2024 Best Public High Schools in Virginia

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  586 reviews

Junior: I’ve been a student for 2 years now, and I’ve experienced good and, not so good. The general community at TJ is pretty great, most people are friendly and welcoming with, of course, a few exceptions. I’ve also had some AMAZING teachers, and some teachers I would prefer not to interact with. For a school that is so STEM focused, some of the STEM teachers just don’t seem to understand that not everyone learns the same way, or some people just won’t get it the first time. The expectations are HIGH, as everyone knows, but in reality, if you ask, some teachers will tell you that the average test scores for regular honors classes is about a B+ (this includes a bunch of As and a bunch of Fs). I don’t know much about AP and post-AP as I haven’t taken any of those yet though. Certain people will thrive at TJ, I personally am doing well academically as long as I take a portion of my time to study, but you wouldn’t really know until you try it out. But, overall, it’s an experience worth taking!... Read 586 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,902

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  44 reviews

Freshman: Independence High school is a new school and it is very large, offering many diverse clubs and activities. Any individual has the freedom to form their own club related to their passions. Indy Sports is also amazing, offering everything from football to swimming. Almost all teams have either been runner up or won state competitions. The academics offer a variety of different subjects, that appeal to any interest!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,825

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  161 reviews

Sophomore: I love Rock Ridge High School because both the students and teachers are so welcoming. Everyone knows that high school is a scary environment, especially when shifting from the online school era. This made them more empathetic towards people and actually look out for their well-being. I also love how Rock Ridge High School prioritizes students' education as this is extremely beneficial when applying for colleges. All of the counselors work diligently to meet with every student so that they choose the right courses for them for whichever career pathway they are planning to go on. Before high school, I hated when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because I had no idea what profession I was interested in pursuing my entire life. Because of the amazing teachers and counselors at Rock Ridge High School, I now know what career I want to pursue and I am so grateful for that!... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,394

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  112 reviews

Senior: I will rate my overall experience at Riverside High School an overall 4/5 stars. As a senior this year, I have attended Riverside since my freshman year. I have fully enjoyed my experience and some of my favorite parts include the spirit, community, sports and teachers. Through all 4 years of my time there, I have developed core relationships with my teachers wanting me to become successful outside of school and in school. This also relates to the community built here, when "being a ram" is something to be proud of. Spirit and sports are a huge part of RIverside and something I enjoy participating in and watching! I have been a football manager and love the friends and spirit we have built within the school. Something that did not make my experience 5/5 stars was not having a lot of events my senior year that were focused on creating memories my senior year, and I am hoping this will be resolved as we get further from the COVID crisis. Overall I have enjoyed my time at Riverside!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,819

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Arlington Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  580 reviews

Junior: I just started school at Washington Liberty this August after moving to the area this summer, and really enjoy it! The school itself is very nice and all it’s facilities are in great condition(to include the brand new Annex building!). The majority of the teachers are very nice here and the education seems great, as there are dozens of course options, to include many duel-enrollment, IB, and AP classes as well. The lunch here is not great, as the portions are very small and what you do get is not very good quality/enjoyable, but it is edible to say the least. Overall, I am pleased with my experience thus far at Washington Liberty.... Read 580 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,549

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Henrico County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  516 reviews

Junior: Overall, my experience at Deep run was truly exceptional. It provided a strong foundation for my future endeavors, both academically and personally. I am grateful for the memories, the learning opportunities, and the supportive community that made my high school years so rewarding. The diversity among students and the promotion of inclusivity and respect for all backgrounds created an environment where everyone felt valued and accepted. The teachers were knowledgeable, passionate, and went above and beyond to ensure students received a well-rounded education. The challenging curriculum prepared me effectively for higher education and beyond. The dedicated faculty and staff were consistently supportive and approachable, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning. They provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and exploring passions outside the classroom.... Read 516 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,026

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  678 reviews

Junior: Ocean Lakes has a large variety of classes that other schools in the area do not offer. This includes: sign language, organic and biochemistry, technology classes, and many more! The majority of teachers are capable and great, but some are simply relying on tenure. The building is in decent condition, but has definitely seen better days. There are plenty of resources available to students and the school regularly promotes events to give students more information regarding future paths.... Read 678 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,978

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  233 reviews

Junior: Throughout my couple years attending John Champe, I felt that most administrators & teachers are very welcoming and understanding. The student body and clubs are also very diverse. The administrators have shown how students' opinions are respected as they listen to feedback and try to incorporate changes. They urge us to participate in school events and to be the best version of ourselves. One thing I'm sure every student in this school really appreciates is Recharge, a 10 minute break after the first block that allows the student to relax. However, I would like to see changes in the teaching methods for some teachers. Many of my friends find it difficult to learn in a class when the teacher lectures the whole time. There are also a few teachers that treat some students better than others, and many of my peers find it unfair. The change I would like to see the most is teachers using a better teaching method to allow students to understand materials more easily in a fairer environment.... Read 233 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,744

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Richmond Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  76 reviews

Junior: My experience with Open High School was truly exceptional. The courses were both stimulating and thought-provoking, and the teachers were always available to offer guidance and feedback. The flexibility of being able to work at my own pace also allowed me to excel in my studies. As someone passionate about expanding my knowledge and exploring new subjects, I found the variety of courses offered by Open High School to be particularly impressive. Overall, I am confident that my experience with Open High School has prepared me well for any future academic pursuits, and I believe that I would be an excellent student for any university. While my experience has been fulfilling, there are some downsides to attending a school like Open. For one making friends is difficult if you are new to the area or if you do not have any friends attending with you.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 188

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  512 reviews

Junior: The school has been recently redone, so the interior and exterior are very new and modern. The teacher and counselor support through personal as well as academic matters is also an important aspect of Oakton. The worst part about Oakton is the competitive culture. Students overload themselves with APs and take all of the hardest classes just feel a little less like they're failing compared to everyone else at the school. Everyone always seems to be trying to one-up each other, which, in a way, is good because it causes people to strive to be their best, but there is a limit. When it becomes excessive, it stops making students better and begins tearing apart their self-esteem and collectiveness. It can be stress-inducing. Personally, I'm competitive, so most of the time, i like constantly having to improve myself to match my peers. Although there is stress from competition, the opportunities provided at Oakton are worth it. The diversity in classes and clubs offered is amazing.... Read 512 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,635

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  362 reviews

Alum: I moved here for my senior year to get my GPA up and increase my chances to get into more prestigious universities. I had worked my absolute hardest during the 2022-2023 school year and graduated with a 4.13 GPA, after being a 3.7 GPA student at my old high school. I also earned an advanced studies diploma with all of the seals my school district offered. After my senior year, my only regret was that I didn't move to Virginia and attend McLean High School sooner! On the first day of school, I was embraced as a part of the student body, and by the end of the year, I made unbreakable bonds with both teachers and students; the memories are irreplaceable. The teachers genuinely care; shoutout to Ms. Caponetti! She is truly the most amazing teacher, prepares her students to be the best version of themselves in the present, and sets them up for university. The curriculum is rigorous but easily adaptable. Some days I thought I couldn't succeed, but the teachers encourage growth.... Read 362 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,365

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Arlington Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  345 reviews

Alum: Yorktown High School has some of the most supportive teachers you’ll ever meet if you can communicate effectively and build relationships. Each department has some strengths and weaknesses, with some teachers standing out more than others but it’s a matter of looking outside your own class to build a deeper understanding and develop a broader perspective. Counselors are always around to help and available almost whenever you need them. Although the environment is somewhat cliquey you can still manage to find some good people and make some great friends. You’ll meet a lot of different people and it helps you build an understanding of the kind of people you wanna surround yourself with.... Read 345 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,531

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  601 reviews

Junior: Lake Braddock is diverse with their classes and people. One of the best parts is that there are unique electives a student can choose, if you check out their course catalog. There’s a big range for classes to cater to student interests, with academy classes for the medical field (even dental practice), and offering more languages than the standard French, Spanish and German. Students, including me, choose to learn their home language and it’s really beneficial. There’s lots of different people here, which comes with how big the school is (~5000) but meeting many people is so fun. Mostly everyone is friendly, but there are cliques but honestly there’s so many different groups, you can find/make your own. The bad part is that you have less chance to stick out with your teachers or coaches for recs since there’s many students but that’s up to individuals to take the opportunity! This school is really good at offering opportunities whether in sports or clubs to get involved in leadership.... Read 601 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,368

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Richmond Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: The main thing I love about Community is that how small and friendly it is. The small student population allows for a deep community to develop where there are very little cliques and most people are familiar with each other. This creates a healthy, productive, and enjoyable environment for almost everyone. There is also little to no bullying. The education is amazing and I have gotten along and liked almost every single one of my teachers I have had over the last four years. If I could change anything I would want there to be more class to class bonding activities.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 211

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: Langley has a strong reputation for academics, so do take advantage for what Langley has to offer and be prepared to study well and manage your time wisely. It can be easy to fall into burnout, so try to balance out your coursework with classes like the arts and clubs that you enjoy. Some AP course have become more challenging, AP Psychology in particular, so don't underestimate the rigor of the "easier" AP classes. There is also a variety of clubs offered at Langley so try out a bunch and stick with the few you enjoy doing. Maybe you can gain some leadership experience along the way! Clubs, sports, and the arts are all great ways to find new friends. Surround yourself with a nice group of friends who can motivate you and encourage you to be your best, not ones who are self-interested or toxic. Build relationships with teachers, if you can. They can be more friendly when you meet them one on one, so don't be afraid to ask questions or see them outside of class.... Read 284 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,049

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  14 reviews

Sophomore: Lightridge high school is a very diverse and opportunity filled school. Staff and administration are very kind and welcoming and work hard to create a friendly and safe space for scholars. For students attending LHS we are given constant opportunities to express ourselves and our identities. From hundreds of before, after, and during school clubs, the amount of extracurriculars available to students, and offering just about any sport you can imagine. Personally being in the marching band I've seen first hand just how privileged the schools population really is, from performing at Rutgers, the naval academy, and even in the Disney Magic Kingdom christmas parade last year with goals of marching in the Macy's day parade next year. The school is fortunate enough to have the resources to support a thriving band of over 400 marchers. Throughout the two years I've been at LHS I have never met a single teacher who didn't have a goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for their students.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,800

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Falls Church City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: My high school experience can be summed up as relatively enjoyable for a school. Despite the global pandemic, classes kept up through innovative technology. Often, the teachers are understanding and acknowledge that there are other parts to high school than their classes, which allows for a more balanced work load. Overall, the administration ensures a proper upkeep in safety, the sports are entertaining and inclusive to all genders, and there are many academic options provided for the students.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 848

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  481 reviews

Junior: My experience at Freedom High School has been filled with incredible memories I'll always cherish. One of the highlights is the diverse student body. The school houses unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives. It's interesting to see how the people you surround yourself with can profoundly impact your journey. Though the school has its pros, a negative is the competitiveness among the students. Students would constantly strive for academic excellence and compare opportunities in extracurricular activities. It creates an environment where everyone is pushing themselves to achieve their best. Though some may view this competitiveness as a positive, this environment may cause strain due to classes' rigorous work. Another negative is the injustice and balance of grading among the teachers. Across America and Freedom Highschool, the grade you get is primarily based on your teacher and the effort you put in. I would want Freedom to balance students' academics.... Read 481 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,052

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  235 reviews

Alum: I moved into the school district my freshman year of high school. I liked it, however there were a few things that could use improvement. Our administration changed every year I was there. My freshman year, there were quite a few fights. Our football team was not very good either after my sophomore year. They got rid of pep rally’s after covid as well. I think bringing back pep rally’s and even making more spirit weeks would help school spirit improve quite a bit.... Read 235 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,318

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  449 reviews

Alum: Best: There was definitely a sense of community and ability to find your people through clubs and classes you chose. Additionally, sports really bring people together and are a big thing at the school. Go Falcons! The school is a good size and there is loads of space, and it’s being renovated to avoid classes in trailers. Worst: Some of the teachers were not that great at understanding their students needs and working to help them. Additionally, the school really struggled with incorporating in international students. Many students weren’t given credit for their courses back in their country and faced difficulties resulting in low gpa scores and affected their graduation.... Read 449 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,799

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  532 reviews

Junior: It’s a cool place, most of the teachers here are nice, but I wouldn’t say they really cared about you completely. I don’t know, there’s too many students here for them to genuinely care about every individual student, but they definitely have their favorites. The people here are kind of mean, but depending on who you choose to be friends with, these friendships can last for a WHILE. The best part about Princess Anne High School is the fact it’s right next to town center, and places like Panera, Chipotle, Crumbl, Target, IHop, and more. My favorite part of PA is going to IHop with my friends during SOL week when we have SOL’s. I hope that in the future the teachers can try to care for their students more instead of just brushing them off. I also hope that after PA gets remodeled, the time it takes to get from the portables to our inside classes are shortened, because the amount of times I’ve been late to class because of that has to be a crime!... Read 532 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,705

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  563 reviews

Senior: I started my high school journey during covid, when we were forced to go online. Even with starting online and having to adjust to a whole new environment I found Stone Bridge to have a huge impact on my life. Stone Bridge has a inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of community among students and faculty, promoting academic growth and personal development. The school's commitment to diverse extracurricular activities, from robust arts programs to competitive sports teams, enriches our student experiences. However, an increased focus on mental health resources and support systems could further enhance the overall student experience. Implementing more comprehensive strategies to address stress and anxiety while maintaining a strong academic foundation would ensure a more balanced and fulfilling environment for all students at Stone Bridge High School.... Read 563 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,737

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• York County School Division, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: The school itself is alright - it receives good funding so students receive free tutoring and textbooks in classes, and there's a wide variety of AP classes. As far as rules go, the dress code is relatively lax, and only really reinforced in the hallways; the only strict rule the school has applies to phones, where students are allowed to use them anytime class isn't happening. Many classrooms are bright and well decorated with topics relevant to the content of the class. For the most part, the teachers are nice and supportive, the only exception seeming to be the cold shoulder to Governor's Schools students from certain teachers. Outside of that, the counselors are simply inept when it comes to making schedules, forcing students into classes they aren't comfortable taking and remaining unbudging on the topic, something that needs changing. A high student population means crowded, stifling hallways that make it difficult to get to class on time if two classes are far from each other.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,082

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• York County School Division, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  319 reviews

Alum: Great sports programs, I played field hockey but I had a lot of friends who played other sports and loved the program and coaches. Most teachers were phenomenal, very caring and helpful to students who struggled. I attended the middle school as well, which is attached, so transitioning from middle to High school was simple. I was also heavily involved in their choral program. I sang in a women's choir and mixed choir as well. This school is also known for its theatre program. People come from other counties just to see our plays and performances. A lot of money is put into our arts programs but also equally our sports. The student's experience is very important to the school and they offer over 50+ clubs so there is a place for almost everyone!... Read 319 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chesapeake Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  723 reviews

Senior: Grassfield High school gives all students an amazing opportunity to focus on their passions! The school has dozens of knowledgeable teachers who have made it their goal to help you succeed. The teachers are always willing to meet before or after school in case you need extra help, or just want to talk. Grassfield is also home to the Governor's S.T.E.M. Academy. The S.T.E.M. Academy allows students to take college courses in one of three pathways, Engineering and Technology, Programming and Software Development, and Global Entrepreneurship and Technology. The Academy also gives students access to Grassfield's S.T.E.M. Coordinator, Meredith Strahan. She is an indispensable resource that will make her personal responsibility to see you succeed and provide an experience that will make you successful in whatever you decide to pursue. Overall, the opportunities and teachers make Grassfield High school unbeatable.... Read 723 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,289

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1