Skip to Main Content

2019 Best Public High Schools in OhioAbout 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 922
Best Schools
922 results

  1. Dublin Jerome High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 199
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Dublin Jerome High School is an excellent high school. We are offered a variety of classes, with the options expanding every year as new classes and academies are added. Additionally, several levels of curriculum rigor are offered, which gives us the option to take our schooling at the right pace for us. Rather than just variation in academics, there are also a ton of clubs, sports, and activities to participate in. In addition, many excellent teachers help make the experience more incredible through their intelligence and compassion for the student wellness.
    Read 199 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,563 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Solon High School

    • Solon City School District, OH
    • 8-12
    • 368
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Amazing staff and very diverse! Food is awful and parents should be more involved. Solon HS is very good with academics but not very good with school culture and relationships. While I feel prepared for college academically I cannot say that solon HS prepared me socially for life beyond high school. They did not bother to connect with me in ways that went beyond the school environment and I do not feel that they cared for me personally. Academics are important but so are relationships and helping to make every student feel like a part of the school. Also, the administration is more concerned with test scores and being the best than checking in with kids personally. You become a number, a test score, to them.
    Read 368 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,693 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Dublin Coffman High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 262
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Dublin Coffman is great! It's the best mix of good social, academic, and athletic experiences. They are all about the vision of the "Dublin difference" which can be bad and good. They'll have higher expectations than other schools/districts and will do anything to help you achieve your highest academic potential (except for hiring experienced teachers).
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,910 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  4. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

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

    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 12 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Walnut Hills High School

    • Cincinnati City School District, OH
    • 7-12
    • 451
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: I graduated Walnut Hills High School this past year, on May 24th. It was a very tedious school and although it was very challenging, I appreciate the way the school prepped me for college. I'm very confident in my upcoming freshmen year of college. One thing I did not like though, were the school lunches. They weren't cooked well and obviously didn't taste well either. I could never eat lunch there. But aside from that it's a great school and it will be missed!
    Read 451 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,778 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. William Mason High School

    • Mason City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 699
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Freshman: Offers many opportunities in activities and options for academics. Has an amazing program where you can become a SIB to welcome freshman and become friends with people at school. Competitive in sports and academics but at the same time fun! Teachers are amazing and know how to incorporate learning into a way that encourages us to focus and doesn't bore us. School spirit is everywhere to be found whenever you turn your head. One thing I hope would be more incorporated is resources. For people new to WMHS it might be hard to find ways around to join clubs, get information about college, academics, volunteer work and how to join sports. Places like main office, counselor, drop offs could also have a way to help students navigate more easier because there is no map of the school. I really hope resources can further be improved. Other than that I love being a Mason Comet and am proud of the things my school offers for students.
    Read 699 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,529 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Indian Hill High School

    • Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 129
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Freshman: Indian Hill is an amazing school. The high school’s objective is to help you learn and prepare for college, so all of its activities and classes reflect that. They offer 27 AP courses and are always trying to improve the way they teach. However, the students there can have a bit of a high and mighty attitude. Indian Hill is such a good district because there’s a lot of funding, which means the rich students can bring somewhat of a negative atmosphere. Still, for the most part, the students are wonderful, the staff is friendly, and it’s a great place to go to high school.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Sycamore High School

    • Sycamore Community School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 223
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: Sycamore High School prides itself on its diversity, and rightfully so. Differences are celebrated and cultures embraced. For example, just two weeks ago, the Jewish student union shared dances and delicacies with the entire school, along with clothing and music. Sycamore offers an open atmosphere where all are appreciated and cherished. The school district is also known for the span of opportunities available to the students, and how there is a place for everyone. Outside of school activities range from yoga club to a buffet eating club! Sport events can always count on the Ave Cave (cheer section) to support all teams till the very end. The most special characteristic is the students and their attitude towards school. Sycamore school district is a place filled with determined and wise students who will change the future for the better. Some of the brightest minds pass through these halls.
    Read 223 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,646 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Bexley High School

    • Bexley City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 80
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I love my experience at Bexley! I have really supportive teachers, friends, and staff around me that are always encouraging me to push forward in my academic, musical, and social careers.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 694 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Olentangy Liberty High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 233
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: So far, I have been mostly satisfied with Liberty. The academics are very impressive. Every class challenges the student (in a good way). AP classes are a lot of fun, even though they are hard. If a student really enjoys a subject, then taking the AP class is going to be a lot of fun for them. The amount of AP Classes that are offered are incredible and I know I can take which ever classes I would like. I even have classes that I really want to take, but can't because my schedule is so full. The problem is that so many students take AP classes just for the AP credit and end up feeling stressed. Pressure is a major downside of OLHS. The teachers really pressure every student to be getting A's. Yes A's are great. However, the teachers need to emphasize that getting B's is still fine and that as long as a student tries there best, there shouldn't be any stress.
    Read 233 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,060 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Wyoming High School

    • Wyoming City Schools, OH
    • 8-12
    • 112
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: I have been in the Wyoming Public School System all my life. The education I have gain has been priceless, but even more valuable to me from my experience in Wyoming are the extra-curriculars offered at the high school. From our various sports offered to our academic focused clubs, there is certainly a spot for everyone. Our Model United Nations Club has ranked in international conferences. Our Drama Department is known for beautiful productions. Our Academic team has had opportunities to compete nationally. Our sports teams have a pattern of playing hard and winning games. There is always a place for people of all kinds to excel. However that is one piece of conflict which has kept the ranked from 5 stars. Wyoming is very structured in social statuses. You are stuck in the stereotype of "nerds", "geeks", "jocks", "popular" and any other title you can be given which works to strip your individuality. Although it is often hard to escape these titles, good friends are not hard to find.
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 642 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Madeira High School

    • Madeira City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 118
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Madeira is one of the best places to go for a good education. The teachers here are all very devoted to helping their students learn and provide us with lots of opportunities in and out of the school building to expand our knowledge. The biggest negative about Madeira, however, is that there is little diversity. As an upper-middle class community, most people come from very similar backgrounds and all look about the same. I wish I had more exposure to other cultures and had more diversity during my high school career.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 421 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Dublin Scioto High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 194
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I absolutely love DSHS! I moved to Dublin around a year ago from a very small, uneducated town. Ever since I have moved here, not only have my grades improved, but I have a much easier understanding of my school work and lots of self-growth as a person. They offer a plethora of outstanding programs and classes. They even have two virtual reality headsets in their library for students to use! There, however, is a few things I'd like to see change in the school. For one, I'd like to have a lot more school funded field trips. Another thing I'd like to see is the punishment for behavioral issues between students. One thing I have noticed is that it tends to be ignored, or it keeps repeating. If their is a problem due to a student, other students are told to walk away, and not much action other than that is taken. Sometimes they will have a "talk" with the student, but after so many times of repetition, it is shown that it is not giving any affect, yet, that's the only action taken.
    Read 194 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,277 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Hudson High School

    • Hudson City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 262
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: Hudson High School provided a strong foundation for further academic achievement, with its incredible number of resources and selection of AP classes. Additionally, the extra-curricular activities offered were phenomenal and varied. However, this environment naturally brought about a competitive nature, as well as a focus on STEM and little to no prioritization of the humanities. Additionally, few of the students were aware of their religious, racial, and economic privilege. The school did little to fix these problems, but ultimately achieved its most important goal: a strong curricular education that prepared me well for a college course-load.
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,594 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Dayton Regional STEM School

    • Public School
    • Kettering, OH
    • 6-12
    • 104
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: DRSS is a wonderful alternative to the local public schools. They take pride in meeting the student where they are and letting the student direct their own learning. Very open to creative projects! Very supportive of individual differences. Some teachers are slow in entering grades but they are giving feedback directly to the student if the student request it. Some of the teachers will take personal interest in the students and that really facilitates the learning process! It was the perfect school for me. I was ready for my college experience.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 635 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. New Albany High School

    • New Albany-Plain Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 263
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: The teachers and staff are absolutely amazing! The student body doesn't fall short either which made my 4 years here wonderful. I enjoyed most of my classes and the food was even great! I would love to see more freedom given to seniors seeing that they have been around longer and if trust has not been lost, deserve a bit more freedom like open lunch or opting out of study center periods. Other than that, New Albany has been a great high school and has definitely treated me well.
    Read 263 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,495 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Orange High School

    • Orange City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 106
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: I liked my years at OHS. I was very active in extracurricular activities. I was a Lionette (the drill and dance team), in French Club, a member of the Orange Thespians and Orange Arts Seminar, and Stage Crew. I found a true love for the sciences, especially Biology. In 10th grade, my biology teacher let me stay after school and do extra dissections. She made a real impact on my life and academic career. I think my decision to go into medicine has to do a lot with her.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Olentangy High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 287
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: I’m very thankful for the wonderful academics. It is an atmosphere where I felt like I could really push myself. The teaching staff and administration are wonderful. They are very patient and are hardworking individuals who want to see their students to develop and grow. They are extremely willing to go above and beyond to help any students who ask for assistance. The students there are also very welcoming. There are a lot of programs and sports teams for students to get involved in and helps expand peer relationships. One thing that I wish could change is the extremely competitive academic environment. Even though it has pushed me to become a better student, it can bring down self-confidence. I as well as other student can personally attest to that. Besides that detail, I’m extremely satisfied with my education thus far and I believe that Olentangy High School is pushing me down the right path to college!
    Read 287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,720 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Rocky River High School

    • Rocky River City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 161
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: The highlights of my time at Rocky River High School are my time in the drama department and the music program. Because of the extraordinary instructors in our music department and phenomenal directors in the music department, I have been given opportunities in and around Cleveland that have no parallel. My biggest struggle throughout high school has been fitting into a social circle, as Rocky River has a lot of cliches and friendships predetermined based on childhood friendships between parents.
    Read 161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Chagrin Falls High School

    • Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 169
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: The teachers are great! They are very engaging with the students and have many opportunities for students to visit them if they have questions. The school has multiple facilities to help students with their classes. For example, the school has a Math Lab where students can see a mathematics teacher during a free period and receive math help. Also, there is a Writing Lab with upperclassmen who act as writing interns and assist not only highschoolers but younger kids too with their homework.
    Read 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 768 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Mariemont High School

    • Mariemont City Schools, OH
    • 9-12
    • 67
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I believe that the teachers at Mariemont are one of the bests. Not only do they care about our future goals, but about us as human beings. My writing and math skills have improved tremendously throughout my high school career; I feel well prepared for college. I took many honors and AP classes, which taught me hard work. I have been apart of many clubs, to be exact: 8. Our spirit is thrilling: our student section at every game is usually flooded with fans, rooting on the warriors. My experience with Mariemont athletics has been a dream. I am a four sport athlete: cross country, swimming, lacrosse, and track. I have been on Varsity since freshman year. Junior year, I went to state for swimming and won State in lacrosse. My teammates are all amazing and hardworking people. Winning the State Championship was something beyond words because we won for our coach with ALS. Mariemont athletics has taught me perseverance and sportsmanship.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Ottawa Hills High School

    • Ottawa Hills Local School District, OH
    • 7-12
    • 57
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    High School Senior: It's a tough school, no doubt. If you apply yourself and utilize the resources available, you'll do great. A lot of students complain that the teachers don't pamper them, but those people need to grow up, it's high school. Student council works hard to get people involved, extracurriculars are good, and AP classes do prepare you for the test. The rigor of OHHS as a public school is pretty unusual, but in a good way. Crazy focus on college acceptances, everybody goes to college. I've never heard of anyone going to a trade school, and the school tries to cover up the few people who slip through the cracks. High achievers are rewarded, but there is obvious bias toward kids with parents who are involved in school functions.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 454 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Metro Early College High School

    • Public School
    • Columbus, OH
    • 6-12
    • 57
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Many opportunities to expand outside school (internships, taking college courses, etc.). English was one of the most academically challenging classes three or four years ago, but has since dropped dramatically in difficulty. Other subjects are easy enough, given good work ethic. High focus on "mastery" of courses. Low(er) focus on what those courses are (Art II and Energy and Matter are two examples of unnecessary courses). Frequent slow communication and inability to be flexible when planning events/schedules.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 700 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Beachwood High School

    • Beachwood City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 94
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Sophomore: When I first walked into Beachwood High school for my freshman year of high school I felt very welcome. As the year progressed the same feeling of acceptance stuck with me the entire time, but I realized something. It takes a lot of push to get the students voices to be heard. We have to push for things that we know would better our school and that needs to change. The other thing that Beachwood needs to work on is a better safety system, which they are doing better at this year, but something that really stuck out for the students is what we were told on part of the reasoning for closing open campus was that the person at the front lets in whoever looks like a student. This really frightened some students and we want a better safety system to be put in place.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 608 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Oakwood High School

    • Oakwood City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 126
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: As an alumni, I would say my overall experience at Oakwood was great. A majority of the teachers I had were engaging and enthusiastic about the material they were teaching. Some examples include, but are not limited to: Matt Deters, Brian Martin, Connie Abner, Brooks-Hedstrom, Amy Ostdiek, Fred Schmitz. These teachers go out of their way to help students-- whether it focuses on school material or just life advice in general. Some other teachers.. Not so much. Albeit, when applying to colleges, I felt that the guidance department didn't exactly give a damn about you unless you were "gifted" or in the running to become Salutatorian or Valedictorian. Kind of a shame average students get put on the back burner. Overall, the academics were challenging but engaging as well-- I've already applied some of the knowledge from my AP Comparative Government class in real life scenarios. Cool!
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 728 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Centerville High School

    • Centerville City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 338
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: I loved going to Centerville High School! The teachers were really amazing and cared about you a lot. I had tons of opportunities to get involved and to gain quality experience for college. There were tons of opportunities to find people like you as well. I joined a Lacrosse team, Spanish club, Math Club, Yo-yo Club, Key Club and a couple others over my 4 years there. There was some issues with the levy passing and extras getting cut back but I still enjoyed it.
    Read 338 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,775 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    Grace Christian School

    • Private School
    • Blacklick, OH
    • PK, K-8
    • 8

    Parent: Our family has had three children go through GCS. When they each entered high school, they were in the honors program at a school ranked in the top 10 in Ohio. Each took several AP courses, due to the preparation they received at GCS. Many students go into high school already having received credit for high school courses. All of our children got into outstanding colleges, and have done very well. They all graduated high school and college with honors. GCS is just outstanding. The academics fit with whatever academic level your child possesses, whether it be superior, average, or needing improvement. The extracurricular offerings are wonderful. The music and drama programs are exceptional. As one current student puts it, the faculty and students make GCS a family.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Laurel School

    • Private School
    • Shaker Heights, OH
    • PK, K-12
    • 94

    Senior: I absolutely love Laurel. Between the teacher-student relationships, the classes, and the overall environment, I feel that Laurel is the best school I could possibly be at! The teachers love it when students meet with them; when you roam the hallways you are sure to see students meeting with teachers about an upcoming test or just to ask them a question. I love how the teachers available and willing to help.
    Laurel has the perfect class sizes. Each grade in the upper school consists of about 70 girls, and the classes will never have more than 18 kids.The small classes allow students to get close to their teacher, and the teacher to get close to their students.
    Overall, Laurel is an amazing place with a welcoming community. Everyone is so kind and friendly. I remembered when I toured Laurel, the girls were so excited to have me there. This is one of the biggest reasons why I chose Laurel.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 645 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 37