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2019 Best Public High Schools in New YorkAbout this List

The 2019 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 1,387
Best Schools
1,387 results

  1. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 898
    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 898 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,328 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 586
    2 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: Staten Island Tech prepares students very well for college, and also makes sure to update students about opportunities (scholarships, contests, internships, etc.) frequently. SIT is also a fairly competitive school, though like all schools, there are high and low achievers. All the teachers are nice and genuinely want to help the students; they make you feel comfortable. The workload isn’t heavy if you have good time management, and more often than not, I find myself with a fair amount of time for myself. School facilities like the library are useful, and the guidance counselors are all friendly and open.
    I rated SIT four and not five stars because of the lack of languages taught here. The only available language is Russian, which is disappointing for many students. In comparison to other schools where various languages are offered, SIT is extremely limited; the only compensation they have is taking an online course for a different language during senior year.
    Read 586 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 784
    3 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Attending The Bronx High School of Science has been the most impactful experience of my life. With over 30 AP courses to offer and teachers with esteemed educational backgrounds, BxSci has presented a platform for me to challenge myself with a diverse set of individuals who all aspire to be the best versions of themselves. Entering high school with no particular interests, I discovered my love for Mechanics in AP Physics, understood the wonders of the world at the molecular level in AP Chemistry, and challenged my philosophy with engaging Socratic seminars in AP Literature. The competitive environment, along with my supportive group of friends, pushed me to value education with a deeper understanding. In my final year in high school, I conclusively say that Bronx Science has provided the quintessential foundation to reach my intellectual zenith.
    Read 784 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,011 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Hoosac School

    • Private School
    • Hoosick, NY
    • 8-12
    • 255

    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 255 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 130 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 536
    4 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 536 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,132 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Great Neck South High School

    • Great Neck Public Schools, NY
    • 8-12
    • 202
    5 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Junior: I like how Great Neck South provides its students with countless opportunities through its numerous clubs and programs. Especially impressive are the math and science departments. Improvements could be made through introducing the idea of college to students during their freshmen year, as many students feel anxiety from a general feeling of unpreparedness by their junior year.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Jericho Senior High School

    • Jericho Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 116
    6 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 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,103 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Scarsdale Senior High School

    • Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 101
    7 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
    • 1,499 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. High School Math Science & Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY)

    • New York City Geographic District No. 5, NY
    • 9-12
    • 154
    8 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 154 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 476 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Syosset Senior High School

    • Syosset Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 310
    9 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Syosset High School is an incredible place to learn. The teachers are friendly, caring, and determined to help their students be the best they possibly can. Almost every teacher I have had is extremely approachable and easy to communicate with. The education is unmatched, but what goes unknown is our great principal. Dr. Durante is one of if not the best principal's in the nation. He cleaned up Syosset High School beautifully and welcomes students every morning at the front door of the school. He cares for every one of his students, and shows it with great enthusiasm every morning!
    Read 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,085 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Roslyn High School

    • Roslyn Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 108
    10 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: I attended Roslyn High School for 4 years, consecutively, and after attending Roslyn Middle School for 3 years. It fares very well for a public school, allowing students free speech in the wake of mass shootings that have affected people here at a personal level, but also moderating that speech. The people here are sometimes judgemental, sometimes eccentric, but they’re often just people, with struggles that they run from or hide from. I’m grateful for attending school here, I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided me in the form of the humanities, but ultimately, I’m ready to leave. In some ways, the administration is manipulated by the parents in a way we consider uniquely Roslyn-esque, but likely exists in other pockets across the United States. The teachers are some of the best, and I appreciate all of them very much. Overall, a problematic, but above-average school.
    Read 108 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,020 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Brooklyn Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 13, NY
    • 9-12
    • 1,713
    11 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 1,713 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5,534 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Horace Greeley High School

    • Chappaqua Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 99
    12 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Horace Greeley is a great school, though it can be a bit tough to fit in as people can be somewhat cliquey. The academics are wonderful and teachers seem passionate and excited about what they’re learning. The school is quite competitive when it comes to academics which can be both a pro and a con depending on how you look at things. Greeley is well known by the top colleges and does a good job at guiding you through the application process and preparing you for the college experience. It also has lots of funding which makes for good facilities and leaves no departments lacking. Overall a great place to send your son or daughter.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,285 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Bard High School Early College Queens

    • New York City Geographic District No. 24, NY
    • 9-12
    • 309
    13 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Alum: Bard Queens stretched me academically to explore topics I had never learned about before in an engaging, thought-provoking environment that encouraged student discussion and seminar style teaching. The humanities program at BHSECQ is extremely good with amazing professors who are passionate about their classes. Science classes are also very strong at BHSECQ. They teach material that goes beyond what is taught in typical AP and IB classes at other NYC high schools. In addition, the Associates Degree received from Bard College is incredibly useful and can be transferred at your next institution. Despite the rigorous academic environment at Bard, the community is very close knit, encouraging strong relationships between professors and students as well as student to student. BHSECQ is overall a very inclusive, nurturing institution that will teach you life skills and give you many connections.
    Read 309 Reviews

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

    • Great Neck Public Schools, NY
    • 9-12
    • 89
    14 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 89 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,088 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Mamaroneck High School

    • Mamaroneck Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 127
    15 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 127 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,519 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Rye High School

    • Rye City School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 68
    16 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 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 975 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. High School of American Studies at Lehman College

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 105
    17 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 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 370 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Baccalaureate School for Global Education

    • New York City Geographic District No. 30, NY
    • 7-12
    • 169
    18 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 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 487 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Pittsford-Mendon High School

    • Pittsford Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 149
    19 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 149 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 990 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Pittsford Sutherland High School

    • Pittsford Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 207
    20 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Pittsford Sutherland is known for its high success level and for the high percentage of students that go on to receive a higher level of education. Furthermore, it offers a variety of elective classes and programs that allow students to explore their interests in an in depth setting with others that share the same passion as them. While this school does an excellent job of preparing its students for college, it often fails to teach them and emphasize the importance of simple things, such as empathy and the ability to recognize how fortunate they are.
    Read 207 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 931 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Brighton High School

    • Brighton Central School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 232
    21 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 232 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,123 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Herricks High School

    • Herricks Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 134
    22 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: Herricks High School is the optimal place for a student to experience an abundance of educational and cultural diversity.
    Herricks High School is a place of college readiness, where I can take honors and AP courses, from Honors Chemistry to AP Literature, as well as have the ability to join many clubs and extracurriculars. I can be a part of the Pep Band while on the Herricks Spring Track Team, which demonstrates opportunities for the interests of the students.
     The teachers at Herricks provide courses and guidance to all students who want pursue a subject to those who need help studying. The guidance counselors are open to meet everyday and care about the well being of their students.
    Also, I am surrounding by an accepting crowd of diversity. I have friends from all cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds that encompass a worldview of culture all in the confines of one school.
    Herricks is the amazing combination of education and culture that I would not change for anything else.
    Read 134 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,326 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Manhasset Secondary School

    • Manhasset Union Free School District, NY
    • 9-12
    • 59
    23 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 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,122 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

    • New York City Geographic District No. 28, NY
    • 9-12
    • 146
    24 Best Public High Schools in New York

    Senior: This school has incredible teachers and staff who work to bring a positive environment for all students! Its only drawback lies in the limited amount of sports and extracurricular activities. However, all students are expected to work through the rigorous curriculum and can do so with the aid of York College facilities such as the library and computer center. The small school atmosphere provides students with the attention they need to succeed!
    Read 146 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 434 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Eleanor Roosevelt High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 120
    25 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 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 554 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Buffalo Seminary

    • Private School
    • Buffalo, NY
    • 9-12
    • 74

    Junior: I cannot say enough about how much SEM has helped me grow and evolve as an academic and as a leader! When I first came to SEM, I believed that I was only an above-average math/science student however, after just one year at SEM, my teachers' passion and encouragement completely changed my mind, and I now plan to pursue a major in biology in college. Before coming to SEM, I thought that the only kind of leadership that one could assume in High School was to be the class president, yet SEM proved to change my perspective again! Apart from the vast number of opportunities there are to be a class officer, club president, or sports team captain at SEM, there are other ways to be a leader as well; I learned to lead a dialectical discourse at SEM's harkness tables by inviting others to share their thoughts. SEM has given me the confidence and motivation I will need to venture out into the world and onto college while also giving me a warm and welcoming place to return to as my alma mater.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 195 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Buckley Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Roslyn, NY
    • PK, K-8
    • 3
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 353 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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