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2019 Best Public High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout 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 697
Best Schools
697 results

  1. Conestoga Senior High School

    • Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 323 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: This school is full of great people! Students are friendly, and hardworking, and the teachers are some of the best! Food is meh, the school itself is a bit too small, and old. Only 2 levels, with 2 courtyards, and parking lot is only large enough for staff, and three quarters of the seniors...

    Overall, a great experience, and I would definitely recommend!
    Read 323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,141 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 5-12
    • 208 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: I've been in Masterman since fifth grade and I can surely say that this school will really push you to be successful. Many of the teachers don't stress kids with amounts of useless homework and only give when necessary. Although the school is so small, you get to know and create strong bonds with the teachers and staff. It really does make you feel connected with everyone and one big family! I wished there was more diversity though because it's mostly a lot of white and asian kids than other races. I love the placement of the school since it's right above center city and close to a bunch of places to eat and the subway. I definitely recommend your kids coming here!
    Read 208 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,190 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Radnor Senior High School

    • Radnor Township School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 112 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: The academics at Radnor High School are superb! The extracurricular activities such as the music department and the sports teams (which I’m involved in) have also been the highlights of my years there. There are lot of fun traitions like LM week, but the school needs to work on inclusivity and having a more welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. I have some friends that are new that are finding it hard to adjust because people are not that willing to be friendly.
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,190 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Moravian Academy

    • Private School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 62 reviews

    Parent: Who knew this gem existed? My husband attended private school but his experience was nothing like this. Moravian is amazing! They offer 3 languages plus Latin, a robust music program, robotics and programming electives. There are multiple after school sports for every season that run daily which is a huge plus for working parents. They also have after care which can be used daily or on a drop in basis.

    The student population is amazing. They are kind, considerate, respectful and bright. The teachers are remarkable. My son never feels spoken down to. Expectations are clear and the students thrive to meet or exceed them.

    Classrooms are well-equipped with all the current technology and it is used correctly by teachers. Students are issued iPads for the year and much of the work is done on that.

    Our son was very reluctant to change schools, but he was thrilled from the first day. If we knew this existed we would have made the decision sooner. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!
    Read 62 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 709 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Harriton Senior High School

    • Lower Merion School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 164 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: Harriton was an incredibly academically competitive school with a beautiful campus and amazing teachers and resources! The competitiveness is just because everyone expects the best from you and wants you to excel to the best of your abilities. There are a million clubs, sports, and activities to join into as well. The people are always willing to help and the teachers are genuinely some of the best I have ever had in my life. They are willing to help you out academically, socially, and mentally and emotionally.
    Read 164 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,217 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Strath Haven High School

    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 243 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Strath Haven is a unique school, combining challenging academics with an emphasis on exploring interests outside of the classroom. AP courses are offered in abundance and block scheduling is very helpful to allow in-depth teaching. Teachers work to help any student succeed if the student wants to. The school also has a daily schedule that allows people to become very involved with both simultaneously, blurring the lines between the sterotypical “jocks” and “band nerds.” Strath Haven is most well-known for is its marching band, which is one of the largest in the country with over 400 students (⅓ of the student body).

    Most students attend college after graduating, and are admitted to a range of schools including Ivy League schools, state schools, and specialized institutions.

    Strath Haven is a great high school that encourages students to pursue their interests and explore their academic passions. It can be stressful at times, but it prepares you well for the real world.
    Read 243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,140 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Downingtown STEM Academy

    • Downingtown Area School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 66 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Overall, I have had an incredibly positive experience at the Downingtown STEM Academy! I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this high school, as the opportunities it has opened up for me over the past four years are absolutely unmatched. It's one of the top public high schools in PA for a reason! The academics are rigorous, yet the teachers are incredibly supportive and will go the extra mile to ensure students are successful. I feel very well prepared for college after my experiences in the IB programme! If there is anything truly negative to say about the school, there is a very observable stress culture that lingers throughout the student body. The workload is already intense and many students face considerable academic pressures (internally and externally instigated). Fortunately, however, teachers and admin are actively working on sustaining a more positive school culture.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 791 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. North Allegheny High School

    • North Allegheny School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 686 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: North Allegheny is a school of excellence concerning their background and the future ahead. Although it is sparse in diversity, they never fail to include absolutely everyone who attends school with programs such as GSA and Multicultural Student Union. The teachers genuinely love their job, which ultimately motivates the students to love learning and come to school with an open mind. However, the school is extremely competitive and can cause high stress levels due to the amount of pressure surrounding good grades and getting into top colleges. Nevertheless, it is arguably the best school in Pennsylvania.
    Read 686 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,665 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Lower Merion High School

    • Lower Merion School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 220 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: Lower Merion High School is an excellent high school. LMHS has amazing teachers and staff which actually care about your success. LMHS offers many classes, sports, after school activities and clubs. Also, LMHS has an amazing "lunch and learn" program where you may go anywhere on campus during lunch and may meet with teachers for at least half of lunch. LMHS has a great community filled with caring and respecting students and makes every student feel at home.
    Read 220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,434 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Fox Chapel Area High School

    • Fox Chapel Area School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 287 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I consider myself very lucky to have been able to not only go to Fox Chapel's high school but also elementary and middle schools. Fox Chapel has great opportunities for all different kinds of students. Incredible art classes, business classes, and other areas that are helpful to future college students. Being that I am now going to be a sophomore in college, I credit a lot of my picking schools and my major to the classes, teachers, and experiences I had at FC!
    Read 287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,380 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Unionville High School

    • Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 180 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: Unionville High School offered me an incredible high school education that I am incredibly grateful for. I was more than prepared for college with a wide array of AP and honors classes available to me. The teachers were enthusiastic and very evidently cared for their students. However, there was a very distinct lack of financial and racial diversity throughout the entire school district.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,310 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Mt. Lebanon Senior High School

    • Mt. Lebanon School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 316 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: What I loved about Mt. Lebanon High School was that it intensely focused on developing writing skills among students, which is a skill that will never die and not be desired. The high school itself has been completely remodeled with innovative technology and top of the line fire safety technology. The cafeterias are lined with several large flat screen TVs to stay updated on the world news as well as display local school announcements. The teachers there really want you to succeed as a student and person. The one thing that Mt. Lebanon High School lacks is diversity. It has an overwhelmingly white majority population. I would love to see other cultures and races represented there.
    Read 316 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,769 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Wissahickon Senior High School

    • Wissahickon School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 231 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Wissahickon High School caters to students that are high achievers or low achievers. Kids that are average students can sometimes get lost. There are a few stand out teachers that really care, other than that teachers are average. More could be done to get students involved in different ways (clubs, sports,etc). Sports program could be better and more money should be dedicated to more quality coaches.
    Read 231 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,337 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Central High School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 1,182 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: Central High School is an incredibly unique experience. It has been ranked the most diverse high school in America, which is my favorite thing about it. Every year, "International Day" celebrates cultures from all over the world. Almost every Central student graduates fully prepared for the academic rigor of college, but this preparedness is achieved by the perpetuation of constant and often artificial stress. The workload is intense and inflexible. However, it forces students to work hard and have grit, and Central graduates have an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. It is an academically strong and socially unique school.
    Read 1,182 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,316 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Hershey High School

    • Derry Township School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 220 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: No lack of resources, but the resources offered were not relevant to my interests or choice of major in college. Things I started on my own or with groups received little assistance, and many activities that I did find interesting were discontinued.
    Strictly academically, my experience was very good. Coursework remained relevant in exam settings and in the work I do today.
    Established culture made group involvement extremely difficult, and I often felt ostracized or like an impostor due to aforementioned culture that comprised cliques and cultural bubbles.
    Read 220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,117 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Great Valley High School

    • Great Valley School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 119 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: GV is a great high school. I had an excellent four years here, despite the massive amount of homework teachers gave. This school is the perfect mix between being competitive and being relaxed - it just depends on the type of student you are or want to be. Sports are a big priority while sometimes activities like those in the music dept come second. Relatively diverse for the Main Line area, which is cool. Overall, pretty cool teachers, lots of clubs and activities, and nice students. Prepares students well for college if they take a lot of
    Honors and AP classes.
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,280 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Upper St. Clair High School

    • Upper St. Clair School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 234 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: I am very grateful for the opportunities Upper St. Clair has given me. The school goes above and beyond to ensure students are prepared for college and their future. I also love how many programs we are able to get involved with, personally, I am involved in Girls United Globally, Kids Helping Kids, and Stage crew. All of these have allowed me to expand my horizons and global views and meet new people and find new opportunities. One thing I would like to see more of at USC is diversity. Our school has slowly started encourage diversity by creating “Diversity Week”. Diversity Week is a week at our school where all the clubs come together to talk about their diverse aspects. I am happy we are starting to step closer to embracing diversity at our school!
    Read 234 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,391 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Council Rock High School - North

    • Council Rock School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 246 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Council Rock School North is phenomenal high school. The curriculum offers tons of AP and honors courses as well as accelerated and academic courses. Enough variety to challenge most students. The teachers are knowledgable, dedicated and available. We have incredible sports teams and clubs and a great sense of school spirit. The high school is located in a charming historic town within walking distance to everything. I feel luck to live in a community where the public is so highly regarded!
    Read 246 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,699 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Central Bucks High School - South

    • Central Bucks School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 341 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Central Bucks High School South has so many classes to offer that are directed towards specific fields, like anatomy, forensics, business classes, computer classes, and many more! This school prepares you for college by making the students strive for success and the want to learn.
    Read 341 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,800 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. State College Area High School

    • State College Area School District, PA
    • 8-12
    • 467 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: State College High School offers an incredible variety of courses, allowing students to customize their learning experience. From the auto shop to the student-run store, State High's courses and facilities provide a well-rounded education for all students. The teachers and counselors prepare students for college and the workforce. A plethora of clubs fill the classrooms after school, allowing students to pursue many interests and meet others. Located in the heart of State College, this school benefits greatly from sitting so close to Penn State. Dual enrollment and independent study opportunities are common among State High students. At State High, there is a large emphasis on college readiness, causing some counselors to be unavailable to meet with students regularly. The school culture of freedom and expression allows students to discover themselves while gaining a quality education.
    Read 467 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,278 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy

    • Erie City School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 335 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: The teachers there are amazing!! They really push students to do their best and you’re given so many wonderful opportunities to do things for the community and more! Sometimes the workload is strenuous and exhausting but it’s really pushed me to manage my time better and work harder.
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 779 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Central Bucks High School - East

    • Central Bucks School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 346 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: The teachers are great! However, I thought the environment could have been more welcoming and inclusive. There was also a large focus on sports, especially football while other sports like soccer, swimming, and baseball and activities like music, art, and language were often overlooked.
    Read 346 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,582 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. North Penn Senior High School

    • North Penn School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 565 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Middle School Student: I just recently moved into North Penn School District, A lot of students at my middle school talk about the teachers in a bad way. The teachers do get mad at students at times when there is no need to be mad but so far my experience at North Penn has been wonderful. I’ve made so many friends and i’ve met so many different people I never thought I’d meet. I would highly recommend moving into the North Penn School District Area, the amount of people may be scary but it’s a very friendly and welcoming place to live at!
    Read 565 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,158 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School 

  32. Haverford Senior High School

    • School District of Haverford Township, PA
    • 9-12
    • 267 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Haverford High is a very nice school to learn at, almost all of the teachers are very kind, understanding, and good at what they do. They also almost all offer after school times that you can ask for help if you are struggling in a subject. Haverford also offers a wide variety of sports and clubs, so everyone can find an extracurricular activity that they enjoy. Unfortunately a lot of emphasis is put on the football team and achievements from other clubs or sports is often undershadowed, but I wouldn’t necessarily say this is the administrations fault.
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,724 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Quaker Valley High School

    • Quaker Valley School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 201 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Quaker Valley is very special. It challenges every stereotype ever created by movies and pop culture. I have never had a teacher that wasn't dedicated to their students. The staff is so friendly and caring that they seem more like friends than authority figures - they don't lose any respect from students, though. The students are hard-working, busy, and dedicated to everything they do. Most students take high level honors and AP classes, participate in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities, and are extremely social and friendly. Our music department is highly regarded and most students are involved in some way or another. Our athletic department is very successful, most teams making it to state playoffs, and competitive, but also inclusive. Our football team just won their first state championship after being predicted to not win one game this season! I am so lucky to be a Quaker.
    Read 201 Reviews

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

  34. New Hope-Solebury High School

    • New Hope-Solebury School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 101 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: New Hope-Solebury is a great school equipped with caring teachers, involved faculty, and an abundance of supplies. I truly feel challenged and prepared to enter college.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 534 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    Dock Mennonite Academy

    • Private School
    • Lansdale, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 121 reviews

    Alum: My experience at Dock Mennonite Academy was one to remember. I always hear about students after they graduate do not stay in contact with their peers, but it isn't that way at Dock. Yes, most people you lose contact with but I have developed solid relationships with the people at high school and even the teachers that they still remember, care and keep in contact with you. When I go back for sports events the teachers and students who I went to school with genuinally care about you and what you are doing after graduating. It was and still is a caring environment!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 845 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Nazareth Prep

    • Private School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 16 reviews

    Parent: The staff at Nazereth Prep have truly become our extended family! For the last 4 years they have been there for not only my son but the whole family. When my son developed anxiety about riding the bus and started missing school, they came up with a plan so he could still learn.They made a plan using technology so he could continue learning. When we could not drink the water from our taps due to excessive chemicals, they went to Costco, they delivered cases of water to any family who needed it. Due to them, my son has gained confidence and a direction for life after high school. When I was sick and in the hospital, I received a get well card, teachers and other staff asking my son how I was feeling and sending their best wishes! I totally recommend Nazereth Prep to any family who wishes to see their child grow and become confident in who they are and what they can accomplish with hard work and critical problem solving skills!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 141 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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