K-12 Schools in Pennsylvania
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2018 Best Public High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout 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.

699 results

  1. Conestoga Senior High School

    • Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 270
    1 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: Conestoga High is a great school with outstanding education, arts, sports, music and tech. Academic atmosphere is competitive and engages students in multi-disciplinary view of education. Students have variety of options to choose classes ranging in different levels of difficulty. Students feel motivated to work hard and find their field of interest and independence in this high school. The sports and music departments are exceptional, passionate and talented. While the cafeteria offers the best food. Fine Arts classes provide fun atmosphere to work on projects, and create masterpieces. Students tend to become better students after studying there, because the atmosphere molds them into good students. Think it's helpful to have a team to help students with mental pressure or illnesses. Otherwise, it's a bright school with many opportunities for students to delve into any career choice they want to go into. Great place to prepare students for college and future endeavors.
    Read 270 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 5-12
    • 174
    2 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: Masterman is ranked as one of the top schools in the state. It is a really great school! Everyone is really close to each other, so you feel really comfortable. The teachers are also really great. It is easy to go up to them when you have any problems with anything. There are many things wrong with the actual school building itself, but Masterman is one of the best experiences you can get.
    Read 174 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,180 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Harriton Senior High School

    • Lower Merion School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 147
    3 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Harriton High School has overall been an amazing experience. The teachers are what make it what it is though. the staff is so welcoming and amazing and just simply brilliant in every way. The food sucks, but that isn't a surprise. Because the district is wealthy, we have cutting edge equipment which helps facilitate more activities and makes the learning great. There isn't the best sense of school spirit since our sport teams suck, however our academic teams are the best in the nation. I am involved with a few of the extracurricular, like theater for example, and the administration try their hardest to help the goals of each club or activity. Overall it has been wonderful and I feel very prepared for college
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,154 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Radnor Senior High School

    • Radnor Township School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 95
    4 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: A wonderful learning environment with so much to do! Everyone is extremely active and participates in things like sports, clubs, or band.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,172 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. North Allegheny High School

    • North Allegheny School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 658
    5 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    High School Senior: North Allegheny is a great school for anybody. I love how they have so many different clubs to join, for example, they have frisbee club, model club..etc. There is so much stuff to choose from! Also, at North Allegheny, sports and athletic, are really big here. Our football team has 2 state champions, since I have been here. My cousins go to North Hills (our enemies school) and they are always so jealous because we always beat them in football. Overall, North Allegheny is a great place to attend, we are dominate in all areas from academic, clubs to sports. LET'S GO TIGERS!
    Read 658 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,721 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Unionville High School

    • Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 170
    6 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Excellent learning environment with supportive teachers. Lots of opportunities for involvement. Students are friendly for the most part and supportive of each other.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,320 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Fox Chapel Area High School

    • Fox Chapel Area School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 269
    7 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    High School Sophomore: I love going to Fox Chapel. I'm given so many opportunities and chances to become whatever I chose to be. There are so many classes offered, extracurricular activities, etc. One of my favorite experiences at Fox Chapel would be the annual charity telethon. Each year we host a week of fun activities and events that benefit a new charity each year. some of the activities include pictures with Santa, a fashion show, a teacher vs. student basketball game, a live animal show, and a beautiful showing of our schools busking club which is full of talented singers and musicians. This year we raised over $68,000! It shows how much good a group of people can do when they come together and support a great cause.
    Read 269 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,413 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Lower Merion High School

    • Lower Merion School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 202
    8 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Lower Merion is a great school with plenty of academic and extra curricular opportunities available for students. There are hundreds of clubs, sports, and unique opportunities you can't find at many other schools. You can choose to take advantage of these or not, and there is something for everyone.

    In terms of academics, there are lots of challenging courses to choose from as well as lower-level courses. Many teachers are great and passionate about their subject, but not all teachers are like this. It can be hard to get good grades at LM but it's also difficult to fail- most teachers will do everything they can to keep you from failing.

    One downside of LM is the competitive culture- there is a big emphasis on getting into college and doing things/taking courses for the sake of college transcripts rather than interest or learning.

    Overall, LM is what you make of it- you can learn a lot if you come in with the right attitude.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,350 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Downingtown STEM Academy

    • Downingtown Area School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 39
    9 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Niche User: I honestly love the majority of everything about STEM! You're given unbelievable independence, that you won't appreciate until talking to people that attend other high schools. Also, I love the relationships that I have formed with my teachers. Here, you are not simply a number. Your teachers become your friends and they truly care about what happens to you and I think very few people can say that about their high school teachers. Also, the resources and knowledge that you are given are unbelievably helpful for the future! Use of the Knowledge Commons, career exploration opportunities, 150 hour service projects and 4,000 word research essays are among a few!
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 787 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Strath Haven High School

    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 211
    10 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: A unique aspect about Strath Haven is its block scheduling. Students can pick certain classes, and everyone has only four classes a semester. This fostered a closer relationship among students and teachers because more time and focus was spent with each class. With the freedom of picking certain classes, I was able to have my classes adjusted to my interests, and this was helpful in preparing for my future because I gained more experiences in subjects that I would actually use in the long run.
    What are more important are social experiences I have been able to encounter throughout high school. The fact that underclassmen in my organizations listened and respected my opinions, made me become more confident in my own abilities. The majority of the school is open to uniqueness, and we take pride in our overall culture.
    Read 211 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,175 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Mt. Lebanon Senior High School

    • Mt. Lebanon School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 290
    11 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    High School Senior: I would definitely choose this school over others because of the great education, teachers, and student life. One of my favorite events that my school puts on twice a year is our spirit assembly! All the students sit with the kids from their elementary school and each school puts up students to compete in different, fun events! The school who does the best in the events wins! That is just one of the many amazing experiences that I have had during my time at Mt. Lebanon High School.
    Read 290 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,693 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Wissahickon Senior High School

    • Wissahickon School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 210
    12 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Honestly, Wissahickon is a pretty solid high school. We are among the best public high schools in Pennsylvania. Academics are stressed at Wiss and most of the teachers are willing to go the extra mile for their students. Our facilities and school culture have definitely been lacking the most over the past few years. We do not have the best community spirit that we could have.
    Read 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,386 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Central High School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 1,051
    13 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    High School Junior: I do like Central high, but at he same time, the size of each class is extreme! You have to truly stand out or else you are one of the unknown face walking through the halls. I am not someone who stands out, especially with my teachers. I try, but I tend to all my fears to overtake my body and mind. I tend to feel intimidated by the other intelligent students around me. Something I do admire about the school is their variety in cultures and clubs. There's always something that happens in Central, whether it's international day or spots events, school days are always active.
    Read 1,051 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,227 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Great Valley High School

    • Great Valley School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 102
    14 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Great Valley is a close knit and welcoming school environment. Never once have I experienced bullying or any kind of discrimination for that matter. Everybody motivates each other through all their academic endeavors and genuinely wants to see their peers succeed. Athletics are awesome, as are the arts. I would say the arts department NEEDS more funding, though. It's a worthwhile investment.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,220 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. North Penn Senior High School

    • North Penn School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 527
    15 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    High School Senior: I am very happy at my school! Even though my school is extremely large, we have a great reputation and there are many opportunities to be involved. North Penn has taught me to co-exist, communicate and thrive in a large community of students and also to adapt to the challenges and limitations that a school with 3000 students can bring. Cooperation, patience and teamwork are skills that are honed in this environment. My favorite part of high school has been my involvement in marching band and indoor percussion. I am a proud member of the drum line in the North Penn Marching Knights & NP Winter Percussion! We are a hard working, award winning groups that are like family and these experiences have taught me life lessons like discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship, that will make me a well rounded person. I will truly miss and cherish these years in my life!
    Read 527 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,082 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Science Leadership Academy

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 229
    16 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: If you are an innovative student, Science Leadership Academy is the right school for you! Science Leadership Academy is a project based school, and does not really focus on testing. What makes this school different from others is because we are a project based school, we don't take midterms or finals, rather we do projects to show all that we have learned (which we call benchmarks). The teachers and students here are very open, welcoming, and accepting. In addition, SLA is a judge-free zone and tries to make all of the students feel as comfortable as possible. Overall this is one of the best schools in Philadelphia and I would recommend this school to anyone with a creative mind!
    Read 229 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 495 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. State College Area High School

    • State College Area School District, PA
    • 8-12
    • 440
    17 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Niche User: State High as a wide variety of courses offered. Sometimes it can be hard to fit all of the ones you want into your schedule, that would be my only complaint. However, they offer everything from Auto-shop, to pottery, to band, to early childhood education, to Calculus AB!

    Most of the teachers are wonderful, and are there because they really care about the students.
    Read 440 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,301 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Upper St. Clair High School

    • Upper St. Clair School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 226
    18 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Niche User: I'm really happy I attended USC. I had strong relationships with my teachers and I think because the district really stressed the importance of keeping its impressive academic reputation, it made the students want to work harder and do better than their best. I felt really prepared leaving the school district and going into college. They set us up for success.
    Read 226 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,360 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Quaker Valley High School

    • Quaker Valley School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 192
    19 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: All of the teachers or staff that I have encountered are really quite amazing. They do their best to make sure that students understand the material and they will answer any questions that you have. They also tend to cooperate well with students, which is a valuable skill nowadays.
    The content itself is very useful and in-depth, providing thorough information that is relevant to not only the topic, but today.
    The atmosphere is incredibly positive and welcoming. Everyone there is also incredibly acceptive. After being there, you seem to gravitate towards where you fit in.
    The classes that they offer are interesting and unique to other schools.
    Overall, it's one of the best schools I've ever gone to.
    Read 192 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 616 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. New Hope-Solebury High School

    • New Hope-Solebury School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 97
    20 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 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 525 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Central Bucks High School - West

    • Central Bucks School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 291
    21 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Central Bucks High school has definitley changed me to the woman i am. The constant kindness spread throughout every human being is motivating. The Life skills program specifically, has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of love, gratitude , and thanks. Everyday I work down in the Life skills room assisting special needs kids with their daily activities, and engage in conversation, about love; life; even cb west. When we tell some of the kids to pack up at the end of the day, some say 'no!!' and that truly resonates with me how much they love our school. Go bucks!
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,466 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Council Rock High School - North

    • Council Rock School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 219
    22 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Niche User: Overall, the teachers here are amazing (thus, the high rating). They are extremely knowledgable and genuinely enjoying teaching. The curriculum is alright, there is a set path, but the path definitely prepared me for college. The scheduling process is a nightmare, but it seems to always work out in the end. (However, as a senior, because the counselors messed up scheduling, I had to take creative writing) The workload is intense, but bearable. The most popular classes are definitely the history courses.
    Read 219 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,767 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. Spring-Ford Senior High School

    • Spring-Ford Area School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 444
    23 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Spring-Ford High School overall has been a great experience. They offer a lot of very diverse classes that suit a variety of interests and have teachers that are generally very passionate about what they do. The student body is very enthusiastic and involved when it comes to sports and school events and the administration does a good job of balancing fun with the not as entertaining school work and future planning. Most events usually don't get out of hand and strengthen the school's sense of community. While students may still complain about the average school experience, Spring-Ford is a school I feel lucky to attend.
    Read 444 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,373 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Hershey High School

    • Derry Township School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 184
    24 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: Hershey is an amazing school. The teachers are always willing to help students learn and go out of their way to make them understand. Also, quite a few of the teachers are quite amusing. They make class fun and stress-free! Of course, there are the few teachers who do not seem like they have any interest in teaching, but students usually end up okay because of the multiple study materials available. Hershey is definetely a place to go for good education and a memorable high school career.
    Read 184 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,142 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Methacton High School

    • Methacton School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 244
    25 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: This school is very challenging academically, although it really prepares you for college. Within the last few years, there have been over 5 kids with perfect SAT scores! The teachers really do care for their students and Methacton is starting to integrate technology deeply within the classroom
    Read 244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,662 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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2018 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania
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