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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 119,332
Best Schools
119,332 results

  1. Phillips Exeter Academy

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

    Junior: Phillips Exeter Academy is an amazing institution with renowned facilities, faculty, and alumni. The financial aid is unmatched; I will be forever grateful for the generous financial aid package that my family received. It's a diverse school, and although it's not always perfect in handling issues surrounding equity and inclusion, it's definitely a school that tries really hard to make sure each student feels safe. Stress levels are extremely high here, the workload is intense, and the New Hampshire winters can be extremely dreary, but I have made the best friendships here and have grown so much, both academically and personally. Even through the tough times, I have never regretted saying Yes to Exeter and I know that its all worth it. Additionally, it IS possible to have fun here! Even in a small town, we find ways to just live life and be teenagers.
    Read 229 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
    • 49 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 49 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
    • 92 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in America

    Middle School Student: Phillips Academy is a wonderful high school! The summer session there is amazing! It's educational but has loads of fun with it! It's cool how you could interact with people around the world. Everyone here is very friendly and amazing! The food there at Paresky Commons is delicious! I would recommend middle schoolers to come and try out the summer session, and upcoming high schoolers and high schoolers to come and apply there at Phillips Academy!
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. The College Preparatory School

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

    Senior: I really love my experience here, so much that I'm part of the student ambassador team! The vibrant community, supportive learning environment, wonderful teachers, and beautiful campus have all contributed to an incredible four years here.
    Read 69 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
    • 53 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in America

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

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

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

    Parent: It’s been a year since my daughter transferred into HW upper school from a different school. It was a difficult decision for her to leave the comfort of her friends to enter a more rigorous school. But she is a competitor and HW provides the tools to take scholars with similar drive to a higher level of learning. The faculty is superb. Her teachers constantly engage her and her dean is always there to make sure she is happy while helping her to reach her educational goals. She has joined some great clubs and met some outstanding friends. I’m sure this school may not be right for everyone. From my perspective, if your child wants to challenge himself or herself educationally, this is an excellent school.
    Read 124 Reviews

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

    • Online School
    • Stanford, CA
    • 7-12
    • 115 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 115 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
    • 123 reviews
    #8 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 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 850 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Castilleja School

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

    Sophomore: Too good for words. Castilleja is an all-girls, friendly environment. In the classes, they don’t consist of a lot of students, so teachers can get one on one time with their students. The food is absolutely yummy! The tie ceremony is my favorite event! It means the start of a new and amazing year here at Casti. I attended the camps as a CILT (Counselor In Leadership Training), and it is super fun! Castilleja is a tightly knit community, and almost everyone knows the other people in their year! I love Castilleja School, and when I graduate, will miss it forever.
    Read 44 Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

    Alum: Recent graduate (2019) - review limited to 1000 characters.

    Academics: superb accelerated + honors classes, but no APs.

    Diversity: plenty of geographical, racial, political diversity. Lots of commuters. There's a focus on underprivileged students.

    Teachers: go above and beyond.

    Clubs & Activities: major ones are sports, speech/debate (Hearn), theater (Regis Rep), and student publications (Owl = newspaper, etc) + many smaller clubs that meet every 1-2 weeks

    School Culture: small/connected - students make friends with their classmates and study with them, low competition

    Administration: They fire teachers they don't like, censor the curriculum, and make daily life harder for students. But at least they've finally started saving money.

    Sports: Limited facilities due to Manhattan location, but teams do well in their divisions.

    Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks available every day. Good (pricey) food.

    Facilities: Great building but aging. They renovate one big thing a year.
    Read 114 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
    • 118 reviews
    #12 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 118 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
    • 21 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in America

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

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

    • Private School
    • Seattle, WA
    • 5-12
    • 84 reviews
    #14 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 84 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
    • 55 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 55 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
    • 95 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 95 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
    • 57 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: The Hotchkiss experience for our two children has been incredible. The academics have been as challenging as we hoped, yet the The Learning Center offers academic support as needed. The surprise factor has been leadership opportunities that we did not even know would exist when enrolling at the school, which has allowed our experience to exceed expectations. Hotchkiss is a true boarding school with nearly all of the student body residing on campus, which creates a tight knit and supportive community. Hotchkiss offers rigorous academics, yet in a student body size where it is still possible to be known.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. St. Paul's School

    • Private School
    • Concord, NH
    • 9-12
    • 66 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 66 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
    • 30 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 30 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
    • 81 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Yes, Pingry has a reputation for being academically intense and it is certainly well-deserved. Expectations are high at every grade level, but the academic rigor is worth every penny. Having had children in other local private schools I can say Pingry is solidly a grade level ahead- if not two. Our child learns a week’s worth of material in a day and Loves every minute. Our public schools are excellent and I feel like it’s tough to justify dropping $40k a year, but with Pingry I can say I sign that check without hesitation. The value is there.
    Read 81 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
    • 475 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 475 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,789 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 263 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 263 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
    • 33 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in America

    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 33 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
    • 34 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in America

    Niche User: I am from Eaglebrook school and I go to DA every week. The amount of freedom the Deerfield kids get is jaw dropping compared to the amount of babying in Eaglebrook school. The community is diverse, I am friends with a few alums who think the school is great! I might attend here soon.
    Read 34 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
    • 97 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: My experience at Poly has been unforgettable. I entered as a freshman and immediately became involved in the sports and clubs they offered. The school offers several ways for students to follow their passions including student-run clubs, classroom projects, and service opportunities. The school also ensures students grow outside the classroom through international trips and outdoor education trips. I traveled to Nicaragua for a week with peers and teachers to teach the students there English, and it was an eye opening experience. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip, and I'm thankful Poly made it financially possible for me to go too! The teachers are also incredibly supportive and make it their priority to help students reach their full potential. My chemistry teacher met with me before school at 7:30 in the morning just to go over topics that I was struggling with. Overall, Poly is a great place, and I could not imagine high school anywhere else!
    Read 97 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Shoreline, WA
    • PK, K-8
    • 6 reviews

    Parent: My children have very different personalities, along with different social-emotional needs and challenges. Evergreen knows each kid quite well. Each time we hit a rough patch, there was dialogue and teamwork with the faculty and counselors, which I really appreciated. The older students set their own goals and run their own parent conferences. Kids using powerpoint! But in all seriousness, this self-reflection and ownership seems like excellent preparation for a future of independent learning. Oh yeah, and the BIG Lab, a high-tech makerspace, is amazing. I wish I could go here.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 483 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Bellevue, WA
    • 5-12
    • 45 reviews

    Senior: Forest Ridge is a great school to attend, the academics are very challenging and the teachers know how to push students to create the best work possible. Since the academics are quite rigorous, there is a slightly stressed and competitive environment at the school. However, this does not mean that the student community is not strong. From my personal experience, everyone is so friendly and welcoming, especially new student entering the high school. I would recommend this school to prepare for college readiness as some of the courses mimic college level work. Athletics is also another fun part of the Forest Ridge experience, there is a no-cut policy that ensure that all students can participate in any sports; this is a great place to meet new people in other grades and where I made some of my best friendships!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Eastside Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Sammamish, WA
    • 6-12
    • 90 reviews

    Alum: Overall, I had a great high school career here! It was everything I could hope for in a high school - the teachers are fantastic, and everyone is really kind, even across social barriers (such as jocks and band geeks). They also are famous for their great treatment of handicapped students - they often got to be homecoming royalty, and were treated very kindly by all types of people there.

    My only complaint is that as a co-founder of the marching band, the school tends to not give much attention or money to the music program despite its outstanding record and awards won every year. Even when students got to travel the world based on musical achievement or the band went to state championships in multiple areas, there were no announcements unless we pushed the administration.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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