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K-12 Schools in Ohio
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2018 Best Public High Schools in OhioAbout this List

The 2018 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.

Best Schools
919 results

  1. The Wellington School

    Sponsored
    • Private School
    • Columbus, OH
    • PK, K-12
    • 35

    Parent: We love Wellington. Our three kids thrive in the supportive environment which allows students to take risks and stretch their notion of what's possible. The differentiated nature of the curriculum meets the needs of each child. Our son can receive extra help in math, yet extension spelling words. And thanks to inclusive athletics, our oldest daughter discovered she has an affinity for softball and tennis - two sports she never would have tried elsewhere. Go Jags!
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 667 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Walnut Hills High School

    • Cincinnati City School District, OH
    • 7-12
    • 411
    1 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: I started at Walnut in the 7th grade. Coming from out of state, I didn’t have any connections with the students. Yet by the end of the week, I had found a community. To me, the best part about Walnut is that if you want to succeed, you have every opportunity to do so. In a competitive environment, both friends and teachers push you do to your best. Teachers offer weekly helpnights and friends study together before tests and exams. Unlike many schools, Walnut has an entire office (separate from guidance counselors) dedicated to college planning, called the College Information Center. Three full-time employees are available to help with ACT/SAT prep, college essay reviews, and Naviance instruction. I used all these services, and already I got a 30 on my first ACT, a draft of my college essay, and 21 colleges I’m considering. I am very grateful to them, and I can not wait to graduate in 2019.
    Read 411 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,591 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Dublin Jerome High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 183
    2 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 183 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,489 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Dublin Coffman High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 251
    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 251 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,871 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Solon High School

    • Solon City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 346
    4 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: Great school! Teachers really prepare you well for exams and for college as well. The environment and city overall is very safe. Sports and extracurriculars are a big part of the school environment, and many students participate. Overall, the school is diverse and the student culture has a positive impact on the school. The workload helps prepare student for college. I found that upon entering college, the curriculum was not as difficult as I would have expected. The content was difficult, but keeping up with assignments and exams was not as challenging because I was used to a rigorous workload in high school.
    Read 346 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,697 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. William Mason High School

    • Mason City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 645
    5 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I loved going to William Mason High School. The environment was stimulating yet friendly in academics, sports, extracurriculars, or any other activities. As a student body, Mason is very encouraging and disciplined. We always strive to do better and make our school a happy place. One thing I would change about Mason would be the pressure that is placed on academics, especially within certain cultural groups. The students at Mason are held to a high academic standard which can be stressful and nerve-wracking for some students. While I encourage holding students to high standards, those standards should expand to sports, art, or any other extracurricular the student may excel at, rather than just academics. Other than that, Mason High School is a very encouraging, stimulating, energetic, and fun school that produces the best students, friends, and classmates.
    Read 645 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,476 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. New Albany High School

    • New Albany-Plain Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 255
    6 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 255 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,411 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Western Reserve Academy

    Sponsored
    • Private School
    • Hudson, OH
    • 9-12
    • 160

    Parent: So many wonderful things about WRA! Passionate faculty who clearly love their subjects (walk the halls of the science building and it's lined with journals and reading material), generous staff who build relationships with the kids and a rigorous curriculum. My son says "at WRA, they work hard and they play hard". I am impressed with how the faculty takes every student and works to grow them as learners. For example, my daughter did so well her first semester, her adviser called a meeting of her faculty to see how they could continue to challenge her. That really impressed me!
    Read 160 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 405 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Orange High School

    • Orange City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 103
    7 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: It started out well when I first came here but the atmosphere quickly changed in my later years. They started instituting new rules that ruined the high school experience because they started having safety issues they couldn't combat any other way. However, the school district is very wealthy and provides students with great options they can't get elsewhere.
    Read 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 695 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Indian Hill High School

    • Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 122
    8 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I entered the Indian Hill School District as a Freshman, knowing nearly no one, and I've never found it to be anything but incredibly welcoming. Of course, the academics are also incredible and have done fantastic work to prepare me for college and my future.
    Read 122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 626 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Sycamore High School

    • Sycamore Community School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 207
    9 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Sycamore High School is a great place to learn and be involved. This diverse school has so many clubs, activities and various electives that every student can learn something new or discover a passion. The school really tries to help prepare students for life after high school. The counseling and administrative staff really take a personal interest to plot a personalized "Success" path/plan for each student and their abilities... SYCAMORE STRONG!
    Read 207 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,604 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Beachwood High School

    • Beachwood City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 92
    10 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Sophomore: As a brand new sophomore coming into Beachwood HS, I can assure that any student at this school is getting very high quality education that they need to succeed and thrive as a US citizen. Upon immediate admission, counselors, students, and teachers presented great gratitude and joy to know a new student would be joining the school and were all very well prepared to give me as much help as I needed to get on track with the rest of the students. I will say that if you are a new student transitioning from a lower quality school, you will have a tough time adjusting to their rigorous curriculum. They take a very high standard approach to learning beyond the par-of-the-course "critical thinking" and "hands on" approaches. I can absolutely understand why students and surrounding communities refer to Beachwood as the "public private school" in Cleveland Area.
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 617 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Bexley High School

    • Bexley City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 72
    11 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 72 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 656 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Wyoming High School

    • Wyoming City Schools, OH
    • 9-12
    • 108
    12 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 108 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 642 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Ottawa Hills High School

    • Ottawa Hills Local School District, OH
    • 7-12
    • 55
    13 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 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 464 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Olentangy High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 269
    14 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Olentangy is a great school! It is a large school that offers many opportunities to students including rigorous coursework, academic clubs and other extracurricular activities.
    Read 269 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,596 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Dublin Scioto High School

    • Dublin City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 180
    15 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: I moved here to Dublin when I was only 15 years old. Moving here was and still is very different from my home city, Cleveland, Ohio. When I moved here I did not know anything but Dublin Scioto High School introduced me to everything I need to know. I did not know much about AP or IB classes, did not even know they existed but at this school I learned and improved my intelligence a tenfold. I can not express how much I appreciate this school!
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,220 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Hudson High School

    • Hudson City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 249
    16 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Hudson has very good academic facilities with teachers who are very committed to making sure all the students can be successful. However, Hudson has an unhealthy obsession with grades and academic achievement to the point that school consumes the student's lives. Hudson also does not prepare students for what they real world is like because it is a very isolated community but overall it has been an enjoyable school to attend.
    Read 249 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,616 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Centerville High School

    • Centerville City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 329
    17 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 329 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,750 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Orange High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 139
    18 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Senior: Olentangy Orange High School was a great experience for high school to have, the teachers really cared about moving each of the students forward not only in their classes, but further than that, through life. The arts programs are where the school truly shines, the (marching) band, the choir(s), the orchestras and the theatre program were all truly exceptional. The administration also ran a ship that was kept to very high standards, but manageable ones. The students are given a good amount of work, nothing that should make the students feel too overwhelmed or like they can't participate in out of school activities or sports or a job. Overall, Olentangy Orange is a top of the line high school that the students are very lucky to attend.
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,642 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Mariemont High School

    • Mariemont City Schools, OH
    • 9-12
    • 63
    19 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    High School Freshman: My experience at this school is amazing, the boys are attractive and the girls are all so sweet and kind! Everyone excels at academics and sweetness.
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 505 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Rocky River High School

    • Rocky River City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 157
    20 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: Rocky River High School gives you the academic skills and social skills needed to succeed in the next years of your life. Because of the teacher's high expectations of their students, these students thrive in the hardest of classes. Students also are taught how to interact properly with different people on a day to day basis, which is an extremely important skill to master at a young age that most schools forget to include. The only downside to the high school is the lack of diversity. This city is known as a bubble as it is mainly wealthy white folk that live in this city. While this is not a major problem in the slightest (it could even be beneficial), it does cause the students to leave the town unexperienced with other cultures besides their own.
    Read 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 854 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Olentangy Liberty High School

    • Olentangy Local School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 212
    21 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: Olentangy really excels in acedmics. It is a very competitive environment & there are many challenging courses. Liberty offers so many different classes for a wide range of students. The environment the teachers provide are also a good learning environment with a lot of hands on & critical thinking. Another thing Liberty offers are so many different clubs. They do a nice job of providing clubs for everyone's different interest & even give you the option to start your own if you don't have any you are interested in. Another great aspect of Liberty is the sports team. Liberty excels in athletics! It is very competitive & there are also so many fans out to support those sports teams. Overall, my experience at Liberty has been swell & I am glad I get to be a part of this school.
    Read 212 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,884 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Upper Arlington High School

    • Upper Arlington Schools, OH
    • 9-12
    • 163
    22 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: Upper Arlington High School is very well equipped- with technology, tutor availability, and theater/arts/athletic supplies. The education is too traditional for my taste. They seem to prepare students to just meet goals instead of address their life in a meaningful way through the lens of education, which is more my style. Their Community School program does an excellent job of that, but the administration seems uninterested in proliferating that program (not mentioned on their website at all).
    Read 163 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,766 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Madeira High School

    • Madeira City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 115
    23 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Junior: I've had a wonderful experience as a student at Madeira High School. The teachers are fantastic and the students are kind. We are Madeira Strong and proud of our small school. We are very inclusive and supportive of each other. We come to school each day and do not have to worry about our safety or being bullied. Everyone has something they are involved in whether it is our awesome school marching band, choir, athletics, academic team, or chess club. There are opportunities for all students to connect with one another as well as with a teacher. Everyone knows your name, even the superintendent knows the names of the students and attends all of our events.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 431 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Hilliard Darby High School

    • Hilliard City School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 258
    24 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: I loved Hilliard Darby! The education is high quality as well as the performance of sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. The teachers are very involved with school beyond just the classroom and are very helpful on an individual level. The school offers plenty of educational help for students of all learning types, including an amazing program for children with social and mental disabilities. The social gatherings that we had were exceptional and very well planned and executed. Overall, I really enjoyed my time there. I learned a lot, performed well on tests, quizzes, and in group collaborations and projects. I had an amazing experience as a member of the bands and I absolutely loved attending and watching the sports teams throughout the year. Darby is an amazing, and you should definitely go there, or send your kids there. Go Panthers!
    Read 258 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,516 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Granville High School

    • Granville Exempted Village School District, OH
    • 9-12
    • 121
    25 Best Public High Schools in Ohio

    Alum: In all, my experience at Granville High School has been neutral. As a freshman in college, at the time of writing this, I can say that I am over prepared for college, whereas my counterparts from other schools are not. The academics at GHS are stellar, but this comes with many drawbacks. Specifically, crippling stress and pressure to perform; it is expected to have homework five days a week, one assessment, and one project or paper for each student's 5 to 7 classes. While this extremely rigorous regime of learning has prepared me for college, I could say that Granville lacks in the department of developing skills for critical thinking, independence of learning, and care for student's well-being. If Granville prides itself on teaching life learning, it is clear the school only teaches the minimum necessary to show performance on state testing and standardized tests, rather than allowing for student’s own exploration in their learning experiences.
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 841 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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2018 Best Public High Schools in Ohio
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