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2020 Best Public High Schools in LouisianaAbout 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 368
Best Schools
368 results

  1. Benjamin Franklin High School

    • Public School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 9-12
    • 415 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 415 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 970 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Lusher Charter School

    • Public School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • K-12
    • 227 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: I've attended Lusher since Kindergarten I'm a "Lusher Lifer", which is a great honor. I love the family atmosphere. Students grow with the teachers and staff just like we do with our families. Lusher affords many opportunities that I wouldn't have received from other public schools. The criteria for learning surpass the average school, we're required deepen our understanding of subjects we're challenged with. There's a great support system by means of after school hours with teachers and college students who volunteer to tutor. I love the Creative Arts and Sports programs. I learned to play guitar and the saxophone. I received a CA Certification. I've played football and was on the basketball team for the last two years. One thing I would change at Lusher is that I would have taken advantage of other opportunities. I wish for a complied list of things available so that no student misses an opportunity. In the end, Lusher was the best choice that my parents could have made for me.
    Read 227 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,761 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts

    • Public School
    • Natchitoches, LA
    • 10-12
    • 155 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and The Arts is a public residential high school stationed in Louisiana's beautiful Northwestern State University's campus. The school bases its admissions on an application process for high school sophomores through seniors. Overall, the school is very challenging for students due to its college-level academics as well as its new environment that requires students to become independent to become successful. Because of this, the school is a great college-prep program that places an importance on academics but also excels in providing students with other opportunities in arts, community service, and student life, creating an amazing, close-knit community.
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 349 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Baton Rouge Magnet High School

    • East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 677 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: Baton Rouge Magnet High definitely prepared me for college. It is a hard school but that's because they're preparing students for the workload you'll receive in college. However, one of the things that isn't allowing me to give the school five stars is the traditional "high school experience" that you won't get with football games or homecoming or senior pranks. The school is diverse within its cultures with a variety of cultural clubs and even an international cultural show. Baton Rouge High will give you a memorial experience, with the friends you'll find within the crowd that consists of about 1,500 students. Baton Rouge High gave me experiences I won't ever forget.
    Read 677 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,499 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 6-12
    • 302 reviews
    #5 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 302 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 823 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 6-12
    • 130 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: I've attended Patrick Taylor since my freshman year, and everyone has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcomed. Even though I am Deaf, no one here treats me differently or disrespectfully- not even my peers! The teachers are friendly and intelligent and the students are engaging and interesting. There is never a boring day with all the events on and off campus, especially if you're involved with any of the many extracurricular programs to choose from. Students are welcome and encouraged to break down the walls of prejudice and challenge the impossible to achieve their dreams each year.
    Read 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 678 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Caddo Parish Magnet High School

    • Caddo Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 489 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: I love Magnet! We have some of the smartest kids in the school, every time you turn around someone made a perfect score on the SAT and/or ACT. It is an amazing school, there is something for everyone at this school no matter your interest in any field. We have so many regionally and nationally accredited kids with their talents in drawing, vocals, orchestra, and academics (especially science). There’s such a positive attitude here and everyone is so friendly, everyone has a place at Magnet. It is literally a great school.
    Read 489 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,054 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Dutchtown High School

    • Ascension Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 343 reviews
    #8 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 343 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,333 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Early College Academy

    • Lafayette Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 66 reviews
    #9 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 66 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 249 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 159 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Parent: Thomas Jefferson High School is a small, close knit school that offers their students College Level classes, educational and fun extracurricular actitivities and nurturing leadership to help students grow from children to productive young adults ready to enter college. It has been a positive place to learn and grow!
    Read 159 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 405 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. University Laboratory School

    • Public School
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • K-12
    • 81 reviews
    #11 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 81 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,441 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Zachary High School

    • Zachary Community Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 309 reviews
    #12 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 309 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,586 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. North Vermilion High School

    • Vermilion Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 55 reviews
    #13 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 55 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 663 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. C.E. Byrd High School

    • Caddo Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 554 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Sophomore: Everyone jokes about Byrd being as big as a city amd being difficult to navigate and such, but there's nothing to be afraid of. The campus is easy to navigate, and everyone is very helpful to new kids. The teachers are great and are clearly passionate about their jobs. Lots of clubs and sports teams to chose from, from Drama club or Greenhouse club to Computer science club or one of the many sevice clubs we have. I've personally enjoyed my time here so far, can't wait to graduate in 2022 though! Go Yellow Jackets!
    Read 554 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,036 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts

    • Public School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 9-12
    • 51 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: I think overall, this school is amazing! People overestimate the academics and forget that this school is in fact a conservatory, so I do not recommend coming here unless you have a true passion for your art. There is also a lot of disconnect between the students and administration. I think this will improve with time. The only three words I can say for this school is VOICE YOUR OPINION.
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 228 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Destrehan High School

    • St. Charles Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 8-12
    • 179 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Junior: I rated my experience of being a student at Destrehan high school as excellent because I was constantly surrounded by teachers, administrators, coaches, and counselors who not only cared about me as a person, but cared about my future too. There are so many academic opportunities (Ex: Advanced studies aka honors program, scholarship entries,etc.), sports teams (swim, tennis,etc.), and clubs (FCA, beta club, culture club,etc.) offered here as well as many dedicated and hardworking teachers and staff members. Students will get all the help they need to succeed as long as they show that they are willing to take the time and do the work necessary to accomplish their goals and prepare for the next level. This school offers classes at the Satellite Center for juniors and seniors who are focusing on college and career readiness in specific fields of their choice that interests them.
    Read 179 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,354 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Avoyelles Public Charter School

    • Public School
    • Mansura, LA
    • K-12
    • 82 reviews
    #17 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 82 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 741 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. St. Amant High School

    • Ascension Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 148 reviews
    #18 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 148 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,038 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Ruston High School

    • Lincoln Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 141 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Junior: Ruston High School offers many AP classes or college-credit class for you to choose from. Other than that, they let you choose your pathway, it's either TOPs or Jumpstart. Our football team is really good and the school really lifts up our spirits with the band on Bearcat Fridays. During football season, we have pep rallies almost every Friday at the end of the school day. Our cafeteria food is basically the same as other cafeteria food.
    The teachers are very caring and nice, and most of them have their sense of humor. RHS has a variety of sports and clubs you could join. Other than the basics, it offers volleyball, tennis, powerlifting (girls), and swim. For clubs, there's plenty of choices so that any student can get involved. The languages that are offered are Spanish, French, and German. RHS gives you the opportunity to graduate as an Honors Graduate. The years will end up going fast and like any other school, it's fun when you let it be fun.
    Read 141 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,341 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Lakeshore High School

    • St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 144 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 144 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,035 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Mandeville High School

    • St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 231 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: Mandeville High School was absolutely amazing! There's an incredible sense of school spirit and pride, and with such a large student body, it's likely that you'll meet someone new every day. For any interests or passions you have, Mandeville High has a club, team, organization, or class for it! With so many people there with you, you'll never struggle to find someone with similar or different interests to you, depending on what kinds of friends you're looking to make. The teachers and administrators are so supportive and they really help you to balance out all of your schoolwork and extracurriculars. The only thing I would change about Mandeville High would be the methods of getting more freshmen involved early into their high school careers so they don't miss everything amazing that this school has to offer!
    Read 231 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,969 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Belle Chasse High School

    • Plaquemines Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 129 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: Belle Chasse high school is a great school, there are some things i would change about it but overall my experience has gotten better through my four years. I delt with bullying in my first two years but when i decided to speak out about it, the problem resolved. Students do there best to include you in activities when they see you on the side lines, i have met some meaningful people. So far i have had some great teachers that taught me valuable lessons in life, my favorite teachers are the art teachers, they are all so talented and have bright happy personalities. Our principle is always around and active in the things that happen in the school, she is very kind and greets you. The dress code is a uniform that consists of khakis and a polo shirt with the school emblem along with a belt. There are few times that the staff will be lean-ant about the dress code but its all for good reason.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Neville High School

    • Monroe City Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 175 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: Neville High School is a high school that prepares students or college academically, mentally, emotionally, and physically. My experience at Neville has been great since my first day attending. The administrators were opening and accepting. The teachers are heart warming and willing to help every student that has the potential to be better than what they are when they first arrive in that particular class. If there is anything that I could change about Neville, I would take away a little of the traditional activities. I highly recommend Neville High School for every student because of the wonderful foundation that is being made.
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 969 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Negreet High School

    • Sabine Parish Public Schools, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 10 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Senior: I love Negreet. We are a small, rural school and we are like one big happy family! The teachers and staff at Negreet are among the best to be found anywhere. Students are also very high quality. We have been rated an "A" school for the past several years. We are always at the top of our district with our test scores.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 489 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Lafayette High School

    • Lafayette Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 463 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Louisiana

    Alum: I was part of the gifted program and was so fortunate with my teachers and the structure in which I learned. Overall I can’t imagine any other place giving me the experience Lafayette High did! But that being said, the school is not large enough for the number of students it has and the existing buildings need serious TLC.
    Read 463 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,172 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Orchard House School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 5-8
    • 10 reviews

    Parent: Our daughter attended Orchard House School and is now a senior in high school, preparing to transition to college next fall. OHS was the perfect place for her to learn, grow, and navigate the challenges of adolescence, while gaining a level of confidence that has propelled her throughout the past four years. She learned to think critically, write clearly and succinctly, and develop and articulate her opinions. We love OHS.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • 79 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Whittle School & Studios

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • PK, K-10
    • 7 reviews

    Niche User: Great school! Love the concept of our world's truly first global academy. The plans for the school and the curriculum is stellar, compared to most other independent schools. It is a truly unique concept and environment.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • 177 Students
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