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2022 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

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  1. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

    • Public School
    • DURHAM, NC
    • 11-12
    • 94 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: If a rigorous education is what you're after, that's what you'll get. I didn't know what it meant to work hard or learn really deep material before NCSSM. It's incredible the amount of opportunities at NCSSM, as well as the level of expectation of professors. What's most amazing, though, is how often the students meet and then exceed those expectations. You'll form relationships with some of the most talented and incredible people your age, and those bonds will be all the stronger because you're all living together. My one complaint would be that there are no courses or classes to prepare you for the wicked time management skills needed to maintain any level of 'good' health/well-being while at NCSSM. My sleep health and skin health plummeted, as examples, but that is largely my fault. Just know that if you are accepted into the residential program, the admissions staff know that you can succeed if you are driven and excited to attend.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 680 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Early College at Guilford

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 111 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: My years at ECG have been great. Teachers are truly dedicated to students and students are given great opportunities. The only complaint about the school that I have is the competitive nature that has taxed on many students' mental healths. I think there have been great contributions to looking towards mental health outlets for the students, but there is always room for improvement. I love the independent nature of this school and is one of my favorite bragging points. Recent administration has attempted to limit this, but I think that it really makes ECG unique. In short, this school is great and I would recommend to any high-achieving student.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 208 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Raleigh Charter High School

    • Public School
    • RALEIGH, NC
    • 9-12
    • 197 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: My years at Raleigh Charter have allowed me to grow as an individual and as a intellectual. Although Raleigh Charter’s academic rigor is challenging, it enables the student to have a well-rounded education which can prepare them for any walks of life. In addition, the non academic features of the school are also very rewarding. There is almost always an event that one can attended every week as a break from academic students. There are an array of clubs present that can allow students to grow their interests ranging from STEM to liberal arts. As a small school, There are many different ways students can be involved into the community and make an impact.

    The only thing I would change about Raleigh Charter is the diversity. If there were more minorities whether teachers are students, there would be more perspectives to take from. Nonetheless, the community is very inclusive and welcoming!
    Read 197 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 562 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Green Hope High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 467 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: GHHS is a great school but I wish it had prepared me better for life after high school! I knew nothing about dual enrollment, military service, or college opportunities and wish I had been given information about those things so I wasn't completely lost when I graduated.
    Read 467 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,503 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Panther Creek High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 514 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Sophomore: Panther Creek is a very diverse high school with a friendly environment.I met some of the kindest and most involved teachers here. On the other hand, there are some uninterested, hot tempered teachers too. For example, the Spanish department is made up of teachers who would rather be doing anything than teaching. The Spanish department is just one department among many others. The science and math departments consist of excellent teachers. A complaint I have about Panther Creek High school is that they do not have a health science department. This was very disappointing for me to find out since I want to work in the medical field one day.
    Something that I cannot dismiss is the variety of clubs and sports that Panther Creek has to offer. There is a club for almost anything at this school. From Chinese Yo-Yo club to the Muslim Student association, Panther Creek has a broad selection.
    Overall Panther Creek is a good High school to attend!
    Read 514 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,539 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. East Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 262 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: East Chapel Hill High School is not for everyone. Although it's ranked 6th in the state by "CarolinaSchoolHub," and the academics definitely meet that standard, the school environment is frequently referred to as toxic and overwhelming. I'm a senior at East, and one of the students who enjoyed my HS experience, but even with straight As the culture became exhausting. This school, although the teachers and the students are incredible, creates a "dog-eat-dog" mindset where each of the students feels pressure to surpass their peers in everything. Test scores, project percentages, and overall grades are casual hallway talk. There's an expectation for a high IQ and high background knowledge in every classroom, which is probably why the Achievement Gap is so large. The amount of pressure to succeed and lack of resources because of under-funding gives East a toxic environment, and physical fights are pretty common. However, the incredible and caring teaching staff almost makes up for it.
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,521 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Marvin Ridge High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 422 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I came to Marvin Ridge High School at the start of my junior year when I joined the International Baccalaureate Program. Being new, I was nervous to start at a new school. The faculty and staff of Marvin were so helpful when helping me find my classes or when I had questions. The students at Marvin are also very nice! Everyone is very motivated, especially academically. All of the students take the academic environment seriously. The work ethic of the school is good. The IB program at Marvin has been a great, challenging experience. The academics at Marvin are challenging but help you grow. I came from another school within the same county and saw a huge difference with the students and teachers. Everyone is dedicated to academics.
    Read 422 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,835 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 39 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: I graduated from STEM last May, and let me tell you, these 4 years were some of the best years of my life.

    I met my best friends at this school - the tight-knit community of your class (~50-60 students) allows you to form friendships that will last a lifetime.

    I have also had the wonderful opportunity to be taught by some of the kindest teachers I've ever had - I can truthfully say that both the faculty and administration at this school care about you and genuinely want you to succeed in life - and will give you all the support to do so.

    The workload was tough - as it is with any Early College. But the students, faculty and administration made it all bearable.

    Go STEM! So proud to be an alum.
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 254 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Chapel Hill High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 232 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Chapel Hill High School is an amazing school. There are so many opportunities for people with all types of different interests. Although the school culture can be quite competitive, the dynamic prepares students for college! One of the biggest problems at Chapel Hill High School is its achievement gap. The student population is mostly made up of the white upper-middle-class and teachers and administrators alike lack the motivation and skills to support students from different backgrounds, especially minority groups of students. Amongst the competitive and challenging academics and the high expectations of staff, it is easy to be left behind at Chapel Hill. It's a great school for those who enjoy being constantly challenged and are on the college trajectory, but it is still a school that needs improvements, such as closing its achievement gap, lowering student stress levels, and making better choices about allocating its many resources.
    Read 232 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,522 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Ardrey Kell High School

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 658 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: My experience at Ardrey Kell High School was great! Coming from a very small town into a school of over 3 thousand students, the transition was nice in that I was able to connect with other students and teachers really well. Ardrey Kell is also a very diverse community with students coming from backgrounds all around the world. I had an amazing time making a diverse group of friends and learning more about their backgrounds and perspectives. Additionally, I was able to meet students who shared similar passions to mine. Through the many clubs the school offers, I was able to connect with these students in order to accomplish our common goals. Lastly, Ardrey Kell offers great academics with passionate teachers who truly care about their students' success both in and outside the classroom. Ardrey Kell High School is a place that any student can call home and will have a great time in their four years.
    Read 658 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,352 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. William G. Enloe High School

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 705 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: As someone who's going into their senior year, I can comfortably say I've loved my experience at Enloe. I've always loved the community--- the students and staff come together to create a unique environment that welcomes all kinds of students. Even through the pandemic the school worked hard to keep this sense of community and I really appreciated their efforts to make sure students had everything they needed to continue their education, despite the circumstances. The academic opportunities and continuous rigor is one of my favorite things about Enloe. As a graduating Senior, I feel prepared and comfortable with the idea of college thanks to this school!
    Read 705 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,458 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Woods Charter School

    • Public School
    • CHAPEL HILL, NC
    • K-12
    • 48 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Absolutely excellent! I've been in many schools across the globe and this one is by far my favorite. The small classes mean teachers are more in-touch and understanding, and that participation is much easier. The students and the atmosphere of the school itself is extremely welcoming and non-judgmental. Everyone, the students, the teachers, and the parents, are super involved in extracurriculars, so whilst we may not have as many as larger state schools, we are able to do much more with what we have. Everyone is so enthusiastic and charitable. Student-led clubs are also always pushing for ways to make it a kinder, more diverse, and more environmentally friendly place.
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 514 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Early College of Forsyth

    • Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 141 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Early college is like no other traditional high school or magnet school it’s in its own category Early college is the best decision I could’ve made. Going into early college all the upperclassman were always nice and always wanted to help you navigate around the school. The classrooms are small and the teachers are all so amazing they know how to teach and they also care about you a lot. Overall, my early college experience has been amazing I’ve learned so much and I’m going to graduate with an associates degree I don’t know why a lot of students don’t even apply to it they should it’s the best!
    Read 141 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 262 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. STEM Early College at Nc A&T. Su

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 40 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I have attended this school for 3 years now and it has been an amazing and unique experience. The office staff is extremely nice and helpful and the teachers are exceptional with their courses. The teachers have taught both honors & AP classes very well and I passed every class and exam. The opportunities were also endless in terms of clubs and service-learning. The environment is welcoming for new students and there is diversity everywhere. Since it was a small school, I was able to develop a relationship with every student in my class. Within a few days of my first year, it felt like family. By junior and senior year, I attended college classes at the university which helped with college readiness. Now, I can transfer credits and save lots of money in college!

    The only drawback was that our school did not offer arts or sports which is something that I would like to see differently. But, I was still able to pursue my interest in tennis through my district highschool.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 187 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Research Triangle High School

    • Public School
    • DURHAM, NC
    • 9-12
    • 53 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Parent: We love the atmosphere of this school, the teachers are fun but also serious about teaching and learning. Expectations are high and students work hard but they don't have tons of homework, and many classes have lots of hands-on activities. We love the personalized learning method, students can move ahead quickly if they have already mastered the material - so much better than spending hours bored in class while the teacher goes over something you already know! It's a little confusing to understand how the grading works at first, but it's worth the hassle. We're so glad we took a chance and tried something different.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 561 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Carrboro High School

    • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 206 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: I am having an amazing time at CHS! The teachers are wonderful people who care for their students, regardless of being a public high school. I look forward to each class every day! The students at CHS are great too! The students at CHS are welcoming, regardless of race, age or gender. I had recently moved from The Bahamas to CHS, and I felt right at home because of the wonderful care from both students and teachers. I highly recommend CHS to anyone looking for the best years of their lives. P.S., the cafeteria food is AMAZING!
    Read 206 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 867 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Weddington High School

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 382 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Weddington High School gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and expand my knowledge not only about basic math and literature but life skills as well. I came into the school with a negative outlook and no hope. I began to join a club then later was awarded the club Vice President. After being promoted to a higher position in my club, I became very social and excited to go to school. My junior year of High School, I was enrolled in chemistry. Science and Math are difficult subjects for me, but with the help of my teacher I began to acquire chemistry skills easier and faster. Not only did my chemistry teacher teach me the importance of the periodic table but how to grow up as well. In chemistry I learned life skills such as how to prepare for an interview and keep a balance of work and fun. Regardless of what sport, club, or hobby you’re into, you’re bound to thrive at Weddington. Did I mention we’ve won state championships for Football and Track 3 years in a row? Go Warriors!
    Read 382 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,623 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Philip J. Weaver Education Center

    • Guilford County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 151 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: I like almost everything about Weaver! The teachers and administration really care about the students and truly want to see them succeed. Our school culture is also very vibrant and unique. However, not everyone feels included and Weaver has some of the same problems as many other public high schools. Also, the facilities really need work and seem like they haven't been updated in quite some time. It's either extremely hot or very cold in the building. This does not diminish how amazing the staff is and how talented the students are. Weaver is a place where academic excellence is encouraged and fostered as well as a place where students can grow in their artistic pursuits.
    Read 151 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 342 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Lake Norman Charter School

    • Public School
    • HUNTERSVILLE, NC
    • K-12
    • 259 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Freshman: This is my first year attending LNC and so far it has been very good. This year due to the pandemic many schools including mine have been making the change from going to school to going fully remote. Lake Norman Charter has made this difficult change to become easy for students. Everything is on one website (Schoology) and very organized. I know exactly what to do and when it is due. All of my teacher that I have at LNC are very understanding and have no problem helping you, you can tell that the teacher want to teach. Every week they set a day aside so that we can catch up, get free counseling, and tutoring. They understand that online learning is not for everyone and I believe that they are doing everything they can to make those children more comfortable and understand the curriculum.
    Read 259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,103 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Wake Early College of Health & Sciences

    • Wake County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 139 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Sophomore: I am a sophomore at Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, and I got to say that it has been a great school so far. The teachers here are great as they are very knowledgeable of their subjects and capable of explaining concepts to students. In addition, this school provides us with many opportunities to learn more about different careers. As a part of our early college program, we become full-time college students at Wake Tech. This is great considering that we get to graduate with an associate's degree at no extra cost. This not only helps families financially but also saves two years of time and prepares students for college. Overall, my experience at Wake Early College of Health and Sciences has been great!
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 339 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Highland School of Technology

    • Gaston County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 226 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Sophomore: I am currently attending my second year at Highland School of Technology. The teachers are amazing, every teacher I've had has gone above and beyond for their students. Each child is treated with care and has great preparation for their future. We do have a smaller student population, however it gives us more confidence when asking questions, engage in group activities, and opportunities for one on one time with the teachers. What sells the school for me is all of the teachers enthusiasm. They're always so excited to see us succeed. Not a day goes by that we don't gain from a lesson.
    Read 226 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 553 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

    • Union County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 156 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Central Academy of Technology and Arts is a great school for students that are serious about their education and already have a career field in mind. If the student has a career they show interest in that match up with one of the Academies offered by this school, they will have a head start into that field thanks to the wonderful teaching strategies of the Academy teachers. The other teachers also take their job seriously and most teachers offer tutoring to students who may be struggling. The students themselves take their studies seriously, but are friendly and encouraging to new students, happy to provide help to others.
    Read 156 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 857 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Community School of Davidson

    • Public School
    • DAVIDSON, NC
    • K-12
    • 67 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Senior: Community School of Davidson is a dynamic learning environment. Classes range from wood arts to weight lifting, and from visual arts to living with purpose. Every student can safely express themselves at Community School of Davidson. All the while, acquiring a fantastic education from teachers that really care about the success of each student.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,398 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Isaac M. Bear High School

    • New Hanover County Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 112 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Junior: IBECH will definitely be a challenging school, that will push you to achieve your fullest potential. It will take sometime to get used to the fast pace curriculum, but with the close familly like support from students and staff members, you can surely succeed! Yes, I will admit IBECH is a small school, but that's its biggest pro because this made everyone be super close! Along with that, everyone will help eachother enormously because we are all struggling! Whether it was gathering in study groups on the UNCW campus, creating group chats, or making study guides for everyone the close knit facilities inevitably helped you thrive! Another pro in the academic standpoint of IBECH, is that if you have difficultues in class or on assignments the teachers will step up and help you out because they understand how demanding the curriculum is! Also if you enjoy sports IBECH lets you do sports at your districted highschool, so you don't have to worry about it! Anyway IBECH 10/10 would recommend!
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 237 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Wayne Early Middle College High School

    • Wayne County Public Schools, NC
    • 9-12
    • 85 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in North Carolina

    Alum: If you are considering on attending this school.... just do it! I attended between 2007-2012 as part of the first freshmen class to ever complete four years at Wayne Early Middle College High, and the benefits have been worth it. I can't begin to put in words the amazing things that this program made possible for me. I am a first generation college graduate because of WEMCHS.
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 236 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    British International School of Washington

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 11 reviews

    Parent: Our daughter goes to the Pre-Nursery program for 2 year olds (the description on this Niche site says that Preschool program starts at age 4 - not correct) and she is thriving. She is able to recognize letters and count, and loves her music class. There's library session once a week, and very well thought out learning modules. The teachers are excellent and have wonderful communication with the parents. My husband and I were both former teachers at private institutions and we love the school!
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 510 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Review Your School 

  35. Sponsored

    Prince George County Public Schools

    • School District
    • PRINCE GEORGE, VA
    • 66 reviews

    Senior: I've enjoyed being a student in the Prince George County, Virginia district. I have felt challenged in the International Baccalaureate, the Advanced Placement, and the Dual Enrollment programs. I feel that they have all adequately prepared me for college. The small town atmosphere is amazing and I like the way it feels when teachers know me by name.
    The only way that the school system can improve would be to offer more classes in personal finance and budgeting so that I will feel better prepared to live on my own after high school and college.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • 6,353 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Spencerville Adventist Academy

    • Private School
    • SPENCERVILLE, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 57 reviews

    Senior: SAA is a great school that provides a great christian education. The school is very diverse, which is great. And provides Pre-K through 12 grade! I highly recommend SAA!
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 361 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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