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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.

Best Schools
114,879 results

  1. Phillips Academy

    • Private School
    • Andover, MA
    • 9-12
    • 72
    1 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 72 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Studio City, CA
    • 7-12
    • 112
    2 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 112 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
    • 205
    3 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 205 Reviews

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

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 22

    Senior: Totally prepares you for college courses and college life! The teachers really work with you and care about you. The campus is 1200 acres, truly amazing. It's an all boys school grades 9-12 with about 100 boys per grade. It's boarding students only (no day) so your friends are with you all the time.
    Read 22 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 47
    4 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 47 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
    • 105
    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 105 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1-12
    • 36
    6 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 36 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
    • 78
    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 78 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
    • 239
    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 239 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • 9-12
    • 65
    8 Best Private High Schools in America

    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

    • 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
    • 54
    9 Best Private High Schools in America

    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

    • 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
    • 104
    10 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 104 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
    • 103
    11 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Stanford Online High school has offered my daughter a level of academic challenge she has never experienced and she is loving it! The teachers are enthusiastic and caring. The course material is well thought out and students will definitely be prepared for any future academic endeavors. Stanford is also doing a great job at focusing on the social-emotional aspects of high school life with great advising, counseling, and mentorship as well as a plethora of club and activities. It's an excellent school that I wish we had found sooner.
    Read 103 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
    • 450
    2 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: TJ has many opportunities to get ahead - but only for those interested in science and technology. The student environment and abundant research labs appeal to those interested in studying engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics but don't offer anything for those who enjoy the humanities.

    Due to the high level of rigor each class entails, the students are often under high stress. Sometimes, this pressure may lead to a cutthroat environment. However, in my experience, I've only found individuals willing to help.

    The only issue I find with this school is the new administration. Many freedoms that we had when I entered this school no longer exist. The school used to allow us to eat anywhere during lunch, go anywhere during 8th period, and leave to use the restroom whenever we'd like. After Dr. Glazer left and in the years before, the administration has become more strict and has restricted the majority of these freedoms.
    Read 450 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,823 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 100
    12 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: I've absolutely loved the past four years of my time at Regis. People often ask me what exactly makes it such a special place. Most could take a glance at its commitment to universal full-scholarships, high student SAT scores, an impressive college admissions profile, or location matched only by some of New York City's most elite private schools and walk away impressed. However, the more I've thought it over, the more I've come to believe that it is the people that make Regis the exceptional institution it is today. Everyone from my enthusiastic, exceptional teachers to the actively engaged and intellectually curious classmates I get to surround myself with every day has made my high school experience remarkably conducive to my spiritual development in the Jesuit tradition and to pushing my academic achievements to their limits in a way that I couldn't briefly describe. I'm eternally grateful for how dramatically the Regis community has changed my life in such a short period of time.
    Read 100 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Deerfield, MA
    • 9-12
    • 27
    13 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 27 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
    • 310
    3 Best Public High Schools in America

    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 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Flintridge Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • La Canada Flintridge, CA
    • 7-12
    • 88
    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 88 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
    • 54
    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 54 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
    • 19
    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 19 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
    • 103
    17 Best Private High Schools in America

    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

    • 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
    • 32
    18 Best Private High Schools in America

    Junior: I love this school! Classes have about 16 people, often fewer, so there are many opportunities for one-on-one time with the teachers. Teachers are very willing to work with students if needed. There are about 65 students per grade, so it is a close knit community. I wish our athletics was more reputable, but we are known for our academics rather than athletics. Food is pretty great, sometimes on the heavy side, though.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 438 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Horace Mann School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 106
    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 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. The Thacher School

    • Private School
    • Ojai, CA
    • 9-12
    • 54
    20 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Thacher is a wonderful school! Our daughter is very bright and forward thinking. This is the perfect fit for her. Her experience from kindergarten through 9th grade was in the French system which is very strict and academic. Her experience was very positive there, but it was time for her to experience more connection to her teachers. The Thacher School has been a breath of fresh air. Down to earth. Their understanding of the teen mind and showing them the path of responsibility to themselves and other people is impressive and it works. My husband and I could not be happier with our daughter's choice of Thacher as her school.
    Read 54 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
    • 885
    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 885 Reviews

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

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 573
    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 573 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 8

    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 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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