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.
Alum: The most incredible environment to prepare young people to think outside of the box, learn to challenge themselves mentally, physically and emotionally. An amazing place to develop lasting friendships with people from across the globe — different backgrounds and cultures... and enjoying a special bond through your time and experiences at Andover, and beyond. Andover teaches you so many life skills, that become more evident how useful they are the more you experience what gets thrown your way...college, business, challenges and opportunities. Andover is the greatest investment in oneself and one’s education you could ever offer.Read 67 Reviews
Alum: I am certain that I have received an excellent education at PEA. While Harkness learning often seems like an easy road to take, these discussion based classes were more than rigorous and continuously challenged our critical thinking skills. My only concern with Exeter's approach to learning is that the rigor of Exeter academics often leaves students questioning their abilities. This sentiment is shared by a majority of its students, and this feeling of "not being smart enough" can follow its graduates into their college years. While I recognize the doors open to me after completing my high school years here, I also recognize that the self-deprecation build within its students goes beyond humility.Read 196 Reviews
Alum: I graduated from St. Paul's in 2017 and I wholeheartedly believe that SPS offers an experience unlike any other secondary school in the nation. I had friends from across the globe, my teachers were absolutely incredible (and some are like family to me), the facilities are unmatched, and the people there are just so intelligent and passionate about their own unique interests. I would be lying if I said that SPS is all sunshine and rainbows- it is a rigorous environment and it is natural to feel stressed and frustrated at times. That being said, my overall experience was overwhelmingly positive and I know that I will never live in a community like that again. I have become so incredibly nostalgic about my time at SPS. Ordinary things like hanging out in the common room with your friends and the teacher on duty, or tanning and doing homework on the chapel lawn or the docks-- those small experiences will always be remembered. St. Paul's will always be special to me.Read 54 Reviews
Parent: The academics of The Lawrenceville are among the best. The teachers are all qualified and have extensive experience from the best high schools and colleges. The school offers many college level courses covering a variety of topics.The student advisors, housemasters and subject teacher provide the students/parents feedbacks through the interim reports, end of semester reports besides of the grade. Most of the teachers are very proud of being the lifetime learners, and they are the role models to the students.I appreciate the efforts to make the campus even more beautiful through various construction projects.Read 103 Reviews
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 103 Reviews
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 78 Reviews
Parent: As a parent, we are thrilled with the academic rigor and the level of engagement all students enjoy. The facilities are exceptional, and the support for the whole child is ever-present and authentic. Our daughter is enjoying a diverse group of friends, and has been able to grow strong leadership skills both in and out of the classroom. The arts programs are amazing!Read 23 Reviews
Freshman: Harvard-Westlake truly changed my life. Since coming to H-W as a new seventh grader and still, I have had experiences impossible anywhere else. The competitive nature of the community pushes me to go further than I thought I could, and I have become interested in so many topics that I never thought I would be interested in. Due to the large class sizes, I have met and made so many friends with similar interests as I have, and many with different interests that opened me to even more experiences. If you are considering applying, there is definitely something for you here, and you will not regret your decision!Read 113 Reviews
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 106 Reviews
Parent: This school has been excellent for my son. The teachers and staff are extraordinary and very intentional about everything they do. From the big things (like designing the curriculum) to the smallest details (like planning class retreats)...the school really puts a lot of thought into their decisions. The teachers are just phenomenal and create interesting, yet challenging, class experiences. My son always comes home excited about something interesting or cool he has learned...and he raves about his classmates who are all "very smart yet nice." The school emphasizes diversity, and focuses a lot on social justice and inclusion. They also have plenty of fun things that the high schoolers look forward to. As a parent I feel like I don't need to be overly involved and know that my son is in great hands. I can't recommend the school enough!Read 65 Reviews
Alum: I graduated from Harker having gone here since kindergarten. Harker is a truly unique place because of its combination of school culture, top-level academics, and burgeoning athletics. While there is a sense of competitiveness and stress (mostly seen in the high school level), the teachers and students that go to this school are all wonderful, kind people who come from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. As a student, you'll find so many options to choose from here: the multitude of clubs and student-run organizations, nationally-ranked speech/debate programs, business/entrepreneurship programs, sports (both varsity and JV), and musical (both singing and instrumental) departments. And I haven't even mentioned the academics, which is the biggest reason for Harker's success over the years. I've had the best experience here for over a decade, and I am ready to go to college safe in the knowledge that I've been very well prepared to make my mark on the real world.Read 103 Reviews
Parent: Trinity has been an amazing experience for my daughter. She came in 9th grade from an all girls school (Brearley) and my daughter had the fortune of choosing between Trinity, Dalton, Horace Mann and Exeter. We were worried about the academic intensity but my daughter was well-prepared by her time at Brearley and thrived in an environment where students are constantly challenged and pushed to do their very best. She loves her classmates, and finds the school much more diverse than Brearley. Overall a great experience so far!Read 46 Reviews
Parent: This is one of the best schools we've visited and experienced. The teachers are top notch and willing to go above and beyond for the students, the students are extremely kind and noble in the way they relate to one another; and needless to say, this stems from the leadership, Temba Maqubela and his wife. No wonder it is the most selective school to get into in the nation.Read 16 Reviews
Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!Read 28 Reviews
Senior: Sidwell Friends School has been an amazing place to foster my intellectual growth. Sidwell is a Quaker school and Quaker values (especially community and integrity) are very present within the school environment. Students are very involved in the school community and participate in various activities including club, plays, athletics, orchestra, chorus, and jazz. Teachers are always available to help and foster students that are sensible, compassionate and bright. At Sidwell I have been surrounded by students that genuinely care about whats going on the world around them, want to change the world, and are using their education to do so.Read 39 Reviews
Junior: There are so many opportunities at the school, that you can honestly do anything you want to pursue your passion. The teachers are always there for you, and are there to help you improve all the time. The academics are strong, and it's honestly so manageable. Poly does truly have a really competitive environment. Because the school is so small, you get to know everyone, and you realize the amount of competition that exists within every grade. Sometimes, you really just feel stupid in a class (I know I have). But I love this school so so much, and I have honestly met some of the best people in the whole world. Though it is competitive, everyone is welcoming, and once you feel a part of the Poly community, you feel like you can conquer the world. I am so happy I chose this school and don't regret my decision to come. GO POLY!Read 90 Reviews
Alum: Attending St. Mark's was the best decision I have ever made. The school made me grow academically, but even more as a young man. With bountiful leadership opportunities through the Community Service Board and Telos, I was able to take full advantage of serving those around me. In addition, the Wilderness Program taught me character and really helped bound my class. The teachers at St. Mark's are first-rate, and they are always available for office hours and really want to get to know the student. The student body is full of compassionate and caring young men, and anyone can fit in. Without my St. Mark's education, I would not be the man I am today.Read 35 Reviews
Junior: The teachers and administration really do care about your well-being. Sometimes that manifests itself as tough love but you always come out a better person after. They also want to help you in any way they can. Personally, my advisor has worked with me to get me in the classes I want and encouraged me to take risks with classes I hadn't thought about before. The college counseling is top-notch. The campus itself is extremely nice, but the girls' bathrooms leave something to be desired. The student body is incredibly diverse; I have close friends of all colors, from places like Russia, Vietnam, China, Korea, etc. The diversity of perspective is the diversity of the campus ten-fold. The people I have encountered here are some of the nicest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. They are outgoing, accepting, everything you could want from classmates. Overall, my experience here has been amazing, and I highly recommend this school to others.Read 199 Reviews
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 53 Reviews
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 87 Reviews
Alum: Westminster gave me the challenges, opportunities and support to become the person I am today. I'm getting my degree at my university but I got my education at Westminster. Now having the chance to compare my high school experience to that of my friends in college it is even more clear that Westminster is an incredibly special place. I have always loved to learn and I think at any other school that love might have diminished instead of being nurtured. I will always treasure my time there!Read 144 Reviews
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 schoolRead 18 Reviews
Freshman: I love the relaxed yet intense learning experience at Payton. Sports and clubs at Payton were all very welcoming to me as a freshman. There are so many ways to get involved and meet new people after school at Payton with sport events, clubs, dances, international night, performances, and more. With the Pal system at Payton where chosen juniors and seniors are Pals to groups of freshmen made it very easy to to get fully immersed in the Payton culture and traditions and get any answers to academic, social, or emotional questions I had as a freshman. Payton has wonderful teachers that not only teach but learn from their students to make their class a better experience for everyone. One way to better Payton would be to have an environment that dosen't put so much pressure on academic excellence and getting certain scores or grades because it often leaves students stressed and overworked. Glad I picked Payton!Read 305 Reviews
Sophomore: I am a current Lower-Mid at Hotchkiss and appreciate every day I get to spend at this amazing school. The teachers here are outstanding and bring refreshing perspectives to current events while explaining the required material. The athletics show you how to stay healthy and you also compete against some of the hardest teams in the nation. There are also many clubs at Hotchkiss, covering many different cultures, religions, and passions. I feel as if I am getting ahead of my peers at other schools, and Hotchkiss is preparing me for life outside of rural Connecticut.Read 48 Reviews
Alum: Northside College Prep has one of the most rigorous academic curricula in the nation; as it constantly places amongst the top 25 high schools. The social structure within the school's student body and staff is very liberal/left-winged, where almost everyone is accepting of each other. Despite this, there is an extreme stigma on the grades acquired by students' peers, where if you don't have anything higher than an A- in a class, you're made an outcast; this creates an atmosphere which at times can be very hostile and rejecting of others. This example of grade-based stigmatization is further seen amongst the administration of the school, no one will help you unless you have at least a 3.8 GPA, this has led to students fending for themselves academically as well as psychologically.The school's teachers, however, are phenomenal and 9/10 of them deserve the highest regards in terms of providing my peers and I with the support we needed at tough times and for making learning fun!Read 500 Reviews