2024 Best Schools for STEM in America

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  67 reviews

Freshman: I love it here! I have never been more supported at school. There's tutorials, teachers are always flexible to meet anytime. You can email, sign up on calendly, or find them anytime at their desk. There is also WRC writing tutoring support as well as student peer tutors in all kinds of subjects. It's really just a safe environment where you feel comfortable talking to anyone of all ages, whether it's the college counselor, admissions officers, or cracking jokes with the head of school. And I'm excited that trips this year are out of state again!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  120 reviews

Parent: BISV is a splendid educational haven for my kids, offering a warm, engaging environment enhanced by skilled teachers and diverse activities like the World Festival, School Carnival, and Spirit Week. The standout feature is its STEM curriculum, arguably the Bay Area's best. The school maintains a strong academic emphasis, effectively reducing distractions. This focus offers parents peace of mind and allows students to concentrate on their learning. The effectiveness of BISV's methods is seen in their graduates' success, with many joining prestigious colleges like Stanford, Yale, MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard. Above all, witnessing my kids grow as happy, involved learners in this supportive setting has been the greatest reward. It's a place where kids not only learn but also relish the process. As a parent, I couldn't ask for more.... Read 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,190

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: The Academy is an all around highly-recommended high school experience. Starting with academics, Academy students are challenged everyday through a difficult and relevant courseload, fully preparing them for college and life beyond. Students have a great relationship with their teachers and with each other. The social environment of the academy is an extremely tight web of inseparable, caring, and competitive students. Although its place as a satellite academy causes administrative headache, this school is the center of the greatest academic and social livelihoods a student can hope for.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  322 reviews

Parent: Boarding School is such a unique experience, and I truly believe no school can quite encompass that authentic "boarding school" experience like Exeter. From A tier academics, to amazing sports, Exeter has it all. Topping it off, most of the faculty here hold a PHD or some sort of master's degree in their field, which leads to meaningful and impactful classroom conversations everyday. I came to Phillips Exeter as a Sophomore and my only regret is that I only got to spend three years here!... Read 322 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,074

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  168 reviews

Sophomore: I am extremely grateful to PA. Coming from a lower income background, Andover has opened doors and introduced me to countless opportunities. I’ve been able to gain new passions, such as running and activism, and practice my old ones under incredible instruction and with access to fantastic resources. My only issue with the school is that it’s an incredibly stressful environment for 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 year old students - meaning students are handling both normal teenage stress (pertaining to popularity or pop culture), along with the stress of elite college admissions. There’s not much done by the administration to combat this, meaning students have to tackle it themselves, resulting in people getting overwhelmed, and sometimes leaving the school. However, most of us stick it out, but at what cost? All in all, I would recommend Andover if you’re someone who feels as if your current environment is too restricting and you want to broaden your horizons and meet new people.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Redwood City, CA•

• Online School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stanford Online High School (SOHS). For an online school, they prioritized social life more than I initially expected. From clubs and in-person meetups to online alternatives, I connected with my friends and classmates often. So I loved the people I met and the educated and accomplished faculty! However, if I could change something I would change the accessibility of instructors. I felt closer to the instructors of my brick and mortar school and often lacked the personal touch with my teachers.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 986

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I attended Harker from Kindergarten through High School. Harker's repute as a powerhouse of intense and thorough academics is well-earned– students are constantly challenged in the classroom. However, this academic rigor does not come at the cost of a full-fledged extracurricular experience. Harker's many extracurricular departments provide an all-encompassing vocational education that seamlessly accompanies students' academic experience, including athletics, arts, journalism, engineering, and much more. Unfortunately, while Harker's culture encourages growth and self-improvement, it lacks support for students' mental and physical health. Students often prioritize their academic work above other important aspects of life, such as sleep, health, and socializing, and this culture often contributes to burnout and mental health problems. Overall, if you are searching for a school that will exceedingly prepare you for college and beyond, I recommend Harker with confidence.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,982

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  584 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 584 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,902

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science offers an educational experience like no other! For any student interested in STEAM-related subjects, PRISMS is a dream come true. The faculty are passionate and helpful, and the scientific equipment is college-level! While sports are not prioritized, Varsity volleyball, soccer, and basketball are offered. PRISMS is a great community, filled with incredible educators, a STEAM-centered curriculum, and top-notch scientific equipment.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• L•

• Online School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.76 out of 5  63 reviews

Works Here: Finally! An educational establishment with integrity, that values and respects both students and teachers alike. CGA strives to support its students, not just with their academic studies, but with preparation for the uncertain future they are facing, by offering social, entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative and community-focussed opportunies at every level. We teachers are supported both within the classroom and outside it, with technological and peer support as well as regular and relevant professional development opportunities. I was offered a position within the company in August, 2022 and accepting it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 341

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Scottsdale, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  123 reviews

Senior: My overall experience for this school is fairly positive I feel like every since I entered in fifth grade there have been changes for the better and changes for the worst. Amount of students are fairly larger at the lower grades and they begin to dwindle down as you get into higher grades and the courses become more rigorous and demanding of you. Because of this, all the students that remain are all very competitive with each other which is both good and bad, it helps foster growth and improvement but it also creates an environment that perpetually gatekept by a certain number of students that have just all the top positions and whatever they don’t have they just help their friends get it and this blatant bias is something I don’t unfortunately see going away anytime soon.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,057

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: My 2 children have attended Basis for 6 years, since elementary age and are currently in middle and high school. My children are thriving both socially and academically, they are challenged! It is an environment that will teach self advocacy, independence, executive functioning skill sets that will bring out your child's grit. It will make them stronger, more confident in themselves and their abilities. It isn't for the faint at heart when it comes to work, time management is taught and is critical in grades 8 and above. Every school has its share of issues, but if you want a stellar education and a place where they will learn resilience, commitment and discipline then consider Basis. I gave it 4 stars only because they lack high quality PE facilities that other private high schools in the area have.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  105 reviews

Senior: Choosing this high school was one of the best decisions of my life! From amazing teachers to peers that support and get along with each other, High Technology High School provided me with the best possible high school experience I could have asked for. The academics are rigorous but manageable, and the clubs provide great opportunities to meet and become friends with others who share your interests. The hour long lunch in the middle of every day is a perfect time to get some extra studying done as well as generally hanging out with friends. I have met so many great people by going to this school, and I believe that I changed for the better having gone here over my home high school. There are people from every walk of life and by going to this school I was able to learn so much, not just from academics but also from my fellow students.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at Commonwealth. As a shy middle school student, I was advised by a family friend to look into small schools during my high school search. The community at Commonwealth helped me find my voice, connect closely with my friends and teachers, and learn about myself in a controlled environment. Although a large portion of my experience was heavily affected by the pandemic and the school chose some subpar ways to foster longtime school traditions, I still consider what I gained from my four years to have outweighed my losses. I'm eternally grateful to Commonwealth for my four years there and what I hope will become a lifelong connection to the community.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 154

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  113 reviews

Alum: St. John's is an incredible school with tons of opportunities for participation and excellence in and out of the classroom. Even though it is considered probably the "nerdiest" school in Houston, the people here excel in extracurricular activities as well, including sports theater, the arts, and so much more. I absolutely loved my time at St. John's and the class I graduated with, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,424

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: I feel that my child has gained self confidence, self awareness, and self acceptance by attending this school. The diversity of the student body, faculty, and staff is reflective of the world we live in today and creates an environment where all cultures are celebrated. Sure, it is academically challenging; but that is what makes it great. They are developing students to think so that one day they can change our world for the better. By attending College Prep, my child has risen to the occasion and is reaching his full potential . Yes, my child participates in sports here; and they CAN play sports! The 2022 NCS Boys Fall Soccer Championship Division 2 went to CPS. These students are the Champion Pacesetter Scholars: Intelligent and Athletic. No high school is perfect, but in my humble opinion, this one comes pretty close.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 reviews

Alum: Since 2016, Quarry Lane School has been an integral part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the education and support it provided. The dedicated teachers and staff members created a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that not only helped me achieve academic success but also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Quarry Lane's tight-knit community and inclusive culture fostered personal, social, and emotional growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue my passion for computer science at Harvey Mudd College this fall and beyond. I express immense gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had at Quarry Lane School. It has truly become a second home to me!... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 975

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: At Groton, I feel that I have been able to become a more independent and conscientious person during my time at this school. The best thing about this school is the resources that it provides the students. Here, I feel that I can be whoever I like because the teachers, dorm parents, coaches, and community is supportive of everyone's quirks, interests, and dreams. The teachers are approachable and dedicated, and work hard to provide students with a positive experience and I have made some of the truest and most diverse background friends. However, while at my time here, I have noticed that there is a toxically competitive culture here. Moreover, sometimes it is hard to get leadership positions in clubs because one has to be "connected" or popular, and the unsafe hook-up culture NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! Overall, a great school, and despite the school's imperfections, I would not trade my experience at Groton for anything else in the world.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: In the beginning, I felt quite alienated due to entering the school as a "new nine," but once I began stepping out of my comfort zone and attempting to make friends, all students wholeheartedly embraced me. Every day I am amazed at how committed my peers are to their own education, and unlike most other secondary schools, every student here comes to school with a genuine desire to learn and grow. They are dedicated to their academics and extracurriculars but also know how to have fun and relax at the same time, which nurtures a healthy learning environment. Likewise, the teachers actually care about both their students' understanding of the material and their wellbeings. They are flexible and willing to accommodate their students while also being able to adjust course schedules accordingly, which is an extremely admirable trait. I personally have really really appreciated my time spent at Castilleja School and wouldn't have wanted to spend my four years of high school anywhere else.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: The academics at the school are amazing, and so are the teachers. They are very understanding and open to your opinions. However, I would like to see more diversity and more opportunities in sports and the arts. High school sports are something that you see throughout almost all high schools throughout America, but in the Academy, there's only one sport (soccer). We are studying almost all the time (and therefore, sitting), so it'd be great to get some more physical activity and get more sports into the Academy (football, volleyball, etc.).... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: Joyful pursuit of excellence! My two daughters are attending Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  555 reviews

Junior: I am a junior at Bergen County Academies and I have had a good experience so far. The teachers at Bergen County Academies are for the most part very knowledgeable in their fields. They are willing to go above and beyond. I also appreciate the fact that the school tries to ensure college readiness through guidance seminar and an overall competitive environment. One thing that I would like to see change at Bergen County Academies is the availability of resources for students. While the school does have a lot of resources available, I feel like there could be more support for students who are struggling academically or who need extra help. Another issue students may encounter is the fact that they are locked into their chosen academy. Overall, my experience at Bergen County Academies has been positive. It is a great school with a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities, but getting involved in those activities might be difficult due to the already extended school day.... Read 555 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,109

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Chandler, AZ•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  74 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, BASIS Chandler was a great school. The teachers were well versed in their subjects in addition to being kind, compassionate, and caring. In academic options, BASIS really excelled. However, I felt that the arts were not given due appreciation. Furthermore, choosing a fine art class often interfered with more academic classes. This left students to choose between an artistic passions, for example, theatre, and taking an AP elective. There could be more funding and support for things that laid outside the realm of academia. Personally, I also felt the rules for students were too strict. BASIS Chandler, after all, does include high school, but we were banned from using phones during lunch, and students were not allowed to text their parents if they were feeling sick. They were supposed to go through the front office. I thought a lot of the rules were unreasonable, especially for high schoolers.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  79 reviews

Parent: I have friends who are attending various private and public schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from grades 5 on through 12. In sitting down with the other dads it is undoubtedly true that no school has done more to prepare post the outbreak of the pandemic then St Mark’s. Not only their children but their administration and teachers are out of this world! Not only did the school literally review replace hundreds of things across the campus, they’ve also implemented a fantastic screening program, testing program, and communications program for SARS-COVID19. I know that when selecting schools grades, scores and college admissions are the number one priority. I never thought I would pick a school based upon their ability to handle a medical global outbreak. The school has literally blown us away! We are thankful that our son is there and hope that other schools can use them as a benchmark going into the winter of the pandemic.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 911

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  150 reviews

Alum: The school is excellent in every regard except for the student culture. Everyone is extremely nice and there haven't been any problems with bullying, but it comes at the cost of near complete grade-centrism. Grades are so important that, in many cases, comprehension and enjoyment of the subject falls second. It creates tension and competition, and I'm pretty sure the stress took more than a few years off my life. Still, I've loved attending here and from my parent's perspective, the administration was unbelievably organized and generally very responsive to issues. Also, if you're interested in engineering like I was during high school, there were only two classes with engineering in the name. To make up I joined one of the (several) robotics teams and took all the math, physics and compsci classes I could, which were excellent, but it's a noticeable hole in the school's diverse curriculum.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,793

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1