The IB program, AP classes, and dual enrollment classes. Their athletics are also very good and provide many opportunities for athletes to participate in their sports and for the student body to get involved with it. On top of all that the arts program has been building rapidly over the last few years, offering many choir and band concerts, a musical engaging students K-12, and a talented band and dance team that perform at many athletic events. One thing they should improve on is their preparation. Coming back from breaks, both summer and Christmas break, there’s always some problems that should have been handled before all the students arrived.
Read 82 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,428 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Zachary High School
Zachary Community Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.13 out of 5 322 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: My experience at Zachary High School has been phonomenal. I feel preapared for college. I am confident that I have been exposed to what I need for college. Zachary High has a very diverse setting and a comfortable environment that is conducive to learning. The administration and faculty are working hard to provide quality education to all students. Bring a page if the graduating class of 2020 has been very challenging. Our school district has worked hard to provide us with a traditional graduation. I was pleased with the work that was placed into proving us with as much of s traditional ceremony as possible. Overall, I am grateful to be a proud Bronco!
Read 322 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,589 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies
Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 3.86 out of 5 168 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Junior: Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies is a very open school. It offers amazing teachers. It is a very small school, so everybody knows everybody. The teacher and staff do a good job of making everyone feel like family. The students are smart and very kind. Thomas Jefferson is a great school while giving you a good high school experience. I am glad to be a jaguar!
Read 168 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
399 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mandeville High School
St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 3.81 out of 5 247 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Sophomore: Overall, Mandeville High School is a great school, and it has so many benefits that make student’s attendance amazing, however many of the staff are very hypocritical when it comes to students, and there are many rules in place that are not even enforced. Plus, the school grounds are in awful shape it is often hard to maneuver from class to class on a rainy day with out getting your feet soaking wet from the gigantic dips in the sidewalks not to mention the huge potholes in the roads and the mice you often see around campus. For any germ obsessed people, I would recommend not attending this school as the chewed gum all over walls and seats, and the mice running around would most likely be found unbearable to these so called germ obsessed people; However if these down sides are not too much for your children, then I recommend you send them to Mandeville High School, which has a beautiful foyer (But hiding behind these frequently seen areas is true disgust), so it’s up to you!
Read 247 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,948 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Amant High School
Ascension Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.24 out of 5 161 reviews
#14 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: I loved my four years at St. Amant High School because the teachers and staff are amazing! We were an A school for each year that I attended the campus and I am very proud of our accomplishment. Another thing that I loved about my high school was not only did we have amazing teachers, the classes offered on campus were very much appreciated. Many college courses were offered where high school students could receive college hours and credit early on to help with the transition from high school to college. I love my school, Geaux Gators!
Read 161 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,064 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Destrehan High School
St. Charles Parish Public Schools, LA
8-12
Rating 4.18 out of 5 187 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: If you are into STEM and are looking to improve your skills and get recognized by colleges, this is the place to be. The robotics team here at DHS is decorated with many achievements. (Unsurprisingly, the football team tends to get the most attention, but that's technically the case at almost every school). There is an entire building space dedicated to robotics members to work on new projects. Many students stay after school for several days a week from 2:30 to after 7 pm and sometimes late nights on the weekend too. This goes to show the amount of effort everyone puts into the team. In addition to being effective on the competition field, the team's determination to promote STEM education has placed it as a powerhouse in spreading the mission of FIRST, advocating #growFIRSTfaster!
Read 187 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,374 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ruston High School
Lincoln Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 3.92 out of 5 149 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: I have loved being a student at Ruston High School! I am so thankful for all of the opportunities Ruston High has given me. I love being a member of the Bearcat Motorsports team, the only Louisiana high school team to compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon. I am also a member of FBLA, NHS, and Keywanettes.
Read 149 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
1,308 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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North Vermilion High School
Vermilion Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.1 out of 5 58 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: During my four years at North Vermilion High School, I enjoy everything this school had to offer. I stayed very involved from freshman year until senior year. Most of the clubs here at North Vermilion are super involved in the community and are always willing to take another step towards better involvement. The sports at our school are decent. We started our first-ever girl's soccer team last year and this year advanced to the second round of the playoffs. During my freshman year, our softball team won the Louisiana 3a State Championship, which was a huge accomplishment for our school considering we are such a small school. Some things that I would like to see change are getting more students involved. I feel like here at North Vermilion, our students do not want to put themselves out there, so I think that that could be something that North Vermilion could work on.
Read 58 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
667 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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C.E. Byrd High School
Caddo Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.18 out of 5 572 reviews
#18 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Junior: I love Byrd High School! It was my first choice as a middle schooler and I have no regrets about going! Every teacher I had was nothing but respectful towards me, and truly cared about their job, they never hesitated to help me out and make sure I felt like I mattered. It’s safe, there’s plenty of traditions and clubs to keep you busy, and the students there are wonderful. The staff is super helpful and nice, and always help you the best way they know how, which is important since it’s such a big school. I really enjoy my time here, and I’ll be sad to say goodbye. Go Yellow Jackets! 🐝💜
Read 572 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,955 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Avoyelles Public Charter School
Public School
Mansura, LA
K-12
Rating 4.12 out of 5 86 reviews
#19 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: I have been at APCS since first grade. With this being my final year, I am not ready to leave. This school has a welcoming environment as well as a fantastic staff and student school body. I recommend students to receive their education from here. I have enjoyed every moment I have had with this school, and I encourage others to do the same. I formed a family throughout the years, and this is the main reason why I loved my experience. They accept you for who you are, while teaching you to become a young adult. I thank them for making me the person I am today!
Read 86 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
733 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lakeshore High School
St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 3.9 out of 5 157 reviews
#20 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Alum: My experience at Lakeshore High was very memorable. Not only did I have an amazing learning experience from my spectacular teachers, I was also very involved with school spirit and the community. After four years on the Varsity cheer team, I really understood the meaning of team work and coming together as a school. I experienced every single Friday night football game on the sidelines cheering on our two years, regular season undefeated football team. My overall favorite memory during my high school years was going to State finals for football my sophomore year. That was Lakeshore's football's first time making it to state. Even though we lost, the community and school all came together to support our boys. Lakeshore has also taught me to help out with the community while being in Lakeshore's Ambassador Club and National Honor's Society. If there is anything Lakeshore can improve on, it would be getting more involved with the other sports/extra curricular activities there.
Read 157 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,045 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Pineville High School
Rapides Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 4.03 out of 5 245 reviews
#21 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: Pineville High School is a wonderful school. The teachers and administration are encouraging and helpful. At PHS, I have had the opportunity to try new things and become a leader in many organizations. The academics are rigorous and the teachers are extremely knowledgeable in their areas. The faculty is supportive and nurturing to all their students. The culture of the school is like that of a family. Upon entering it's doors, students feel welcomed and included by students and faculty. Students feel safe to be themselves and confident to follow their passions.
Read 245 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,432 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Live Oak High School
Livingston Parish Public Schools, LA
8-12
Rating 4.01 out of 5 218 reviews
#22 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: Live Oak High is an excellent school! It has many diverse programs, from Taking care of the teacher's children in the morning with CDA to helping the environment with the Science club. We also have numerous athletics programs. Baseball, basketball, and many more! Live Oak provides excellent faculty members. Teachers, coaches, even the janitorial members, creates this school's character. They participate in school activities, such as fundraisers and football concessions stands. The school grounds are immaculate and sanitary while showing school pride with posters and pictures with memories throughout the years. Live Oak is a fantastic school, Go Eagles!
Read 218 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,296 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Airline High School
Bossier Parish Public Schools, LA
8-12
Rating 4.03 out of 5 216 reviews
#23 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: My experience at Airline High School will forever be something I cherish. The students, teachers, and administration over the last four years have made such an impact on the student I was and plan to be in the future. I feel that Airline High School has not only prepared me for what college will consist of, but for what the world has to offer for every student. The diversity of students at Airline also helped prepare me for what it will be like working with different kinds of people when I start my career in the future. As my high school days have come to a short end, I will always remember how Airline High School impacted and shaped me into the person I am today. Go Vikes!
Read 216 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,854 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Belle Chasse High School
Plaquemines Parish Public Schools, LA
9-12
Rating 3.92 out of 5 132 reviews
#24 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Senior: A majority of the teachers at Belle Chasse High School truly care for you and wish to see you succeed in life. They take the effort to get to know you and help you decide what you want to do with your life! As a result of these encouraging teachers, I have changed so much; I've gone from a very, very confused freshman to a determined senior!! I am more active in my community and I am very proud of my school. The only improvement I could see needing to be made is the attitudes of other students, but that is something only those students could fix. Teachers and staff do try their hardest to change these attitudes, but at the end of the day it isn't up to them. I recommend BCHS to students who actually care about their high school/college/future career! :)
Read 132 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
954 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
Public School
New Orleans, LA
9-12
Rating 4.14 out of 5 57 reviews
#25 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
Junior: NOCCA is a wonderful school. It has its ups and down. The administration makes claims for diversity, yet has a hard time discussing its racism and discrimination in regards to the faculty. It may be better than most school, but it does not exempt it from its denial of certain things. They have a difficult time admitting their faults. Despite this, they have a WONDERFUL arts program. They work with students needs and the faculty will do almost anything to ensure that their students can succeed.
Read 57 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
239 Students
99:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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K12 Private Academy
Online School
Herndon, VA
K-12
Rating 4.11 out of 5 47 reviews
Senior: When I first enrolled into K12 International Academy, I was beyond overwhelmed by the amount of work, lack of direct teaching and by the online cirriculum. However, it wasn't until my second semester in K12 that I really began to enjoy the school. K12 Int. Academy is difficult, but, it taught me to prioritize school, implement healthy study habits, and prepared me for pre-med courses because I would spend over 10-12 hours studying in one day. I took very difficult courses (all AP classes) but, teachers are helpful if you reach out and if you follow the calendar, you will be golden! Good luck!
Read 47 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
1,821 Students
43:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Margaret's School
Private School
Tappahannock, VA
8-12
Rating 4.09 out of 5 78 reviews
Alum: I really enjoyed my four years at St Margaret' which gave me confidence and independence - not to mention making friends for life! Since I live only an hour away, I am lucky that I have been able to watch the school evolve over the years while maintaining its commitment to nurturing students, providing a sound quality education, celebrating traditions (old and new!) and most importantly, being a happy safe place for girls in a beautiful setting on the water.
Read 78 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
110 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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KIPP DC - Spring Academy Public Charter School
1-4
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
411 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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