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2020 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 123,501
Best Schools
123,501 results

  1. Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Private School
    • Exeter, NH
    • 9-12
    • 259 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Phillips Exeter Academy is an amazing school. Students who are here actually want to be here, teachers are passionate and very intelligent, and the community is unparalleled. PEA offers so many opportunities to partake in such a wide variety of activities- from dance to sports to 3D design to robotics and everything/anything in between. There is something for everyone. And if there is not some club or student organization that draws your eye, you can always create it. PEA is prestigious; that is a known fact. But what's important to remember is the values the academy upholds and strives to emulate. Exeter becomes a home for most if not all students, and it's a wonderful place to explore, ask questions, be very confused, and learn!
    Read 259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,085 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. St. Mark's School of Texas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1-12
    • 59 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Attending this school is the best thing i’ve ever done in my life. This school prepares you for college and life out in the real world. The teachers genuinely care and the community of St. Marks is extremely generous. The experience of learning at St. Mark’s is the best that money can buy. If you want you child to be successful, virtuous, and well rounded, send him to St. Mark’s. I will be forever grateful for this school and the 90 brothers that I gained from the moment that I stepped onto 10600 Preston Road. God Bless and Go Lions!
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 863 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Phillips Academy

    • Private School
    • Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 132 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: My daughter graduated in 2011, and I am a member of the Alumni Council for Phillips Academy (full disclosure).

    Even though I knew how special Andover was, I experienced an even better Andover through my daughter. She was a smart girl before, but she developed such confidence, particularly in math and science. I watched the self-doubt become controlled and I saw a true leader develop. Even when there was a disappointment, she knew that she could power through it with the skills she possessed.

    And the friendships! She has life-long friends, both boarders and day students, boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes. All are smart, confident, and succeeding in their fields, now that Andover is behind them. But, you never lose Andover; it is always with you, allowing you to strive and succeed in every way.
    Read 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,146 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. The College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 75 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: College Prep has been an amazing experience for me. The classes are engaging, and the teachers are phenomenal—they genuinely care about your well-being, and they are always willing to meet with you outside of class or just chat. The students are wonderful, as well. Each person is unique and interesting to talk to, and the school has an incredibly collaborative atmosphere! I've had a great time at CPS, and I would absolutely recommend this school.
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 364 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Trinity School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 61 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: An excellent education, especially with the upper school. Hands-on teachers, willing to help with anything. Great student body, and lots of wonderful extracurriculars. Facilities are top-notch, lots of space and natural light. Good performing arts program, as well as visual arts. Humanity classes are some of the best in the country. The only issue I have is with the math curriculum and how they use Problem-Based learning. Excellent and approachable college counselors. It is not a surprise that this is one of the best schools in the country.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,001 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Harvard-Westlake School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 7-12
    • 141 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: I have been beyond impressed with HW. All of the staff have been so respectful and responsive to student and parent needs, often coming to us with solutions before we need to reach out with questions. The school is making adjustments to create more balance for students, and has been extremely supportive during the pandemic. As a parent with children at HW and a different public school, I am extremely grateful for the level of attention and excellence that is provided to students, and their efforts to give back to the community through numerous service events.
    Read 141 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,598 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Stanford Online High School

    • Online School
    • Redwood City, CA
    • 7-12
    • 131 reviews
    #7 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 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 804 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Choate Rosemary Hall

    • Private School
    • Wallingford, CT
    • 9-12
    • 139 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in America

    Freshman: Overall, I would rate Choate 4 out of 5 stars just because Choate is still lacking in diversity. In terms of boarding schools, the diversity is WONDERFUL, but having attended a smaller, very diverse school before, it was a large change/adjustment.
    The facilities and resources that Choate has is amazing. All of their programs are well funded and conducted. They have such a range of clubs and activities, there is something for everyone!
    I would highly recommend Choate from my personal experiences, but of course everyone experiences differ. :)
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 848 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Castilleja School

    • Private School
    • Palo Alto, CA
    • 6-12
    • 55 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: I am currently a senior at Castilleja, and I would never choose to attend another high school. When I first came, I was a little nervous as I had heard of Casti's reputation as rigorous and competitive. After four years, I have found that the academic rigor has only improved my experience and has never lead to competition between classmates. With sixty girls in one grade, it would seem that competition would be prevalent, especially during the college process. However, the community is one of care, and everyone at the school aims only to celebrate your achievements and encourage you to put forth your best work. Every single one of my classmates will become amazing women when they grow up, and Castilleja has been instrumental in developing our confidence, poise, ability to express ourselves, and compassion for others. Thank you Castilleja! My life is forever changed and I will bring the lessons you have taught me throughout the rest of my life.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 430 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Lawrenceville School

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

    Sophomore: It is so fun and amazing! All the people there are so nice and although the classes are pretty difficult, the school does everything they can to help you and make life easier. The house system allows you to form unbreakable bonds with teachers and students, and the teachers are always there to meet with you and answer any questions even if the school day is over. The schedule is perfect with the right amount of classes each day and Lawrenceville goes above and beyond with the curriculum of their classes. I could say so much more but don't have enough space!
    Read 128 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 822 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Regis High School

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

    Niche User: I commend the Founders and leadership. The vision, execution, and evolution of the model is spot on. Ask any student, parent, faculty, college admissions counselor, and Dean at any University and you will get the real story. It's not perfect but the school has been able to maintain it's high level of academics and keep its goal of providing a full scholarship education for future Catholic leaders, authors, scientists, etc.. The sincere approach to help diversify the classroom has been successful. With education costs going out of control, you would think governments and schools are studying how it's done at Regis.

    Get a top notch education without lowering standards or using temp solutions ("shuttling" minorities in or subsidizing over priced tuition with"generous" financial aid packages to fill quotas for chess, academics, sports, and school team competitions). Colleges and employers love Regians!
    Read 126 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 131 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Horace Mann is a welcoming diverse community of families and high achieving students. From the moment we inquired about sending our oldest child to HM, the school embraced us and made us feel welcome. When we toured the new upper school campus, our jaws dropped. HM feels like the grounds of an Ivy league university, not a city day school. As our children have grown, they have developed into well rounded, intellectual curious people with truly deep personal relationships with friends from many cultures. Other schools in NYC talk the talk about diversity, but you can tell from the student body and faculty that HM walks the walk.
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I was a K-12 student at Collegiate. Overall my experience was amazing. Became incredibly close with all my friends and the education has served me well. Coming to college everyone fears for the seemingly more rigorous education; however, this was not the case at all. I found myself being at the top of my class in writing despite being an average/below average writer in high school. I've found that many parents worry about sending their kids to an all-boys school, but I would highly recommend it. First, students don't deal with all the drama that co-ed schools inherently deal with. Second, there are many many more all-girl schools in the interschool. I don't think anyone had a difficult time socializing with women or getting girlfriends. Even though I would definitely recommend Collegiate, it does have its fair share of issues.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Lakeside School

    • Private School
    • Seattle, WA
    • 5-12
    • 95 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I'm currently finishing my fifth year at Lakeside, and I cannot emphasize enough how much I love it at this school. Driven, motivated, and kind students thrive in our tight-knit community. I feel so supported and cared for by the faculty and staff, and I've been given plenty of opportunities to contribute my voice towards the betterment of the school. I truly feel at home in this school, and I'm so grateful to the administration for all the hard work they put into cultivating a compassionate community. Yes, homework abounds, and yes, the students are quite competitive, but if you stay motivated and work hard you'll do just fine. As a student-athlete who will also be leading two clubs next year, I definitely have a jam-packed schedule, but as long as you can manage your time well, it's all doable! The skills I've learned and will continue to learn at Lakeside, alongside the fantastic academics, will serve me well in university and beyond.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Brearley School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 62 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: My daughter began in Kindergarten and (still) loves it! She’s now in high school. It's a nurturing place for learning. The staff and faculty are incredibly supportive. They know each child. The curriculum is top-notch. There is a methodical approach to the curriculum that begins in the Lower School and continues in the Upper School. One example is in the writing program and how it evolved from Kindergarten, building on each girl’s capacity and capability, each year. Our daughter now produces papers for many courses that are well-written and well-argued! We feel that Brearley is our second home in the city. My daughter has life-long friends. Our family has also found families who will remain in our lives for a very long time.
    Read 62 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 720 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 97 reviews
    #16 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 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. The Hotchkiss School

    • Private School
    • Lakeville, CT
    • 9-12
    • 67 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Our son recently graduated from Hotchkiss and had a great experience. After a rocky Prep Year, the school provided fantastic support which allowed our son to thrive. Our daughter attends a very highly regarded boarding school in MA that's much more "sink or swim." That's not Hotchkiss. They've got ample resources and a very competent administration that recognizes all kids are different. Only complaint is about Math department, which needs attention. There's been too much faculty turnover, and families expect world class instruction for the tuition they are paying. Still, would highly recommend Hotchkiss to any parent with a self-motivated and smart kid.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. St. Paul's School

    • Private School
    • Concord, NH
    • 9-12
    • 75 reviews
    #18 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 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 534 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Crystal Springs Uplands School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • 6-12
    • 42 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Crystal prepares students for college!

    The only major downside is that I wish that there was more racial/ethnic diversity. There are only a few African-American students, roughly 5% of the entire school population, and it can be extremely isolating. Additionally, it has also been hard for me due to the fact that I am transitioning to male and as much as the school is trying to support me and understand, I think there is still A LOT of work to be done in regards to supporting LGBT(+) students.

    With that said, the academics are world-class. It definitely gives (and gave) me an advantage in testing, access to higher-level education, study skills, and essay writing.

    To those who are looking to apply, the biggest advice I would give is: Don't be afraid of the cost. The school gives excellent financial aid to those who truly need it.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 539 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Pingry School

    • Private School
    • Basking Ridge, NJ
    • K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in America

    Middle School Student: As a student at the Pingry School, I have to say that it's an excellent school to be in. The food is great, the teachers are welcoming, and the classes are helpful on educational levels. The homework isn't heavy, and everyone there tries their best to keep their life goals in mind. I would totally recommend this school! Learning here has been the best experience of my life, and, there is inclusion in sports and activities. There are so much things that are amazing about this school.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,125 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 519 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: In terms of academics, I liked being challenged, going more in depth on some topics, and the idea of a more project-based environment (even when some of the projects weren't organized well by the teachers). There are so many opportunities available for students - the number of clubs is comparable to some colleges. The community I found was wonderfully supportive, most likely because we were all more arts-oriented. I know that there are always the show-offs and the jerks and they were definitely present, but I could avoid them. It's always a plus not having the bathrooms smell like drugs! However, the school is pretty notorious for being a breeding ground for mental health problems.
    Read 519 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,786 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 295 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I think that, overall, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a great school. The teachers I have had are super nice and always supportive, and are willing to help outside of the classroom. The curriculum is challenging and there are many fun student-run events! I love the opportunities that are offered here and I think that the school has really helped me grow as a person with all the hard work we have to do and also the mandatory activities outside of the classroom.
    Read 295 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 647 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 44 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Nobles is an amazing school, filled with caring teachers and administrators and smart, nice kids who are talented in a lot of ways. The theatre program is top notch, as is the music. My son started this year as a freshman and is having an amazing time-- being challenged in his honors classes, and trying so many different clubs, from Model UN, to Chess team, to a cappella to Chamber Singers, to writing for science and humanities publications. This is a school that really cares about the students' well-being. Every morning they gather for assembly which often has performances. It's a noticeably joyful place and we are so glad our son is there.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Deerfield Academy

    • Private School
    • Deerfield, MA
    • 9-12
    • 45 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: I've had a great experience with Deerfield Academy because of the tight-knit community, and the sit-down meal style as well as the beautiful campus and academic rigor. The school has tons of resources for its motivated and ambitious student body, and the teachers genuinely care about the subject they teach.

    What makes Deerfield stand out is its long-standing sit-down tradition, where randomly selected groups of 6-7 students are assigned to sit at a table and eat lunch together daily with 1 adult present. Our sit-down tradition has helped me meet tons of likable students, who I would not have otherwise met.
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 101 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: Polytechnic School, often referred to as just "Poly," excels in academics and shapes great leaders. Poly has the unique benefit of hosting three schools on two campuses which allows for collaboration across age groups. In the Upper School, the administration consistently works towards improving diversity through increasing student voices. The teachers are exceptionally well-qualified. Many of the educators are specialists in their fields which allows for in-depth lectures and a true passion for each subject being taught. While some criticize the high cost of attendance as elitist, a large percentage of Poly's endowment is dedicated towards financial aid, and most demonstrated need is fully awarded. Furthermore, the tuition allows for incredible recourses and facilities such as a state of the art woodshop, 14,578 square-foot swimming pool, and newly renovated Garland Theatre.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 859 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Oakcrest School

    • Private School
    • Vienna, VA
    • 6-12
    • 113 reviews

    Parent: Many pros. School has an amazing philosophy (i.e., seek holiness in the ordinary world). Academics are rigorous. Philosophy & history departments are outstanding. English courses are phenomenal. CHEM, Physics, and BIO instructors are solid. Catholic theology is made relevant. Chaplains are awesome! Music & theater dept is incredible. Athletics are good. Soccer, lacrosse & track are strong. Service is encouraged. Intern'l study is available. School forms strong women. Cons are: high tuition; high faculty turnover; inconsistent math instructor quality; lacking in foreign language courses; ethnic diversity exists, but outside of the classroom a missing element of friendly inclusiveness exists; school isn't equipped for learning differences & falls short of Catholic school guidelines; much subrosa mean behavior among girls goes uncorrected (on and offline)(school doesn't monitor seemingly libelous harmful student social media use) & college counseling could be better for the price.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 260 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Fairfax Christian School

    • Private School
    • Dulles, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 34 reviews

    Parent: A very physically appealing and well located school. The work is advanced in the sense they are ahead of the public schools but this is primarily accomplished with copious amounts of homework. The High School is top notch and a prep-school (for college), however, the lower school (elementary) is not impressive at all. It is very obvious the administration is heavily focused on the upper years and the lower years suffer as a result. There are no breaks, limited lunchtime and tons of homework for such young kids. The clubs are few for younger years (again better in upper). Bible is mandatory but otherwise relatively moderate. Communication overall is average so you have to be engaged. Most teachers are very good but a few are overly strict. In closing, If you have younger children I would highly recommend waiting until they reach middle school or higher before coming here. If you have upper year school children then you have a great prep-school waiting.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 296 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Williamsburg Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 53 reviews

    Parent: We are new to WCA this year and from our first visit we could feel the Christlike welcoming spirit of this special place! We have been welcomed and treated as part of the school family from the start. The smaller class sizes are such a huge blessing to our 3 children who each have specific learning styles and who each learn differently. They are challenged, supported, loved, and taught the way THEY learn! Their teachers, administrators, coaches and support staff truly care about their academic and spiritual success! For a smaller private school , their athletic and artistic opportunities are still abundant! We can’t express enough gratitude for finding WCA. Looking forward to all of our children being eagles until graduation!
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 165 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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