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2019 Best Public Schools in AmericaAbout this List

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.

1 – 25 of 93,803
Best Schools
93,803 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 250
    #1 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
    Read 250 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 462
    #2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I went there, got into a T5 college and prospered. This experience wasn't without its grueling moments (there were plenty), but I truly learned a lot and it made for a unique high school experience. This school more than anything, is what you make of it. Just attending isn't going to get you into the college you want, you have to be proactive about your studying and extracurriculars. I never joined any club just for the sake of "looking good" and I think that's what made me stand out as genuine when it came time for college applications. The best thing here is the other students, who are just as driven as you.
    Read 462 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,823 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 329
    #3 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Read 329 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 12

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 907
    #4 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I am a rising senior, class of 2019. There’s a whole array of students here. But the majority of the students are academically driven. It’s not too hard to stay on top of your courses if you work for it. There will me many sleepless nights if you procrastinate. But if you can manage you time efficiently and are dedicated to your schoolwork, then classes will be doable. There are so many elective to take. Personally, I don’t have the best academics because I wanted to ensure that I could also fully enjoyed my high school experience. It’s been a stressful three year. I’ve come close to a lot of meltdowns, but I’ve also had a lot of pleasant memories here!
    Read 907 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,328 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 590
    #5 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Staten Island Tech prepares students very well for college, and also makes sure to update students about opportunities (scholarships, contests, internships, etc.) frequently. SIT is also a fairly competitive school, though like all schools, there are high and low achievers. All the teachers are nice and genuinely want to help the students; they make you feel comfortable. The workload isn’t heavy if you have good time management, and more often than not, I find myself with a fair amount of time for myself. School facilities like the library are useful, and the guidance counselors are all friendly and open.
    I rated SIT four and not five stars because of the lack of languages taught here. The only available language is Russian, which is disappointing for many students. In comparison to other schools where various languages are offered, SIT is extremely limited; the only compensation they have is taking an online course for a different language during senior year.
    Read 590 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

    • Public School
    • Columbus, MS
    • 11-12
    • 119
    #6 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: The faculty is brilliant, which shows in our test scores. However, some of the science teachers are researchers at heart and can be difficult to follow for lots of students. The mathematics instruction is top of the line, and the school does a good job of establishing a solid foundation on which to build upon. English is also very good depending on the teacher. Definitely the best high school in Mississippi. Most problems stem from a lack of funding--hopefully that will change in the future!
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 245 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. BASIS Scottsdale

    • Public School
    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 71
    #7 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: BASIS has succeeded in fostering a culture of competition and high achievement without sacrificing a sense of camaraderie and genuine concern for students' wellbeing, mostly thanks to the closeness between teachers and students. I hope to see a more diverse student body in the future, as well as greater investment in the school from the owners, especially given its success in rankings and standardized testing!
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 739 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 516
    #8 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Northside College Prep is an amazing school! Teachers here are good and counselors really help you prepare for college since it is a college preparatory high school. There are a lot of extracurricular activities like dance clubs and sports to join. However, we do not have a football team, but if you don't mind, it's okay! Since our school is part of the selective enrollment process in Chicago and is usually top in ranking, things can be competitive sometimes in terms of academics. However, this competitiveness can be encouraging and motivating you to do better and keep up your grades!
    Read 516 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,063
    #9 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: The school itself is able to provide its students with a wide range of opportunities. They also have the financial capabilities to have a wide range of clubs, classes, and passionate faculty to encourage students to pursue any career path. However, the atmosphere is uber competitive and can be very stressful at times. My biggest piece of advice to fully enjoy the school is focus on doing what you like, because you're bound to find your niche (no pun intended!) at this school!
    Read 1,063 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

    • Public School
    • Worcester, MA
    • 11-12
    • 60
    #10 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Mass Academy is a great place to learn! Awesome culture! The teachers genuinely care about the learning process, not just grades.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Liberal Arts & Science Academy

    • Austin Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 395
    #11 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: LASA is a fun, unique school filled with people from a bunch of different backgrounds. There's a great community among the students and teachers (who are themselves eccentric and talented educators who make classes as interesting and thought-provoking as they can) that helps build a network of learning throughout the school. I'm so glad I go there!
    Read 395 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,016 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 438
    #12 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Bergen County Academies certainly offers a unique range of opportunities for high school students with only the best resources devoted toward educational advancement. After a long admissions process, students of BCA are enrolled in one of seven academies, or majors, where they are able to take part in high level medical research, earn spots in competitive orchestras, and have access to a Bloomberg Terminal- one of just two owned by a high school in the United States. The environment is far more welcoming than that of most other public high schools and the atmosphere is one of trust and comfort- to the point where students frequently leave their belongings unguarded without the fear of them being stolen. The availability of clubs, competitions, and activities is unrivaled at BCA and the rigorous courses and intense workload makes the school a place known to prepare its students for college very adequately.
    Read 438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

    • Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 383
    #13 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: At the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, there are a ton of opportunities to expand your horizon. To enter the school, students in Gwinnett County must enter a lottery in order to enter GSMST. If they are chosen and fulfill GSMST's requirements, they can enter GSMST their freshman year. Students cannot enter any other year. A lot of the focus goes into its science and technology departments. During Freshman and Softmore year, students will take two engineering classes as part of the curriculum. During their Junior and Senior year, students will take two internships in any area they choose. GSMST also offers almost all AP courses and will always offer students opportunities for achievement. GSMST is a very rigorous school. Several AP classes are required, and all the classes are taught at an accelerated level. The school is not meant for those who may want more time in the day for other activities other than school.
    Read 383 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 966 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 978
    #14 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Whitney Young is amazing at most aspects! You learn so much here academically and about the world in general. There are plenty of opportunities to join sports and clubs that build relationships which can last a lifetime. Most of all my teachers were amazing and care about their jobs, you do get those teachers that are lazier but they not common at all at least for me. Also, they are making improvements in the athletics facilities at our school like a new track, football field, baseball/softball field which was something that was needed. Overall Whitney is a great school with some lows but some amazing highs I would recommend to any other prospective students thinking of coming here.
    Read 978 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Maggie Walker Governor's School

    • Public School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 9-12
    • 64
    #15 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Over the course of the past four years, I have found that Maggie Walker is most definitely a make-your-own-experience kind of school, but regardless, its student end up very prepared for college. While it has an extremely competitive environment and poor mental health, your general experience at MW are defined by the classes, clubs, and people you choose to surround yourself with. MW has hundreds of clubs, from our acapella group Deadbeats to dance teams to our many competitive academic teams like Model UN and Debate, so every student can be sure to find a club that interests them. Compared to most other local schools, MW has a much larger array of classes with classes like Arabic and VCU Web Design. Ultimately, I would never trade my experience at MW. I have found that each class is its own tight-knit community of 180 students, which is something you can find at no other school. This school provides many incomparable opportunities, so if you get in, I encourage you to join us!
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 746 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Canyon Crest Academy

    • San Dieguito Union High School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 495
    #16 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: CCA has provided me with an excellent education. With the quarter system and supportive staff and resources, CCA students are another level of brilliant. I chose CCA because of the atmosphere and kind students I was surrounded by, something so different from middle school. I learned how to be accepting of others and look at the world from an understanding different viewpoint while also receiving an excellent education. Being ranked best in California is not the goal at CCA, it is making sure students are happy and healthy while also having fun. I loved my past 3 1/2 years here!
    Read 495 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,255 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 789
    #17 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Attending The Bronx High School of Science has been the most impactful experience of my life. With over 30 AP courses to offer and teachers with esteemed educational backgrounds, BxSci has presented a platform for me to challenge myself with a diverse set of individuals who all aspire to be the best versions of themselves. Entering high school with no particular interests, I discovered my love for Mechanics in AP Physics, understood the wonders of the world at the molecular level in AP Chemistry, and challenged my philosophy with engaging Socratic seminars in AP Literature. The competitive environment, along with my supportive group of friends, pushed me to value education with a deeper understanding. In my final year in high school, I conclusively say that Bronx Science has provided the quintessential foundation to reach my intellectual zenith.
    Read 789 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,011 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. High Technology High School

    • Public School
    • Lincroft, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 83
    #18 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I liked the sense of community in the school throughout my years here. I am able to ask for help whenever I want because of the strong connections here. One thing I would change is introduce more diversity in the current clubs, such as adding more language-based clubs.
    Read 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 117
    #19 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students. Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet - you'll quickly see that the students are friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic. The clubs and activities they lead, especially the STEM-related ones like Robotics and Science Olympiad, are a lot of fun - and of course great learning experiences! The school offers so much support for students, whether through funding, resources (like the brand new makerspace and on-campus fitness centers), or fantastic guidance counselors.
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. BASIS Oro Valley

    • Public School
    • Oro Valley, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 59
    #20 Best Public High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I went to BASIS from 8th-10th grade. This school is very meticulous and unforgiving on its students and functions very similarly to that of a business. However despite that, this school will definitely teach you how to study effectively, how to maximize what you are learning, and give a general appreciation education. The environment is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE here! I currently go to Purdue university, and in my opinion attending BASIS is equally as stressful as attending a credited university. If you are coming to this school it is highly recommended that you have an established work ethic, and that it was your choice to come to this school. Remember this school is #3 in the nation, so do not take this school lightly and be prepared to work hard. Further more this school does not ensure that you go to a good college- it ensures that you go to college. With that being said if you are going to this school good luck!
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 537 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Henry M. Gunn High School

    • Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
    • 9-12
    • 260
    #21 Best Public High Schools in America

    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 260 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,918 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 543
    #22 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: It's been a few years that I've graduated from Townsend and I have to say, it prepared me so well for college. I ended up going to an ivy after high school and not only was I prepared academically, but I was more than prepared to face the competitive environment surrounding me. I realized early on in Townsend that you should not compare yourself to your peers and just always put your best foot forward, and that's exactly what I did during my time there and in college now. Furthermore, Townsend students are textbook definition of nice kids. Everyone was really respectful and friendly and promoted positive peer pressure, i.e. caring about learning, and education. I cannot recommend Townsend enough! Private school education for a public school price :).
    Read 543 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,132 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. School of Science & Engineering

    • Dallas Independent School District, TX
    • 9-12
    • 176
    #23 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: The overall experience was great, more so because of my friends. The counselor was difficult to work with in my case because I have to admit that I was a bit of a slacker but she always scared me by staring me down and raising her voice. I had one teacher humiliate me in front of the entire class my freshman year but they fired her. The rest of my teachers were helpful and amazing people! The security was a little overboard for the kind of school that Townview is but I understand, it's their job. Other than that, the students all applied to be there so there were rarely any fights and it is an amazingly diverse school.
    Read 176 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 418 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Conestoga Senior High School

    • Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA
    • 9-12
    • 313
    #24 Best Public High Schools in America

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

    Overall, a great experience, and I would definitely recommend!
    Read 313 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,062 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. The Davidson Academy

    • Public School
    • Reno, NV
    • 6-12
    • 57
    #25 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: The school could definitely stand to be more diverse in a lot of ways; for example, it could improve its ethnic diversity and admit more students from low-income backgrounds. It's also quite small, and this can feel very insular at times. However, the teachers are some of the most caring human beings I have ever met, and the school continues to feel like a home even after you graduate. I think anyone who goes here will receive an excellent education that will take them far in life, but they would also do well to remember that there's a far bigger world out there beyond its walls (and to interact with it more). Oh, and many of the students here are middle schoolers or early high schoolers--sometimes it can feel like older students are glossed over a little bit when it comes to creating special events or opportunities for them. Overall, though, this school is excellent, and I think all of these problems are definitely solvable.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 4

    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

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Charlottesville Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7

    Parent: Our family LOVES CCS! Our two boys went through CCS and are much better young men and students as a result. The overall environment at the Catholic School is exceptional. Academically, the students are encouraged, supported, and pushed to do their very best in the classroom. The teachers do an amazing job of reaching each student individually which translates into a trusting, caring, and successful school experience for the student, the parent(s), and also the teacher. In and out of the classroom the teachers and staff also do an extraordinary job of instilling discipline, self-respect and respect for others, thoughtfulness, and a sense of community and personal responsibility. Our boys continue to excel each and every year both as students and as young men in our community and I believe those valuable traits are a direct result of the foundation, mentorship, and guidance that they received as students at the Charlottesville Catholic School.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 337 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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