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2020 Best Public High Schools in New YorkAbout 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 1,394
Best Schools
1,394 results

  1. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 930 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I am a rising senior, class of 2019. There’s a whole array of students here. But the majority of the students are academically driven. It’s not too hard to stay on top of your courses if you work for it. There will me many sleepless nights if you procrastinate. But if you can manage you time efficiently and are dedicated to your schoolwork, then classes will be doable. There are so many elective to take. Personally, I don’t have the best academics because I wanted to ensure that I could also fully enjoyed my high school experience. It’s been a stressful three year. I’ve come close to a lot of meltdowns, but I’ve also had a lot of pleasant memories here!
    Read 930 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,368 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 603 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: What I enjoyed about my school was its college readiness and opportunity in educational growth. From college classes, to academic counseling the school always gave ways and methods towards a better high school education, and to prepare us for our next step in life. These methods varied from a library embedded with countless books for the SAT, Ap exams, and more. Also tutoring was provided, as well as review sessions given by teachers. While these were huge factors to the school being one of the nation’s top high schools, I believe The culture of the school was what was most like able. The school was able to make you feel accepted by everyone, and to accept everyone. This was done through clubs, events, and through assemblies that helped students understand one another. For me, that was what was best about the school, their ways of preparing me for college on a social scale, as well as for my future interactions with people.
    Read 603 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,313 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 557 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: It's been a few years that I've graduated from Townsend and I have to say, it prepared me so well for college. I ended up going to an ivy after high school and not only was I prepared academically, but I was more than prepared to face the competitive environment surrounding me. I realized early on in Townsend that you should not compare yourself to your peers and just always put your best foot forward, and that's exactly what I did during my time there and in college now. Furthermore, Townsend students are textbook definition of nice kids. Everyone was really respectful and friendly and promoted positive peer pressure, i.e. caring about learning, and education. I cannot recommend Townsend enough! Private school education for a public school price :).
    Read 557 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,109 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 812 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: The Bronx High School of Science was exactly where I needed to be. It did not matter that I lived in Rockaway Beach because going to school there was absolutely fantastic. Sometimes, I learned more from the students than the teachers because thats how smart the students were! The AP courses were challenging, and I would love to send my children there when I have some!
    Read 812 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,977 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Jericho Senior High School

    • Jericho Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 119 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: Jericho is very competitive, which stresses students out, but it pushes students at the same time. Teachers vary from very influential to really uninformative. Almost all of the students go on to pursue a college career after high school!
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,088 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Great Neck South High School

    • Great Neck Public Schools, NY
    • 9-12
    • 208 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: If you want a great education it's here. Good/great teachers and friends. I took advantage of the photography clubs and the band. Those are 2 of my favorite activities.
    I also learned about a great teen program outside of school. Its called BBYO.
     They are teen leadership, volunteer, organize and have lots of fun with great friends organization.
    I am very involved with this organization.

    Thank you
    Read 208 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,193 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. High School Math Science & Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY)

    • New York City Geographic District No. 5, NY
    • 9-12
    • 158 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: After spending almost 4 years as a student in this school, I believe it was the best choice I've ever made. I originally applied to HSMSE because they had an anime club. But after I came to the school, and left the anime club only to pop in every now and then, I found so much more. The teachers are all certified in their concentrations, real engineers walk the hallways, and college professors lecture about Hemingway in front of my desk. Since it's a small school, I'm familiar with almost every person in the school, often forgetting who is in what grade. Being on a college campus also has its perks. We have access to the college libraries for reports, lab facilities, and a quad to enjoy lunch with friends. The guidance counselors know us by name and can recommend various colleges based on our interests and career aspirations. I mean, we aren't rated third best in New York City for nothing!
    Read 158 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 464 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Scarsdale Senior High School

    • Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 101 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: Scarsdale has an inherent sense of competition, but it isn't a factor that crushes students. This competition motivates students to work their best, and teachers continue to reinforce this idea that you can always do better, even if it is just a little bit. The competition and stress, though harmful at times, does make you feel frequently connected to other students.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,517 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Syosset Senior High School

    • Syosset Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 315 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: The faculty and the student body are very welcoming! When I first came to the school, there were many upperclassmen who offered to help me when I needed them. The teachers are also very nice, they try their best to help you and they make class very interesting!
    Read 315 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,084 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Manhasset Secondary School

    • Manhasset Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 61 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Manhasset High School is a very competitive school as their SAT scores are around 1300s. Manhasset has a big emphasis on school sports as Manhasset's Lacrosse team is one of the best in the country. Many different AP courses are available to students. Recently, renovated the research department allowing for kids in research to get better experiments and results. Science research is one of the big points of Manhasset High School as Manhasset recently won prizes. Manhasset lacks diversity; however, this is getting better as more and more people of different races are moving into this predominately white neighborhood. Manhasset prepares its kids to go to college. Therefore, Manhasset High School is a great environment to learn and play sports, but Manhasset is lacking diversity other schools might have.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,157 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Herricks High School

    • Herricks Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 144 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: I graduated Herricks High School in 2016, after attending both their respective middle school and elementary school. Herricks High School felt more like a home to me than school. The teachers were extremely personal and aided individuals to do their best. The community embraced uniqueness and diversity in individuals rather than making people feel out of place for being different. There was a strong emphasis on growth in the school to the point where I did not have a difficult transition into college, whereas I know many students do. There was an ample amount of resources available through being a student there, such as access to databases and other important tools. Our music department excelled every single year, along with our improving sports program. The school allowed students to create their own clubs about almost everything that they wanted, giving students a chance to discover new interests.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,294 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Baccalaureate School for Global Education

    • New York City Geographic District No. 30, NY
    • 7-12
    • 175 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: Overall, this school provided me with an excellent understanding of the diversity of the world's populations and problems. The teachers and administrators were extremely intelligent and engaged individuals. The only drawback is the lack of resources/facilities such as a gymnasium or outdoor space!
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 515 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Great Neck North High School

    • Great Neck Public Schools, NY
    • 9-12
    • 94 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I have absolutely loved attending North! The teachers that work here are almost all above-par and excellent at not only teaching but being people who you can talk to about personal issues (the majority of them at least). The community here, while lacking in diversity, is open to those who personalize their experience and time at North. In addition, the clubs, activities, and sports offered are expansive and give everyone the opportunity to explore their true passions (if you don't find the club you want, make a new one). Personally, the grade culture was very united so that everyone, no matter if you were a nerd or a jock, communicated and interacted. But if you ever feel lost in your grade's culture, you can still find new homes in the clubs, activities, and sports you participate in. Finally, North supplies its students with SO many resources, from iPads to helpful guidance counselors. Created by the students, North is truly a special place- treasure the time you spend here.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,098 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Brighton High School

    • Brighton Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 239 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: I attended BHS from 2013-2017. The school is very good at preparing students for college. Most of the teachers I had were extremely nice and taught very well. The school also had many clubs and sports available. I played tennis while at BHS and the team was among the best in the area. BHS took bullying seriously from what I saw. A major complaint that people have about Brighton recently is that the school isn't very diverse and has been accused of racism. While I personally never saw any racist actions, the lack of diversity was pretty apparent. Brighton has a very high white and Jewish population so the school had a large amount of white and Jewish students. However, Brighton also has a program that transfers students from the city to the school which helps a little with diversity.
    Read 239 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,139 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. High School of American Studies at Lehman College

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 106 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Parent: My son is finishing his senior year at HSAS, and we could not be happier with the education he has received. More importantly, perhaps, he has fostered good and lasting friendships, and HSAS deserves credit for creating an atmosphere in which strong social bonds thrive. Although this is a highly competitive school in terms of academics, students are not competitive with each other as might be expected. There is very little downside to this school, but the college counseling can be placed in that realm. I think most parents struck out on their own during that "all important" search. We were very careful in our search for an excellent school, particularly because our son had to commute a long way to come to HSAS, but we are very happy that he's had the high school experience that he has had here. Highly, highly recommend it!
    Read 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 377 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Bard High School Early College Queens

    • New York City Geographic District No. 24, NY
    • 9-12
    • 319 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I honestly owe everything to Bard. I'm a current senior here, and I'm graduating in ~ three weeks. This place is truly somewhere to flourish academically and socially. The friendships and teacher relationships that I've made were all meaningful, as the Bard community has a special essence and the professors are all absolutely amazing! The professors care tremendously about their own work and their student's work. The small school atmosphere has especially added to my experience!
    Read 319 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 598 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Roslyn High School

    • Roslyn Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 113 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Roslyn High School is a school with strong academics and an encouraging staff. I liked the self-selection option with choosing our courses and the various clubs and activities offered. This gave the students the opportunity to dabble in classes they were passionate about. Furthermore, the many courses offered at Roslyn High School reflect the abundant resources that can be utilized by its students. The teachers and the administration in general communicated frequently and well with their students and were very approachable. While I enjoyed my overall experience here, one place this school is lacking in is in the diversity of its students. There is an overwhelming amount of Caucasians, and a much smaller percentage of other ethnicities. Overall, however, this school is certainly a good one.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,053 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Brooklyn Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 13, NY
    • 9-12
    • 1,783 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Brooklyn Technical High School is amazing! Sure it is mainly Eastern Asian but, as a student there, I can vouch that the community is very diverse. There are many people of many different cultures, like Hispanics, Muslims, Jews, Jamaicans and so many more. Brooklyn Tech really has an amazing vibe. The teachers are really great. Many of them are really easy going and definitely know what they are teaching. Many of my own teachers, especially my AP Calculus BC teacher has put in so much work for his students to all receive the highest grade possible. Each teacher is super enthusiastic to teach and will care about the students beyond the classroom. I, myself, trust each teacher and am very comfortable talking to any of my teachers about anything. I see our relationship more as friends, but of course professor and student in the classroom. Students are definitely safe in the school. Deans and security guards are always on their toes and will confront anyone who is causing trouble.
    Read 1,783 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5,664 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Horace Greeley High School

    • Chappaqua Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 103 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: Class of 2019 Review:
    Pros:
    Academics - has a very academically stimulating environment - teachers push students to pursue their curiosities, particularly through the school's science research and independent study programs.
    Clubs - there are a wide variety of clubs and extracurriculars supported by the school.
    Reputation - the school is very well recognized for its academic rigor by top universities.

    Cons:
    Competitive atmosphere - the competitiveness of the school's students can be stifling at times, as it seems people care more about getting into college than the students around them.
    Stress - a natural product of the school's atmosphere and academic rigor - it can be a very stressful environment at times.

    I overall did enjoy my four years at Greeley - best of luck to all incoming students!
    Read 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,308 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Pittsford-Mendon High School

    • Pittsford Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 154 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Sophomore: Pittsford Mendon High School is a unique educational and social institution. What makes Mendon awesome is that we are Viking STRONG. Our motto represents our values. The “S” stands for spirited. Whether it be sporting events, pep rallies or spirit days, we take pride seriously. Everyone does their best to get involved! The “T” means together. We work together to be accepting. We also collaborate on school and extracurricular activities. “R” means respect. We believe that everyone deserves respect because we are all humans. “O” means original. Everyone is encouraged to come up with ideas and try new approaches, but most importantly be themselves! Along with that the “N” stands for nurturing. We nurture classmates and support each other to ensure positive learning experiences. Lastly, “G” means genuine. At Mendon we put our hearts into everything. We persevere to have a genuine attitude. Mendon students are STRONG, and I believe it is a wonderful school.
    Read 154 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 984 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School

    • Port Washington Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 206 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I feel like Paul D. Schreiber is overall a good school. It offers a great education and many opportunities for its students. There are 20+ clubs offered to students, as well as the option to create your own. The teachers are understanding and easy to connect with during your free time. As for college, as an incoming senior, I have worked very closely with our guidance office. The guidance counselors do an amazing job of keeping students prepared for college and making sure your ready for every obstacle in your way. The only reason why I took away that fifth star is safety. Overall we are safe as students, but the school can do much more. Students are allowed to leave campus in our junior and senior years which produces a safety risk. Also, there is no good system for checking id cards of students entering the building. As of right now, they are only just looking at it quickly as students walk into school. Otherwise, Schreiber is a very good school that I would recommend to everyone.
    Read 206 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,626 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Bronxville High School

    • Bronxville Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 72 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: I have been going to Bronxville for 12 years and although it is an extremely competitive environment, teachers are so helpful and it is all super manageable. The social life in Bronxville is super fun and seeing all the comments about drinking and drugs makes me sad because that is not necessarily true and honestly most high schools have more drinking and drugs than we do. Bronxville is so unique and it's such a great school! There's something there for everyone whether it is sports or the arts (which have become much more prominent in student life).
    Read 72 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 487 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Eleanor Roosevelt High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 125 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: This school was definitely challenging, but these rigorous academics really prepared me for my college courses. I will forever be grateful!
    Read 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 544 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Rye High School

    • Rye City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 70 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I've had an enjoyable time at Rye although I lament it's lack of diversity and wish I'd been more exposed to different perspectives. Despite the lack of diversity, however, students at RHS are on the whole very open-minded and accepting of others. I've had a pleasant experience as an openly out LGBT person without being the victim of or witnessing bullying of any sort.

    Most of my teachers have been well-qualified and good at their jobs. A small few have been sub-par or just awful at teaching. The science department in particular I feel is lacking in strong teachers. Rye does have a strong and well-resourced art department for a public school, and breeds many creative students by offering an array of opportunities and encouraging artistic accomplishment. The school does a good job of preparing students for the rigor of college, yet the atmosphere is quite competitive and can be challenging to deal with at times, especially for the majority of students with such busy schedules.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,008 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Mamaroneck High School

    • Mamaroneck Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 132 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: Athletics are fun, academics are great but RIGOROUS if you decide to take plenty of honors and AP courses especially junior year. If you care about your grades stay away from Spanish at all costs, as Spanish 3H (sophomore year) is the most difficult and punitive class in the entire school.

    Highly competitive environment academically, as scores of students aim for top 10 universities every year. Biggest problem with the school is stress and the somewhat segregated social scene. With all the stress, it’s unsurprising that Mamaroneck kids tend to really let loose on the weekends.
    Read 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,543 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Sheridan School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • K-8
    • 4 reviews

    Parent: My sons attended Sheridan from K-8th grade. Our boys were always happy and joyful Sheridan students, they made lifelong friends at Sheridan and graduated prepared for high school. As we get ready to drop our oldest off for his Freshman year in college, we have reflected a lot about his Sheridan years. And my younger son is a rising senior in high school. At this significant milestone in educating our boys, the nine years at Sheridan has served them both very well. Academically, both boys have handled the stress and challenges of high school with confidence and an understanding that mistakes and challenges are where the true learning happens. We know they are now also prepared for college. We love Sheridan and highly recommend this outstanding school.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 225 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 15 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 15 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    St. Vincent Ferrer High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 166 reviews

    Senior: In the past three years, Saint Vincent Ferrer High School has become home to me. Saint Vincent Ferrer is an all-girls, private high school in New York City. My school has a wide range of college preparatory courses and highly experienced teachers. These teachers encourage their students to be the best version of themselves inside the school and in the community. Students are required to volunteer at non-profit organizations for at least 40 hours per year. This has allowed me to branch out and help people of all age groups. The clubs and sports teams at Saint Vincent Ferrer bring the school community together as a whole and create outstanding friendships. I have been part of my schools varsity cheerleading team for two years now and my teammates feel like the sisters I never had. I personally would not change anything about Saint Vincent Ferrer High School. My school is the epitome of a safe, well rounded school for girls entering high school.
    Read 166 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 516 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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