2022 Best Schools in America

Phillips Academy Andover

• Private School
• ANDOVER, MA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.47 out of 5  148 reviews

Alum: The great class of ‘75. We were the last class “de prepped “. We were two years apart and two years combined with Abbot. We met John Mason Kemper and carried on with “Doc” Sizer. We survived “Rinkydink” days and witnessed “Mother Phillips”. After all that, I’m totally jealous of what the students are offered and have available today. It’s awesome! And with “Need Blind” admission, who can compete! Go Big Blue!
Read 148 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,187 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Hotchkiss School

• Private School
• LAKEVILLE, CT
• 9-12
• Rating 4.57 out of 5  79 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss made a very generous financial aid offer that make selecting it a no brainer - so don't let the sticker price dissuade you from applying! Our "lower-mid" (10th grade) child has had a fantastic experience in her first few months, despite the Covid lockdowns. Of course the resources are fantastic, but what has especially impressed us as parents is the personal attention for our child from each of her teachers and deans. Go Bearcats!
Read 79 Reviews

• grade A+

• 600 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Choate Rosemary Hall

• Private School
• WALLINGFORD, CT
• 9-12
• Rating 4.53 out of 5  152 reviews

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 152 Reviews

• grade A+

• 868 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The College Preparatory School

• Private School
• OAKLAND, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.16 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: I've absolutely loved my time at College-Prep. It's the perfect place for students to be challenged intellectually, yet it's in a safe and welcoming environment. In my experience, there isn't really a culture of competitiveness/cutthroat environment, but, as with everywhere you go, you'll undoubtedly find exceptions to the rule. College-Prep has been perfect for me and has been a place where I've succeeded. I've grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am forever grateful for the faculty, peers, and friends I have met along the way.
We get a pretty bad rep for sports, but it's a great place to try out new sports! If you're not an athlete and you want to start a sport, everyone's super nice and there aren't many expectations haha. Still, we do have some teams that tend to do pretty well in league or you could always play club so def not a dealbreaker in my opinion!
Read 81 Reviews

• grade A+

• 373 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Groton School

• Private School
• GROTON, MA
• 8-12
• Rating 4.42 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: I came to Groton as a student who had never truly been challenged in any capacity in the classroom. Needless to say, I have now been challenged. I continue to be challenged in schoolwork, sports, and in most other facets of life at Groton school. This is the kind of place where you grow; not in a slow, easy-going manner, you are pushed, hard. And yet that is something I had never experienced until I came here. Groton is able to combine extremely rigorous academics with brilliant teachers who make teaching their first priority. Coming from public school, I was shocked at how ready, not to mention excited, my teachers were to meet with me outside of class, discuss extra material, and even help with other subjects! The connections I have made with my teachers are extraordinary. I will be forever grateful to the Groton School for providing me with the opportunity of experiencing what it is like to enjoy learning, to enjoy being challenged, even to enjoy failure (there's been quite a bit).
Read 48 Reviews

• grade A+

• 380 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Phillips Exeter Academy

• Private School
• EXETER, NH
• 9-12
• Rating 4.35 out of 5  283 reviews

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 283 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,085 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Mark's School of Texas

• Private School
• DALLAS, TX
• 1-12
• Rating 4.68 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: I have friends who are attending various private and public schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from grades 5 on through 12. In sitting down with the other dads it is undoubtedly true that no school has done more to prepare post the outbreak of the pandemic then St Mark’s. Not only their children but their administration and teachers are out of this world!
Not only did the school literally review replace hundreds of things across the campus, they’ve also implemented a fantastic screening program, testing program, and communications program for SARS-COVID19.
I know that when selecting schools grades, scores and college admissions are the number one priority. I never thought I would pick a school based upon their ability to handle a medical global outbreak.
The school has literally blown us away! We are thankful that our son is there and hope that other schools can use them as a benchmark going into the winter of the pandemic.
Read 69 Reviews

• grade A+

• 863 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4 out of 5  70 reviews

Junior: My overall school experience has been very positive! The teachers(with 1 or 2 exceptions) and academics have been outstanding so far, and it seems like I can do whatever I put my mind to here. There are plenty of options for clubs, and plenty of motivated students who participate in them. When I first entered the school, I thought a lot of the students would be aloof trust-fund kids. However, for the majority of students, that thankfully doesn't hold true. My only 2 complaints are: 1)the math curriculum, which for me is too repetitive and not challenging enough; and 2)the behavior of the administration(especially during covid), which can be paternalistic at times.
Read 70 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,001 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Nueva School

• Private School
• HILLSBOROUGH, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.51 out of 5  51 reviews

Junior: I personally love Nueva. I joined in 9th grade just for the high school and loved it! All the students are super welcoming, and the small class size (about 100 to a grade, 12-16 people per class) means that the environment is intimate and you get to know people really well. The school culture of calling our teachers by their first names means that we get to know them really well, and we know that they are there for us. Yes they are our teachers, but a lot of them are also friends! Further, I would say the best part about the school is how unique the classes and resources are. Classes like Neuroscience of Addiction and Experimental Research all take place in the top-notch biology labs, and our laser cutters, CNC machines, and woodcutters mean that kids can build literally anything in the i-Lab. All the clubs are open and there for you, and the school is 100% committed to diversity and comfort for all its students, and not afraid to discuss uncomfortable situations. Highly recommend!
Read 51 Reviews

• grade A+

• 605 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Brearley School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.19 out of 5  72 reviews

Parent: Brearley is a top notch, wonderful school! My 8-year-old daughter is thriving, happy and growing leaps and bounds every year. The Brearley community is warm, down to earth and diverse. The administration and the teachers will go above and beyond for your daughter and your family. While it has always been an academic powerhouse, it is also a school that encourages all of it's students to be creative and unique individuals, while learning to embrace Brearley's core values of "honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility and courage." We are lucky to be a part of the Brearley community.
Read 72 Reviews

• grade A+

• 768 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Harvard-Westlake School

• Private School
• LOS ANGELES, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.44 out of 5  151 reviews

Junior: Throughout my five years at Harvard-Westlake, I have come to realize what a unique place it is. Anyone can find a path that suits them: regardless of whether you're a math superstar, a polyglot, or a talented thespian, there's something for everyone! With top-notch academics, incredible clubs and a dedicated student body, anyone can succeed and find their- so to speak- niche at HW.
Read 151 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,620 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stanford Online High School

• Online School
• REDWOOD CITY, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.64 out of 5  152 reviews

Junior: I've been enrolled at OHS for three years now, and I've had the privilege of experiencing all three different enrollment options here (single course, part time, and full time) each for one year.

I'm sure many have heard of the rigorous academic curriculum at OHS - and they aren't joking. The high school and AP courses, especially, are very demanding, although also extremely rewarding. The vast majority of my teachers have been proven to be very advanced and knowledgeable in their fields.

As for the social aspect of OHS: it's hard to grasp, but adequate as long as you are tangibly present during class discussion (and in Skype chats, which are the students' main form of communication). It's even worth it to join a couple clubs, although not all are very active. Really, the best advice I could give in terms of social exposure while at this school is to join a couple extracurriculars outside OHS - especially if you're enrolling full-time.
Read 152 Reviews

• grade A+

• 903 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Riverdale Country School

• Private School
• BRONX, NY
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.36 out of 5  59 reviews

Sophomore: As a current student at RCS, I have been blown away by the program here. The academics speak for themselves, but students are still encouraged to be well rounded people. Obviously I think my friends are great but I think the overall quality of the student body is impressive and there aren't many bad seeds. I also think the school has done a wonderful job welcoming students from diverse backgrounds without falling into the culture war traps that seem to have afflicted some other schools where the students needs have taken a backseat. Overall I am thrilled with the school.
Read 59 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,219 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Lawrenceville School

• Private School
• LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ
• 9-12
• Rating 4.26 out of 5  142 reviews

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 142 Reviews

• grade A+

• 822 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Castilleja School

• Private School
• PALO ALTO, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.32 out of 5  57 reviews

• grade A+

• 430 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Horace Mann School

• Private School
• BRONX, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  138 reviews

Alum: Horace Mann has developed to be more diverse, inclusive staff wise in recent years which makes the school experience much better. After recently graduating, I feel that HM has prepared me for the competitive nature of college and working. There are a few things that could have been improved when I was there (like a more diverse teaching staff, putting more focus on racial issues, etc.), but have since been focused and improved on!
Read 138 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,694 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Crystal Springs Uplands School

• Private School
• HILLSBOROUGH, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.41 out of 5  44 reviews

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 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• 539 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Regis High School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.42 out of 5  136 reviews

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 136 Reviews

• grade A+

• 532 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Paul's School

• Private School
• CONCORD, NH
• 9-12
• Rating 4.45 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: I graduated from St. Paul's in the Form of 2017. The rural New Hampshire boarding school turned me into the mature, self-determined, and independent person I am today. While the school has had some issues in recent years, the school gave me a tremendous education that taught me the value of working hard and being a leader. I will not lie, I have some issues with the leadership of the administration. The school culture has also changed since I left. There used to be more freedom in terms of your actions outside of class. However, the school still prepared me extremely well for college and employment thereafter. I attended a NESCAC college in Maine, and I now work at an investment management firm. I made some of my closest friends there (even closer than college ones), as being away during your teen years makes you rely on your peers for guidance.
Read 84 Reviews

• grade A+

• 536 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Flintridge Preparatory School

• Private School
• LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.65 out of 5  99 reviews

Parent: Perfect balance of prioritizing academic excellence while supporting the students' extracurricular interests and social/ emotional well being. Always puts the kids first! The kids are so well balanced and the school found the way to have academic rigor without the stress and competition of among the students.
Read 99 Reviews

• grade A+

• 530 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Noble and Greenough School

• Private School
• DEDHAM, MA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.64 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: Incredible school and culture of academics and athletics. Fantastic leadership and communication through ever changing scenarios of the pandemic. Our son, is happy, feels safe and thrives in an environment that encourages curiosity and inclusion.
Read 50 Reviews

• grade A+

• 614 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Deerfield Academy

• Private School
• DEERFIELD, MA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.46 out of 5  52 reviews

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 52 Reviews

• grade A+

• 658 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Collegiate School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.24 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: My son joined Collegiate last Year as a seventh grader. The school is wonderful and it accommodate my son perfectly. The school assigned French and Music teachers for my son for the entire year since he didn’t have French or bass instrument before, at the end of the year he didn’t just catch up with the other kids but he also became proficient in both subjects and we couldn’t ask for more. On the other hand, the school environment and the parents are welcoming. As a family of color our experience of the diversity, inclusion, and belongings was excellent and our son fit perfectly at Collegiate.
Read 25 Reviews

• grade A+

• 651 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Commonwealth School

• Private School
• BOSTON, MA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.81 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: Commonwealth's faculty deliver a level of academic rigor that I've been unable to find at other schools. Just as amazing to me is the amount of nurturing and support the school is able to provide to students in attaining their full potential. Thanks to Commonwealth's small size, students are able to meet one on one with their advisors on a weekly basis. A good number of the faculty have university teaching experience, yet it's abundantly clear from the individual attention they give students both in and out of the classroom that they're at Commonwealth because they love teaching and working with teenagers. Another key ingredient in the quality of this school are the students it attracts: bright, curious, unpretentious, and not cliquish. My daughter, who tends toward quiet and reserved, has been at the school as a ninth grader for under a month, but has already made close friends. We're extremely fortunate to have found this school; I can't recommend it enough!
Read 32 Reviews

• grade A+

• 148 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rye Country Day School

• Private School
• RYE, NY
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.35 out of 5  94 reviews

Parent: An incredible School that focus on helping children becoming self confident, hard working and creative young adults! Competitive but in a very good way. Students are very friendly with newcomers! My dream school, thank you RCDS!
Read 94 Reviews

• grade A+

• 938 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio