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2020 Best Public High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout this List

The 2020 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 703
Best Schools
703 results

  1. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 5-12
    • 228 reviews
    #1 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 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,197 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Conestoga Senior High School

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

    Alum: Offers an amazing academic program with great support and extracurricular activities. The administration and teachers genuinely care about the success of each individual student. Conestoga does an excellent of challenging students in high school to best prepare them for the challenges of college and the real world. They offer a wide variety of courses in every field of study. Outside of the classroom, students are able to participate in a wide variety of activities. With the vast array of clubs to the great sports and music programs there is something for every student at Conestoga High School.
    Read 345 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,197 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Radnor Senior High School

    • Radnor Township School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 124 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 124 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,189 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Downingtown STEM Academy

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

    Alum: Overall my experience at STEM was amazing! The majority of the teachers there truly care about the students and their education, and pride themselves on providing a unique approach to teaching compared to regular, non-magnet high schools. The small number of students enrolled there gives the school a close knit feel that helps everyone be closer. I can honestly say that it was unlike any other high school experience, which I can judge not only off of just seeing the way STEM is different but by having siblings who attended the regular district high school (East). The IB program is very challenging, but the supportive environment makes it possible to succeed, and it looks great for colleges. The only downfall is you cant pad your GPA by taking AP or community college courses, and if youre an athlete, you'll have to travel to your home school every day just to get to practice. But I'd say it's worth it!
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 815 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Harriton Senior High School

    • Lower Merion School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 173 reviews
    #5 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 173 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,204 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Strath Haven High School

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

    Alum: I attended Strath Haven from 2014 to 2018. It is a public high school in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The school takes great pride in its musical programs, especially the marching band which is often a bigger draw to Friday night football games than the game itself. In terms of diversity, Strath Haven does a great job of teaching students about acceptance through a program the high school runs called 'diversity training.' This program teaches students how to facilitate sessions at the middle school to help the younger kids in the district understand the importance of diversity and tolerance. Academics at Strath Haven are rigorous and, especially at the honors level, prepares students exceptionally well for college.
    Read 254 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,171 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Lower Merion High School

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

    Senior: I transfered to Lower Merion High School as a Sophmore. Lower Merion made my transition smooth as they provided my family and I with insight on the school routine, a personal tour, and placement testing to ensure I would be placed in the right classes. I deal with severe anxiety and depression, their mental health department and guidance office is easily assessable. However, Lower Merion lacks in the field of college readiness, but I think for any High School it is hard to gauge how ready a student can and will be for college as 11th to 12th grade is an ever-changing and confusing time for any student. But overall, Lower Merion has provided resources to help me excel as not only a student but as a person. I have had so many amazing teachers who have helped me through every step of the way even if that was staying with me during Lunch & Learn, or giving me extra help, responding to my emails quickly, to even just talking to me one on one.
    Read 231 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,476 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. North Allegheny High School

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

    Senior: North Allegheny High School is an educational powerhouse. The academics and teachers are top notch with a few exceptions when it comes to teachers. There are plenty of extracurricular sports and activities to get involved with as well. Many of the extracurricular sports are played at a competitive level. Counselors, despite the large student population, are very good and seem to genuinely care for each every student's well being and success. Where it falls short is the cleanliness of the cafeteria and the quality of the food served. The tables used in the cafeteria are rarely cleaned, even when coming back from a weekend or a break they don't even seem to touch them making them quite disgusting. When it comes to the food there are very few options that provide a filling meal. Many taste like cardboard and are quite expensive.
    Read 701 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,650 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Fox Chapel Area High School

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

    Alum: I loved how prepared the school made all its graduates for post-secondary opportunities, whether students planned on furthering their education, or simply looking to join the work force both were reinforced with an abundant amount of resources. One thing I would like to see change though, would be the lack of diversity amongst the student populace. Obviously I am aware that due to the lack of public transportation, and simply the somewhat remote area that the school resides in that it’s rather difficult to include students of a wider variety than that of the close surrounding area. Besides that I loved just about everything the school had to offer!
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,347 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Mt. Lebanon Senior High School

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

    Senior: At Mt. Lebanon Senior High School, the high quantity and quality of resources available, combined with the quality of the staff, gives students the tools to advance in their interests and academic endeavors. The passion and dedication of the administration create an environment that stimulates academic growth. Additionally, the school boasts excellent athletics programs, where peers of athletes are eager to participate in expressing school spirit at games and meets. Though somewhat lacking in diversity, the community provides a very warm and welcoming environment for staff and students from every walk of life.
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,761 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Wissahickon Senior High School

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

    Senior: Overall, the Wissahickon School District is an excellent one. I have made many life long friends and learned some very important lessons in these halls. My teachers have had many interesting ways of teaching us and making the curriculum interesting. This school is great!
    Read 240 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,360 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Unionville High School

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

    Senior: I love how the teachers obviously care about their students and want them to succeed! If someone needs help (academically, mentally, etc.) it’s very easy to get it from the many resources the school offers.
    Read 185 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,368 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Central High School

    • Philadelphia City School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 1,237 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: Central is a phenomenal school and I would definitely recommend it to people who are in search of a good high school. Although the syllabus can be challenging and the workload torturous, the school makes up for it with its various extracurricular activities, freedom for students, and great teachers. The schoolwork is very rigorous and be prepared for some late nights and early mornings

    I didn't like the lack of air conditioning in the school and the lockers as all of them are sized differently. Also, the school is in a bad area but always travel with your friends and you're good to go. The lunch periods are always fun as you are allowed to sit anywhere (as long as it is in the school). The students are also very welcoming and no, Freshman Friday isn't as bad as it sounds.

    Overall, it's a great school and I recommend it to anyone who is willing to make some sacrifices for the sake of an amazing education. Go 272!
    Read 1,237 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,371 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Hershey High School

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

    Junior: I have moved schools many times and one thing that’s different about HHS is that it doesn’t have as many cliques or groups as some other schools. Everyone is friends with everyone and there aren't too many grudges between people either. Another reason for why I like HHS are the classes it offers, I truly enjoy a lot of my classes, and with the quarantine thing that is going on lately I miss school a lot all the way from my friends to different classes. The thing I like most about school is that I get to meet my friends! And I get to learn a lot of things, both academically and daily life matters. I really like going to school cause I love hanging out with my friends and getting to meet and know new people everyday. Students aren't the only amazing people at HHS, the staff and the teachers are always very friendly, kind, cooperative and helpful. These are some of the multiple reasons I've always felt so comfortable at HHS both in both academic and emotional aspects.
    Read 236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,174 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Central Bucks High School - East

    • Central Bucks School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 370 reviews
    #15 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 370 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,533 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Great Valley High School

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

    Senior: Even though I've had my misgivings with the school at some points in my life, I can't help but admit that it has shaped my life in a significant and positive way. The school provides great resources for students interested in different clubs and activities. What makes this school different from others is that they don't simply just help start the club; the teacher or advisor for the club will help guide students to take advantage of opportunities. Furthermore, Great Valley's counseling department is second to none. From my experience with my counselor, she has always been very supportive of my high school career and is a very caring and sweet person who I can rely on. One quality I've seen in Great Valley that no other school has is the student body: no matter who you are, whether you're a lacrosse athlete or a Quiz Bowl competitor, you will always appreciate the various facets of student culture at Great Valley. If given the opportunity, you ought to go to Great Valley High School.
    Read 136 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,276 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Central Bucks High School - West

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

    Senior: CBW is a fantastic school that has prepared me extremely well! It's not uncommon for many students to continue on to top tier universities and achieve the highest level classes West has to offer by senior year. West is located in the middle of a fantastic town where students often work and there is a great community and rapport between the school and town through many activities and community service. West is a fantastic place to go to high school, and very low-key but fun.
    Read 326 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,482 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. North Penn Senior High School

    • North Penn School District, PA
    • 10-12
    • 594 reviews
    #18 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 594 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,120 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy

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

    Senior: NPCA is a very good school overall, since it is a college preparatory school it focuses on getting you ready for college and they do just that! The administration and teachers helps you with your future and they understand your high school struggles. I would recommend this school to anybody!
    Read 349 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 853 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Council Rock High School - North

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

    Sophomore: Council Rock North is an excellent public high school, with a fabulous student body and faculty. Everyone has the opportunity to find their clique or activity which will help them thrive. The academics are as good as you make them out to be. If you're a stellar student you get the best of the best, however the less of an achiever you are as a student the less achieving your teachers will be. The administration is excellent and I as a student feel as if I'm heard. The extracurriculars are supportive and easy to access, whatever you're into you'll feel at home. CRN truly pushes all their students to be excellent every day.
    Read 261 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,679 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School

    • Colonial School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 334 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Overall, I've had a very good experience at Plymouth Whitemarsh. The course selection is amazing, as well as many of the professors that teach them. The cafeteria is beautiful, a new gym has just been put in, and the numbers of clubs/activities to join is through the roof! However, my school could do a better job at helping kids that are a little less privileged than others. I have had some trouble handing in assignments due to not having a printer and at certain times not having internet access at all, and have received bad grades due to lateness despite explanations I gave about my situation. The AVID program I'm a part of is a great way for students to get help, but informing all teachers of individual people who need an extra helping hand would go a long way. Several teachers have helped me though, even going as far as to purchase me another book-bag when mine was falling apart. This shows, though is has imperfections, PW is a great school for any student's secondary education.
    Read 334 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,508 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Upper St. Clair High School

    • Upper St. Clair School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 249 reviews
    #22 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 249 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,398 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Central Bucks High School - South

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

    Senior: I love the Central Bucks South High School atmosphere. One of my favorite parts is the football season. The student section is always packed with students having fun, mingling, and cheering on their team. I absolutely love the teachers I have now and had last year and they have done so much with recommending colleges and preparing me for what professors will do and what they expect. South is an amazing school and I am sad my time there will come to a close in June 2020, but it was a blast and if I could start my four years of high school over again, I most certainly would. Go Titans!
    Read 357 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,737 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Upper Dublin High School

    • School District of Upper Dublin, PA
    • 9-12
    • 252 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: The facilities at the high school were incredible. Complete renovations were finished in 2012, and the arts and sports departments were stellar. Teacher experience varied, as in all schools, but the gap between some teachers expecting very little and others teaching high above the foundational curriculum, to the point of vast confusion and discomfort, was troublesome at times. Also, the district is predominantly white, and as a person of color I had a hard time feeling as if I belonged there. There was a dissapointing minority of teachers of color, as well. Some efforts were made during Black history Month to include cultures which we lacked, but more efforts would have been appreciated. Overall, I felt very blessed to attend such a privileged school.
    Read 252 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,371 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Garnet Valley High School

    • Garnet Valley School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 309 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Attending the Garnet Valley School District has been an amazing experience, and I couldn't imagine having a better education. Garnet Valley High School holds a supportive environment, with teachers, faculty, and students who are willing to go out of their way to help you. I've never experienced or witnessed any bullying or extreme negative behavior coming from other students, because of the sense of community and pride we take as Jags. If anything unfortunate were to happen to someone, the whole community would be there, supporting them. Academic wise, most of the teachers at Garnet Valley High School are well-qualified at teaching and are reasonable when it comes to grades--try your best and you will not be disregarded. Lastly, the various clubs and activities to join are great ways to meet new people and have a great time! Attending Garnet Valley High School was an amazing experience for me, and I will be sad to leave my town when I graduate in June.
    Read 309 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,691 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    St. Margaret's School

    • Private School
    • Tappahannock, VA
    • 8-12
    • 52 reviews

    Freshman: I found my family here at St. Margaret's and they are from all around the world! Students from the U.S. and countries such as Vietnam, China, Rwanda, Chile, and more come together at this amazing school in pastoral Virginia.  There is a lot of focus on academics, with classes tailored to each student. Teachers are helpful, ready to go the extra mile to help me do my personal best. As an ALL girls school, the staff empowers me to be the strongest version of me. My faith is supported, and the small amount of students selected to go to this exclusive and inclusive school makes for a fantastic place to forge close bonds with multinational students. The campus is beautiful, in a historic area of Virginia known as the "birthplace of the nation," rich with history and beauty. Richmond and Washington D.C. are within a two hour drive, but we're far enough away to be surrounded by amazing wildlife and the River. This is the best educational decision my parents ever made for me. Seriously!
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 107 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 360 reviews

    Senior: I am a rising SH senior and this is an amazing school. The faculty and staff are super welcoming and encourage you to do your best. We have a great art, music and clothing design/sewing program and above average athletics. We have at least a varsity team for 14 sports and many teams also have enough participation to form JV teams. Academically, it is challenging but your teachers are always there for you and I've learned so much. Many recent graduates were accepted to elite colleges, with lots of scholarship opportunities. Overall SH is an excellent school. When people ask why I chose the school, the thing that sticks with me is the inclusive and welcoming environment that I sensed during my visits here while I was still in grade school, and it truly exists here day in and day out. I can't imagine myself anywhere else. Proud to be a Bambie!
    Read 360 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 489 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Oakland Catholic High School

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

    Parent: Daughters immersed in a strong college prep environment fostering competition/excellence. Desire stronger focus on a “love of learning” rather than students in pursuit of high GPAs. Troubling incidence with academic dishonesty this year among sophomores, particularly members of JOA; consequences not on par with gravity of the actions. Mixed messages to students not involved. Several outstanding teachers, most notably in humanities, producing solid writers. With STEM focus, need stronger hiring/retention of math/science teachers & better AP outcomes. Exceptional college counselor! Service opportunities are solid. Wish for greater focus on CATHOLIC IDENTITY, especially given that these young women have an integral role to play in an increasingly secular society. Exceptional experiences with tennis, XC, and swim teams. Refreshing to see coaches who actively engage all athletes, not just the best, who also promote leadership, discipline, perseverance and a real sense of belonging.
    Read 402 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 558 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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