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2019 Best Schools in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in 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 119,613
Best Schools
119,613 results

  1. Phillips Academy

    • Private School
    • Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 87
    #1 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Phillips Academy is an amazing institution with endless opportunities. However, the science classes are confined to lectures with minimal lab time. While Phillips Academy encourages critical thinking through Harkness-style discussion in their humanities classes, STEM courses retain a traditional format. I think that true scientific thinking and problem-solving skills are built through hands-on application. While my high school science classes have allowed me to gain a strong foundation for such applications, I feel that free time for exploration or discussion has been missing. For example, in my biology class last year during a unit about genetics our teacher briefly mentioned the potential for so-called “designer babies” and the ability to eliminate most diseases prenatally. This immediately raised many ethical questions for me. I was disappointed to find that there was no space in the curriculum to talk about the impacts and implications of this technology on society.
    Read 87 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 121
    #2 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: It’s been a year since my daughter transferred into HW upper school from a different school. It was a difficult decision for her to leave the comfort of her friends to enter a more rigorous school. But she is a competitor and HW provides the tools to take scholars with similar drive to a higher level of learning. The faculty is superb. Her teachers constantly engage her and her dean is always there to make sure she is happy while helping her to reach her educational goals. She has joined some great clubs and met some outstanding friends. I’m sure this school may not be right for everyone. From my perspective, if your child wants to challenge himself or herself educationally, this is an excellent school.
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Private School
    • Exeter, NH
    • 9-12
    • 216
    #3 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: Phillips Exeter Academy is an amazing institution with renowned facilities, faculty, and alumni. The financial aid is unmatched; I will be forever grateful for the generous financial aid package that my family received. It's a diverse school, and although it's not always perfect in handling issues surrounding equity and inclusion, it's definitely a school that tries really hard to make sure each student feels safe. Stress levels are extremely high here, the workload is intense, and the New Hampshire winters can be extremely dreary, but I have made the best friendships here and have grown so much, both academically and personally. Even through the tough times, I have never regretted saying Yes to Exeter and I know that its all worth it. Additionally, it IS possible to have fun here! Even in a small town, we find ways to just live life and be teenagers.
    Read 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,085 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. 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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  5. Trinity School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 53
    #4 Best Private High Schools in America

    Niche User: Amazing school. Superior academic, athletic, and fine and performing arts programs. Great teachers. Bright, academically driven students. Great facilities. Superior financial aid and college placement programs. Strong and successful commitment to diversity. Half the senior class gains admission to at least one ivy league college; a record unmatched by any other high school in America. For the right student, one who is bright, highly motivated, task oriented, and talented in one or more non academic areas, Trinity is a superb fit. For students who don't possess a first class work ethic, Trinity can and will knock you down, even bury you. All in all, for a bright, talented, and highly motivated student, you really can't do any better.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,001 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Choate Rosemary Hall

    • Private School
    • Wallingford, CT
    • 9-12
    • 118
    #5 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: There is so much to love about Choate. The faculty and administrators are deeply invested in educating well-rounded, world citizens who are prepared to enter any industry or academic discipline. From sports to Model UN to the performing arts, everyone has school pride!

    My only critique is that the competitive nature of the school culture can be overwhelming for young students - but there are classmates, teachers, and academic or health counselors who are always ready to lend a helping hand.

    Go Choate!
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 850 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. St. Mark's School of Texas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1-12
    • 44
    #6 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Attending St. Mark's has been very enlightening and experiential. From the classroom to the playing field, I've always been challenged and pushed to think differently. Camaraderie, collaboration, and citizenship is found in every student activity from the Community Service Board to the Telos Leadership and Ethics program. The famous Pecos experience for rising freshmen allows students to learn more about themselves and their classmates. Teachers' offices are always open for discussion or outside-of-class help. This education has definitely helped me become the man I am now.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 863 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Lakeside School

    • Private School
    • Seattle, WA
    • 5-12
    • 85
    #7 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I attended Lakeside for high school and absolutely loved my experience. The classes are challenging in the best way and each student has access to an amazing support network of teachers, faculty, administrators, counselors, peer tutors and more. The connections I made at Lakeside I know will stay with me throughout the rest of my life and I am extremely proud to be a Lakeside alum . I would highly recommend Lakeside to any student looking for an unforgettable high school experience that prepares you for college and beyond!
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 254
    #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 254 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 647 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 67
    #8 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: I really love my experience here, so much that I'm part of the student ambassador team! The vibrant community, supportive learning environment, wonderful teachers, and beautiful campus have all contributed to an incredible four years here.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 363 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. St. Paul's School

    • Private School
    • Concord, NH
    • 9-12
    • 63
    #9 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: This year was my first at St. Paul’s School, and so far I have only good things to say about my experience. Overall, SPS has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons into different activities, subjects, and ideas which have, in my opinion, helped me grow as a person. Due to its selective nature, the school is made up entirely of students who want to be there and this affects classes and everyday life for the better. Because it’s relatively small, I find that it’s really easy to make friends and the student body feels more like a family than anything else. There are still a lot of things that the school needs to work on, such as greater diversity and art culture, but the administration is very receptive to the feelings of our students and has addressed them constructively. I would recommend SPS to anyone!
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 541 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. The Lawrenceville School

    • Private School
    • Lawrenceville, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 110
    #10 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: The Lawrenceville School is a wonderful place. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in so many ways. Over the course of four, three, two, or one years, you will learn a lot more about who you are as a person. I had a lot of trouble adjusting my freshmen year, but as a senior, I can look back and see how much I've grown each year! I am grateful for this place.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 822 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Stanford Online High School

    • Online School
    • Stanford, CA
    • 7-12
    • 112
    #11 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: The teachers are experts in their subjects and their excitement about the material creates challenging and engaging classes for the students. But make no mistake, these are difficult classes! When my girls have had outside tutors, the common response is awe at the depth of the material they are covering in middle and high school.
    It is a surprisingly social school too! The kids are always on the group chats with OHS friends talking, goofy around or even watching movies together. The families are also great about getting together often and letting the kids visit each other. The best part is that it is cool to be smart and doing something positive and unique. This is the best type of peer influence you could ask for in high school!
    My daughter has taken summer classes in more traditional “work on your own” virtual schools and, while they have their own strengths, if you are looking for a truly challenging school and a real school community, OHS is a great place!
    Read 112 Reviews

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

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 463
    #2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Freshman: TJ is an amazing place because it provides rigorous academics and countless extracurriculars for free. The research labs provide an unmatched opportunity to connect with DC-area scientists and explore research questions without being limited by cost or supplies. Eighth period offers time to engage in clubs, and many students participate in sports as well. TJ also values integration of subjects as shown in our IBET and HUM programs. Overall, it is a fantastic community to be a part of and provides resources like no other public high schools. In addition, the students truly make the atmosphere, and although it is sometimes falsely stereotyped as a cutthroat environment, for the vast majority of the student population, being surrounded by other equally-minded learners encourages achievement and promotes success. Really the only downsides are a heavy workload and long commutes, but both of these are definitely worth the positives.
    Read 463 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,789 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 115
    #12 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Beyond academic rigor, being a Regian is a commitment and continuous giving of one's time, energies and talents to others. My son is regularly exhausted from the workload, obligations and commute, but he is also highly energized and inspired. The teachers are passionate, but my son learns as much from classmates who are accomplished and driven, yet supportive of each other.

    The all-scholarship legacy means true socioeconomic diversity and allows Regis to position itself above the what-can-you-do-for-my-child calculus of expensive private schools.

    Regis has an outsized share of boys receiving various national merit awards and placements into the very top universities. But those are never the explicit goals of the school, or the 'returns expectations' of families. They are just the outcome of 4 sincere years of amazing purposeful Regis experience.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Deerfield Academy

    • Private School
    • Deerfield, MA
    • 9-12
    • 35
    #13 Best Private High Schools in America

    Niche User: I am from Eaglebrook school and I go to DA every week. The amount of freedom the Deerfield kids get is jaw dropping compared to the amount of babying in Eaglebrook school. The community is diverse, I am friends with a few alums who think the school is great! I might attend here soon.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 330
    #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 330 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 977 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 93
    #14 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Winsor School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 5-12
    • 58
    #15 Best Private High Schools in America

    Freshman: I recently entered the school as a freshman, and never have I experienced such a warm, welcoming, and intelligent community as this one. My favorite thing about Winsor is the people there (teachers and students), though the academics are also exceptional. I'm always challenged and intrigued by my schoolwork and when it gets too hard I always feel comfortable asking a teacher for help. Extracurriculars at Winsor are also amazing. Whether you're in the play or on the basketball team, everyone is super nice and I guarantee you'll have the time of your life.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 21
    #16 Best Private High Schools in America

    Freshman: Overall incredible experience after my first ten years. Can't wait to see what comes of my last three. My brother goes to Trinity, and we can both agree Collegiate is a way more superior institution. Collegiate is forward-looking, fresh, vigorous, immeasurably fun, and overall great school
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. The Harker School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 111
    #17 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I had an amazing experience at The Harker School, partly due to my transformative athletic experience in the high school. Harker's athletic directors and coaches work hard to facilitate a high quality student-athlete experience, and they are constantly improving the facilities so that the available equipment is state-of-the-art. I am sure that the skills of time management and teamwork that I developed as an athlete bolstered my performance in the Harker classroom, and since I was studying so much, it was very healthy for me to be committed to a physical extracurricular activity through team sports. From my experience, like the teachers who work at Harker, the coaches in Harker athletics care deeply about the overall well-being of Harker students and understand that rigorous sports not only can complement but also can support and extend the rigor of intellectual pursuit. I can't recommend Harker athletics and Harker coaches enough!
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,048 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Castilleja School

    • Private School
    • Palo Alto, CA
    • 6-12
    • 42
    #18 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: Too good for words. Castilleja is an all-girls, friendly environment. In the classes, they don’t consist of a lot of students, so teachers can get one on one time with their students. The food is absolutely yummy! The tie ceremony is my favorite event! It means the start of a new and amazing year here at Casti. I attended the camps as a CILT (Counselor In Leadership Training), and it is super fun! Castilleja is a tightly knit community, and almost everyone knows the other people in their year! I love Castilleja School, and when I graduate, will miss it forever.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 434 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Horace Mann School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 115
    #19 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Going to Horace Mann challenged me both mentally and emotionally. I had never experienced a curriculum as stimulating prior to me going to Horace Mann. Their facilities, resources and academic opportunities have allowed me to be both socially and politically conscious of the environment around me. The students that you meet strive for nothing less than perfection. But I will admit that this yearning for perfection can be emotionally and mentally taxing on students. It can be hard to be in a school where almost everyone is a perfectionist and where the school grooms you for college from the very beginning. It can be overwhelming and tiring to have such expectations placed on you. But without the pressure put on by teachers and administration, I would not be as ready for college as I am now. Horace Mann guided me every step of the way through the college process and helped tremendously with anything I needed financially. The challenge is worth it, and so is attending Horace Mann.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. The Thacher School

    • Private School
    • Ojai, CA
    • 9-12
    • 67
    #20 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: The academics are what you'd expect from a boarding school that only accepts 9-12% of applicants. But the best reason to choose Thacher is the culture and community.

    You don't send your kid to Thacher if you think they're "above" doing manual labor like caring for a horse at dawn... or if your kid can't handle extreme wilderness camping. As a result, the students Thacher attracts/admits are humble, kind, hard working, honorable, and community minded.

    Thacher is deliberate in knitting the community together. Thx to regular meals w/assigned seats, prefect groups, advisory groups, riding groups, and new "knots", newly-arrived freshman quickly feel a sense of family.

    Like most elite schools, it attracts wealthy families whose kids can't relate to students from other backgrounds... but Thacher is working hard to make the community more inclusive.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 246 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 917
    #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 917 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,368 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Staten Island Technical High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 598
    #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 598 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,313 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 15

    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 15 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Nysmith School for the Gifted

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

    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 7 Reviews

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