Explore the best public schools serving your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Alum: Our 3 kids attended Nysmith from pre-K to 8th grade and it was the best decision of our lives! They never wanted to miss a day of school, because Nysmith knows how to make learning fun. Our kids went on to a great high school (TJ), that was perfect for their math/science/technology interests, and attended their #1 college choices. They were not only ready academically after Nysmith, but they were also happy and confident. The teachers, who are experts and passionate about the subjects they teach, treated the kids with kindness and respect, welcomed their questions, nurtured their curiosity, and helped my kids discover their gifts and abilities - sometimes before they even knew what they were. I highly recommend Nysmith. Or, better yet, don't listen to me...look at their website, see how their alums are doing, schedule a tour and a couple of student visit days for your child. See for yourselves what Nysmith is all about!Read 4 Reviews
Senior: Overall, Walter Payton College Prep is a high school with high academic motivation with both counselors and teachers that take great care to ensure that every student is prepared for their college careers. The ample amount of security and the fact that teachers are trained to respond to certain medical issues such as Diabetes and asthma attacks provide more evidence that students can feel safe and protected while at school. Payton is also ethnically diverse and classes include intense literary discussions, modern as well as interesting experiments in science, and complex mathematical classes that guarantee no student is left behind. Walter Payton College Prep truly defines an ideal College preparatory high school. Possible criticism would include the fact that the school holds only your average diversity of sports, there is sometimes a lack of both sanitation and paper towels in the washrooms, and the school pep rallies are a bit lacking.Read 304 Reviews
Alum: Amazing and rigorous academics with dedicated teachers and extensive student body diversity. Going to ncp can be very stressful and competitive, but the experience has prepared me very well, and my counselour helped me plan out all sorts of backup plans senior year along with easing the application process. There is a safe space for anyone regardless of your interests, so many extracurricular activities! I feel very blessed and prepared. The rest of the world is certainly not as diverse as this school was, but it was great exposure as a young adult.Read 491 Reviews
Alum: Overall a well rounded high school! The faculty is a big part of why this school is so great. They're incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they're teaching and it really shines through. The student population is very engaged and it is the norm for students to partake in multiple extracurricular activities alongside their studies. The school has so many option when it comes to getting involved whether it be through clubs, socities, or sports. There really is a niche for everyone.Read 998 Reviews
Senior: TJ has many opportunities to get ahead - but only for those interested in science and technology. The student environment and abundant research labs appeal to those interested in studying engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics but don't offer anything for those who enjoy the humanities. Due to the high level of rigor each class entails, the students are often under high stress. Sometimes, this pressure may lead to a cutthroat environment. However, in my experience, I've only found individuals willing to help.The only issue I find with this school is the new administration. Many freedoms that we had when I entered this school no longer exist. The school used to allow us to eat anywhere during lunch, go anywhere during 8th period, and leave to use the restroom whenever we'd like. After Dr. Glazer left and in the years before, the administration has become more strict and has restricted the majority of these freedoms.Read 437 Reviews
Alum: IMSA is a boarding school so there are many responsibilities students take on along with academics. The challenge of the school was definitely a combination of both living and curriculum although the advanced curriculum was the greater of the two. Countering these challenges, the school offers on site tutoring, many places to study quietly, a writing center, and interactive preparation for college. These resources help students academically while its many clubs and on campus activities create a memorable and positive living environment. The campus is very serene and wide and the tight-knit community is accepting of students of all backgrounds and experiences.Read 222 Reviews
Sophomore: I am a sophomore who has been attending Whitney Young for 4 years now and I truly believe it is the best school in the city of Chicago. It offers a wide range of challenging courses for students with all different types of interests. The principal Dr. Joyce Kenner strives to give all students the best high school experience possible and definitely succeeds. The diverse environment is very welcoming and fun. The students are very involved in the school community while managing to focus on academics and sports/extra-curricular activities (with the help of our fellow teachers). Speaking of sports, we have had 12 city championships in the past 2 years, and 9 in 2014! The school could use a few upgrades, but that's really up to the city (and we already get a ton of funding since we're a selective enrollment school). Overall, Whitney Young is a great high school and I encourage all prospective high school students in Chicago to apply.Read 912 Reviews
Alum: When I picture my "happy place," Madeira is it! I credit the school with shaping me into the woman I am today. I was able to be the truest version of myself while I attended Madeira. I was challenged academically, but in an environment where I felt comfortable to excel. The friends I made at Madeira have been lifelong friends--some were even bridesmaids in my wedding. The co-curriculum experience is also monumental. The internships I had as a junior and senior in high school shaped my college studies and eventual career path. If I had a daughter, without a shadow of a doubt, she would be a Madeira girl.Read 58 Reviews
Senior: Choosing to attend Stuyvesant is one of the best choices I've ever made. I love the inspiring people here, the challenging courses, the passionate teachers, and the diverse selection of after school activities. Though almost no one thinks English, social science, or arts when they think of Stuy, those are my favorite parts of Stuy. Of course, there's plenty for math and science people. But our other departments are just as strong, and arts and humanities people should not be scared of coming here!Read 852 Reviews
Senior: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science gives students the push they strive for. The school's motto is "An Opportunity for Excellence", and that is just what it is. It allows students on the campus to experience an early college-like environment, while enhancing the community. For every $1 put into the school, $10 goes back into the state. This schools stands as an inspiration and model for higher education in underachieving states. With the number 1 staff in the nation, my school provides every resource needed to impact the community positively by investing in the students' educations. Being the "most diverse square mile in Mississippi", this school uses its constantly depleting funding to increase college preparation and provide opportunities to serve.Read 97 Reviews
Alum: A very tight knit high school with high national standing, my high school is top ranked in academics, studies and college preparedness. We have a nationally recognized Robotics program. The school's small size is perfect and allows all student to focus and help each other. The school cafeteria conversations range from high school games to national science and possible solutions to space and science mysteries and issues. I love my high school and would recommend everyone to try to make it in!Read 559 Reviews
Sophomore: Overall, the vast academic opportunities GSMST provides far outweigh the negatives, but a large issue throughout the school is the stress caused by large workloads. As a student, I've found that I really enjoy classes where my teachers periodically incorporate stress-relieving activities into our day. For example, every Friday in German, classes have about fifteen minutes of yoga before beginning instruction. This helps keep everyone focused and enjoy their school experience more. Another class I've enjoyed because of this is World Studies, where the entire class will participate in a round of Just Dance on days when the teacher has decided we need a short mental health break. I believe if more teachers started incorporating short activities like these into their weekly or monthly class plans, it would drastically improve the experience of GSMST students, as well as their mental health.Read 360 Reviews
Sophomore: Bergen County Academies is a school that will definitely prepare you for life. This idea of an institution where students are focused on their education builds an atmosphere that is upbuilding and inspirational for all. After the competitive application, the number of resources and opportunities are endless for anyone. The clubs, projects, and electives distinguish BCA by offering courses that fit with all interests. In addition, the free time in between classes makes this school seem more manageable and convenient. Also, the sports here are incredible but require a lot of commitment. In reality, however, BCA is overwhelming as the rigorous classes, successful and intelligent teachers, and high standards placed upon the students make life seem impossible to conquer. However, I think BCA puts this stress on us, the students, in order for us to prepare for real life. This means that the complexity of this school makes our future seem brighter, more accessible, and approachable.Read 414 Reviews
Senior: LASA is a great school with teachers that are qualified to teach their subjects and love to teach it. Students are supportive of each other and there are many tutoring services to help those who need it. College is a very stressful time for juniors and seniors, but the college advising at LASA is reassuring in the long process. There are downsides like resources at LASA due to funding and the old building, but donations are always welcomed! Overall, LASA allows students to get a well-rounded education with the experience of a normal high school.Read 369 Reviews
Senior: Bronx Science has given me opportunities I never would have had if I went to another school. That being said, it is very easy to get crushed in the ridiculous amount of pressure the school puts you through. I would say that it was easy for me to get help from the guidance department though, and that the school does offer many services to students who are struggling. Teachers generally teach for the tests, but once you get to higher level classes you can truly explore your passions and it becomes more about learning for the sake of learning (note: take Post-AP Chem if you can! It's a 10/10) It's honestly hard to fail a class because there are so many ways for you to improve. The teachers hold Small Group Instruction at least once a week (you don't even have to go to your teacher for help, if that's an issue. Ask other teachers as well) and NHS members tutor in the library. The only way I could imagine a student doing badly is if they chose not to be proactive about their learning.Read 748 Reviews
Senior: BASIS Scottsdale is the number one school in the nation. With this there are certain pressures on the school, on the students, on the faculty. Everyone is working hard to become the very best that any focus on physical health, mental health, and happiness are quickly forgotten. There are some special event classes that "help you cope" but they are more generic than anything. Despite this, the classes are interesting and challenging. You get college-esque insight into things that are generally college courses. Currently I'm taking a literary theory class, going over things that students don't get into until sophomore year of college. There are pros and cons to every school, BASIS Scottsdale is just on the extremes of both sides.Read 62 Reviews
Freshman: Now, to start off I'll confirm It is extremely punishing, challenging, and demanding of its students. I'm not going to sugar coat it, I've nearly cried multiple times from frustration because I'd begin my homework at 4 and not get done, at the earliest, until 5:30, the latest being around 8:30. The work is beyond challenging and is loaded upon you in trucks because of the quantity. The teachers believe that, because you were able to pass the admission, you should be able to keep up with the workload. This school has three different phases for most of the academic classes; three, four, and five- five being the most challenging but rewarding you with the highest extra credit and GPA. Phase five classes move at a much faster pace and cover much more ground than the other classes. This school offers many things, but you'll be expected to put academics above all else. If you come here you will be under immense stress but I feel like its worth it. Good luck incoming students.Read 236 Reviews
Junior: I am currently a junior at Bergen Tech. Bergen Tech is a great school that prepares you for college. It is a stressful amount of work because of its college level courses, but it definitely helped me become a better person academically. The bt teachers are very helpful and easy to communicate with as well as the students. The only thing I could complain about it how competitive everyone is and how conscious everyone is about their grades. Other than that bt is a great school!Read 164 Reviews
Senior: The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities has amazing teachers. As a student, I can meet with them during their office hours when I am not in class. The academy has classes set up like college, allowing for time to meet with these teachers. A majority of the classes are college level and it can be challenging as a high school student to handle. However, the academic and personal growth gained from this experience is worth it. I would like to see more eating options than just DS on the weekdays and Tally on the weekends. (the atrium being open on friday night doesn't count) Eating the same food all the time is not good or healthy. On the weekends at Tally, the salad bar is too expensive and constantly eating Taco Bell and french fries makes me feel sick.Read 276 Reviews
Alum: I miss registering for and attending classes at Gunn. Registration was so stress-free (especially with the Jacoubowsky's assistance). Classes were engaging--almost every teacher was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and willing to learn if they were new to a subject. Just remembering them brings a smile to my face. They were so quirky!There were some horrible teachers. If they were better, this school would be excellent. One was outwardly dismissive of certain political views. One never returned assignments and was rumored to pick course grades out of hat--she got fired. One admitted she was crushing our dreams by giving low grades. One would not post course material online. One gave only one lecture.Many of my peers made up a group of the most inclusive, intelligent, and accomplished individuals I know. The administration should listen to students more. These students are experts about their own mental health and their personal lives and concerns.Read 247 Reviews
Alum: I absolutely loved my time at CCA! It took me a little bit of time to adjust to the 4x4 schedule at first, but it really teaches you how to actually study and manage your time which most students don't get the hang of until they are in college. In most of my classes, I was doing almost double the work that many community college students were doing (AP and regular classes!), showing the true excellence of the teachers and programs at the school. Yes, your GPA will suffer due to the academic rigor, but what you end up learning is worth more than that. My only complaint is that it has gotten a bit cut-throat in recent years, especially in the AP science classes, which can be very brutal.By far however, my favorite part of my time at CCA were the students and teachers, who are all super accepting and open-minded. While there is no denying that not all of the student body got along, there are no cliches and everyone is relatively respectfully towards each other.Read 455 Reviews
Senior: I am involved in the IGSS program, which is a newer program. Basically it is a school within a school. It encompasses English, Environmental Science, and History. The method of teaching is very organic. You are taught to think for yourself - there is no wrong answer! The teachers encourage creativity, thinking outside the box, and collaborative learning.Read 451 Reviews
Senior: Culturally speaking, Magnet is a fairly competitive school: students tend to expect to get high grades and are distraught with low ones.Though there are no sports at school, students can participate in sports at their home high school districts if they so choose, and the amount of extracurriculars on campus--from the successful FIRST Robotics team to the always-active Drama Club--are enough to keep everyone engaged. Magnet, an engineering school, has classes specific to STEM majors that are not particularly useful outside of engineering disciplines; the likelihood of one using AutoCAD--computer software used for CAD--outside of an architectural occupation is unlikely, after all. For people interesting in engineering, it's a wonderful experience: the new Makerspace facilities opened up recently (a high-tech shop) and are open to all , and the new electives now available, such as Aerospace and Electrical, allow one to customize the experience to one's interests.Read 113 Reviews
Senior: Mass Academy isn't for everyone, but if you can handle the tough coursework, you will find it to be an excellent place for making friends and furthering your ambitions. The quality of the faculty and students and the resources available at WPI make this school unparalleled in the vast opportunities it present to those fortunate to attend.Read 57 Reviews
Sophomore: I remember when I applied to Maggie Walker. I was excited about the opportunities, but I was nervous about the testing and attending a different school. Thank goodness I got in and decided to go! The students are friendly and accepting, the teachers try to work with each student to create the best environment for learning, and the courses are challenging and increase cultural awareness. One of the best parts of the school is the environment of trust and the amount of freedom and independence students have because of the honor code. Also, all of the 75+ clubs at the school are run by students. While our school is well known for its academics, we also have a superb athletic program. There are many more great things that I could say about Maggie Walker. Nonetheless the school still has room for improvement. Such as creating a more culturally diverse environment and eliminating the belief that only AP courses make students successful.Read 37 Reviews
Sophomore: Hinsdale Central High School is a great school! While the academics are demanding, the teachers are amazing and are always willing to work before/after school with students who need help. While the school does have a "white preppy" vibe, it is a great mix of people who are interested in almost anything you can think of. Finding at least one person who has similar interests is not difficult and finding friends among this friendly group of people. The amount of honors and AP classes is amazing, along with the huge assortment of clubs. Overall, the school is a great place for every type of student!Read 294 Reviews
Parent: There are a lot of excellent teachers who really care about the kids. There are also lots of opportunities that other school districts may not even be aware of. My son has competed in Technology Student Association, which he has won on the state level and went on to compete in the national tournament. He has also competed in several hack-a-thons, which are really rewarding experiences. He entered into a math competition at Princeton with classmates, placing pretty high for their first time. All freshman enter into a state-wide science fair, his team having won a prize for their submission. The teachers and fellow classmates are very supportive and encouraging, it is a wonderful place to go to school.Read 74 Reviews