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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
    • 190
    1 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: I've recently graduated from Dublin Jerome along with the class of 2017, and being a part of the Celtic community has made a giant impact on me. Originally, I was to attend Coffman. Instead, my parents had me open-enrolled here. Yes, I was a bit distraught, but in the end, I'm glad I came here. I've met so many great and generous students, teachers, and administrators who have helped me all four years of my high school career. Even though I have graduated, this school was so great that it actually made me want to stay! It's a wonderful environment, and I know so many more great memories will be made with the incoming members of the Celtic community.
    Read 190 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,563 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Solon High School

    • Solon City School District, OH
    • 8-12
    • 359
    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 359 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,693 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Dublin Coffman High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 256
    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 256 Reviews

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

    Grand River Academy

    • Private School
    • Austinburg, OH
    • 9-12
    • 11

    Parent: The staff and teachers care about the boys and it is clear that they want to help their students be successful. The campus is pretty, the dorm rooms are basic – it isn’t the fanciest boarding school, but they get the job done. Most of the teachers live on campus, which helps when anyone needs special attention. They have a variety of class options, particularly around their “intensive” sessions that last 2 weeks. There are a lot of activities to keep students occupied. My son has been there for 2.5 years and has grown tremendously. His grades are up and he is in a club and sports. Small class sizes and the availability of the teachers keeps him on track. The teachers encourage him and applaud his successes; they will get on his case if he needs that too. He was failing in the public school and I couldn’t help him anymore. GRA staff and teachers stepped in and started him on a positive path.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 85 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Walnut Hills High School

    • Cincinnati City School District, OH
    • 7-12
    • 437
    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 437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,778 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. William Mason High School

    • Mason City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 678
    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 678 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,529 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Indian Hill High School

    • Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 125
    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 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Sycamore High School

    • Sycamore Community School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 216
    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 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,646 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bexley High School

    • Bexley City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 76
    8 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: Bexley academically prepares students for college- the teachers are phenomenal, the courses are challenging, and all academic areas have a broad range of AP classes. The building is safe and beautiful, and the facilities are great for sports (big stadium, basketball court). Socially, it tends to lack in diversity and be cliquey- its small size lends itself to exclusivity. However, there are many nice people and you can make great friendships if you seek them out.
    Read 76 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 694 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Olentangy Liberty High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 220
    9 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Olentangy Liberty High School definitely exceeds academically. The students are incredibly intelligent, but they lack morality and empathy. Bullying is a big problem at this school especially because these kids are extremely spoiled living in a wealthy city like Powell. Although the students are a problem, the majority of the teachers are well qualified and work hard to help the students succeed. This school also works very hard to prepare students for college. Overall, I strongly recommend this school because of the academic advantage these students receive.
    Read 220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,060 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Wyoming High School

    • Wyoming City Schools, OH
    • 8-12
    • 109
    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 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 642 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Madeira High School

    • Madeira City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 116
    11 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: MHS is an exceptional school with incredible teachers that really push you to succeed. It is evident that every teacher is there because they want to be, and they put great time into not only their lesson plans, but also the students. Every teacher is willing to spend extra time with students in order to ensure they comprehend the material. If I could change anything, it would be some administrative details like backpack policy and superfluous assemblies.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 421 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Dublin Scioto High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 186
    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 186 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,277 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Hudson High School

    • Hudson City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 256
    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 256 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,594 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Dayton Regional STEM School

    • Public School
    • Kettering, OH
    • 6-12
    • 102
    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 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 635 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. New Albany High School

    • New Albany-Plain Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 259
    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 259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,495 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Orange High School

    • Orange City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 105
    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 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Olentangy High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 279
    17 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: This is a school district that focused on you and your experience. They set you up for success by providing you the most experienced and effective teachers and administration. The environment is filled with loving teachers and open arms. I am proud to be an Olentangy Brave and I hope one day, my kids can say the same!
    Read 279 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,720 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Rocky River High School

    • Rocky River City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 158
    18 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Rocky River High School has prepared me for the best future I could create for myself. Everyday, I feel incredibly safe and comfortable within the facility and the teachers that lead their classes. I discovered the best part of my abilities in high school, and realized that I was able to make changes for my academics and still succeed, with the help from my teachers, administrators, and peers. I thank those who helped me along the way for providing the best type of care and education that this beautiful city has to offer. On the other hand, I would like to see more diversity within the school district (which sometimes cannot be controlled based on the demographics of the city) in order to create less of a "bubble" feel.
    Read 158 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Chagrin Falls High School

    • Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 166
    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 166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 768 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Mariemont High School

    • Mariemont City Schools, OH
    • 9-12
    • 65
    20 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Freshman: The academics and teachers are very good, if a bit difficult at times. The teachers and counselors do an excellent job of preparing you for college. Many students are involved in sports and football games are big events. However, the girls are very cliquey and there is a big problem with boys vaping in the bathroom.
    Read 65 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
    • 56
    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 56 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
    • 54
    22 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Metro Early college high school is a great school for students who want to be challenged. There are a few unhelpful teachers, but most are caring and attentive, even the difficult ones. The student culture is excellent. The school is extremely diverse.

    However, the administration can be disorganized. Increasingly, this high school is not a priority among the metro governing board, which has to focus on creating a middle school and technical high school from scratch. Specifically, the learning center experience is a shadow of what it once was.

    Also note that because admission to college is based on student performance relative to other students at your school, this does not look good on college applications. Furthermore, there are no AP classes here. AP classes are both easier than real college classes and look better to colleges because they are standardized.

    This was a great place to go and it's heartbreaking to see some aspects of it decline.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 700 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  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
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  33. Oakwood High School

    • Oakwood City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 125
    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 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 728 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Centerville High School

    • Centerville City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 334
    25 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Really great school for learning at high levels if you choose to. At Centerville hHigh School there are great block programs where selected juniors and seniors get to take major specific classes such as the one I’m in now. I am in the Engineering block program and I have learned a lot about designing, machining, and wiring in my class. I have had a great experience so far! I am also taking Honors Physics two this year as a senior. I am thankful that the students at Centerville have the option to take such a high level course in high school.
    Read 334 Reviews

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

    Promise Academy

    • Public School
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 9-12
    • 5

    Senior: I love how we're able to get an one on one with our teachers about each class we struggle in. The thing I would change is having more sports and clubs for us to do after school
    Read 5 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 289 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Cincinnati Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • PK, K-12
    • 56

    Parent: This school has been more than I hoped for and my expectations were pretty high coming from an outstanding school. They offer numerous opportunities to get to know other members of the community from a parent standpoint and everyone has been very welcoming. My kids are thrilled and thriving. They love the teachers, and have many avenues in which to participate. They can't wait to get to school! It has easily been the highlight of our move.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 870 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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