2024 Best Schools in America

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  324 reviews

Parent: Boarding School is such a unique experience, and I truly believe no school can quite encompass that authentic "boarding school" experience like Exeter. From A tier academics, to amazing sports, Exeter has it all. Topping it off, most of the faculty here hold a PHD or some sort of master's degree in their field, which leads to meaningful and impactful classroom conversations everyday. I came to Phillips Exeter as a Sophomore and my only regret is that I only got to spend three years here!... Read 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,074

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science offers an educational experience like no other! For any student interested in STEAM-related subjects, PRISMS is a dream come true. The faculty are passionate and helpful, and the scientific equipment is college-level! While sports are not prioritized, Varsity volleyball, soccer, and basketball are offered. PRISMS is a great community, filled with incredible educators, a STEAM-centered curriculum, and top-notch scientific equipment.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Wallingford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  178 reviews

Alum: I was able to achieve so much as a high school student through the support of genuine, kind friends, encouraging teachers, and an incredibly welcoming community. The opportunity to involve yourself in so many different areas of study, as well as attempt new things without the fear of feeling unqualified was such a freeing experience, and one that many ever get to experience. Without a doubt, rigor and high achievement stress is always present, and several other factors play into creating an environment of pressure. However, Choate is a place that cares and works to improve.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 861

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  174 reviews

Sophomore: I am extremely grateful to PA. Coming from a lower income background, Andover has opened doors and introduced me to countless opportunities. I’ve been able to gain new passions, such as running and activism, and practice my old ones under incredible instruction and with access to fantastic resources. My only issue with the school is that it’s an incredibly stressful environment for 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 year old students - meaning students are handling both normal teenage stress (pertaining to popularity or pop culture), along with the stress of elite college admissions. There’s not much done by the administration to combat this, meaning students have to tackle it themselves, resulting in people getting overwhelmed, and sometimes leaving the school. However, most of us stick it out, but at what cost? All in all, I would recommend Andover if you’re someone who feels as if your current environment is too restricting and you want to broaden your horizons and meet new people.... Read 174 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  170 reviews

Parent: Joyful pursuit of excellence! My two daughters are attending Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 170 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,620

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Redwood City, CA•

• Online School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  171 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stanford Online High School (SOHS). For an online school, they prioritized social life more than I initially expected. From clubs and in-person meetups to online alternatives, I connected with my friends and classmates often. So I loved the people I met and the educated and accomplished faculty! However, if I could change something I would change the accessibility of instructors. I felt closer to the instructors of my brick and mortar school and often lacked the personal touch with my teachers.... Read 171 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 986

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  72 reviews

Middle school student: Nueva is one of the best schools I have ever been to. My first year attending was in 6th grade, and I am currently a middle school student at the Hillsborough campus. Nueva offers a multitude of opportunities for everyone attending, from those interested in math to individuals pursuing the arts, and with many clubs and electives available with topics ranging from building a lap guitar to creative writing, we can choose what we wish to pursue. An important part of our wonderful learning environment is the supportive, kind faculty: The teachers are mostly extremely trustworthy and know how to cater to everybody's needs and learning style. Our community is also quite nice—our student environment is not very cliquey, and parents are greatly involved in the path of our school. Additionally, from the Hillsborough campus, many acres of beautiful, lush hiking trails are easily accessible, and one can admire the rolling hills that border the school. Nueva is such a wonderful place!... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at Commonwealth. As a shy middle school student, I was advised by a family friend to look into small schools during my high school search. The community at Commonwealth helped me find my voice, connect closely with my friends and teachers, and learn about myself in a controlled environment. Although a large portion of my experience was heavily affected by the pandemic and the school chose some subpar ways to foster longtime school traditions, I still consider what I gained from my four years to have outweighed my losses. I'm eternally grateful to Commonwealth for my four years there and what I hope will become a lifelong connection to the community.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 154

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Reno, NV•

• Public School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: I am a teacher and my husband is a bartender. Private school wasn't an option for us, and private school wouldn't have been able to meet our daughter's academic needs anyway. Our daughter wasn't initially sold on the idea of moving to Reno and leaving her friends. After seeing the overview video, however, she was determined to go to the gifted school with the air hockey table. Now she is in her sixth year at the Davidson Academy, where she dominates the air hockey scene. She has the most wonderful friends and caring teachers. We moved here for the academics (and air hockey). As expected, they are the best of the best. Only in hindsight do we now see that it's the teachers' genuine care for students' overall wellbeing that makes this school so special. Davidson Academy is more than a school. In a world with limited opportunities for those without unlimited funds, Davidson Academy breaks down barriers and paves the way for students to reach their full potential. Thank you!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Durham, NC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  166 reviews

Parent: NCSSM has been an incredibly enriching experience for my daughter. The classes are unique and rigorous. I expected great science and math courses, of which there are many, but there is also a robust humanities department with equally amazing classes. Many of the classes are topics you typically only see offered at colleges. The teachers challenge the students and share their passion for their area of expertise. Students have opportunities for research, mentorship with professionals, and study abroad trips. There are also many clubs and activities to keep the students engaged. The boarding school community allows the students to grow socially as well. My daughter finally found her people! The administration is supportive and there is a continuous focus on mental well being. NCSSM has nurtured my daughter and helped her become confident in being her authentic self. I am so thankful she accepted the greater challenge!... Read 166 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 976

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  150 reviews

Sophomore: At the Pingry School, everyone can find their place. Whether it is the plethora of student interest clubs, diverse student body, the openness and willingness of the teachers to help at every turn, or just the smile on everyone's faces in the morning, it really is a joy to be a member of the Pingry Community. The level of trust and camaraderie among the community is unparalleled, and Pingry really sticks to the tenets of its Honor Code. But there really is no better way to experience the Pingry Community than to come see it for yourself!... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: At Groton, I feel that I have been able to become a more independent and conscientious person during my time at this school. The best thing about this school is the resources that it provides the students. Here, I feel that I can be whoever I like because the teachers, dorm parents, coaches, and community is supportive of everyone's quirks, interests, and dreams. The teachers are approachable and dedicated, and work hard to provide students with a positive experience and I have made some of the truest and most diverse background friends. However, while at my time here, I have noticed that there is a toxically competitive culture here. Moreover, sometimes it is hard to get leadership positions in clubs because one has to be "connected" or popular, and the unsafe hook-up culture NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! Overall, a great school, and despite the school's imperfections, I would not trade my experience at Groton for anything else in the world.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: Our two children attended Riverdale Country School from 6th through 12th grades, and it has been our pleasure to be members of the Riverdale community for the past eleven years. Both have now graduated, and our daughter is following in her older brother’s footsteps to attend her first choice college this fall. We have loved being Riverdale parents and watching our children thrive. The school excels on so many levels — from extraordinarily qualified and dedicated teachers and school leaders who really get to know your children, to a wide range of course offerings in every subject, to all the after-school athletics and arts, and a true school spirit running through it all. Just as an example, both children had the chance to perform independent research side-by-side with a teacher/supervisor in their senior years, in areas of study they developed themselves. What an amazing experience!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,299

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  114 reviews

Parent: We have two daughters at Chapin, both of whom started in Kindergarten, and could not be happier with the school. As parents, our desire is to help our daughters become independent thinkers who love to learn. So far, Chapin has been incredible in this regard. Chapin combines intense academics and social-emotional learning in a way that develops thoughtful, emotionally mature, successful students. The school's access to resources and extracurricular offerings is incredible, enabling the girls to try out sports and activities. Having K-12 under one roof is a real plus, especially with easy access to Carl Schurz park, Asphalt Green, and Randall's Island. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our choice of Chapin for our family!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 814

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  116 reviews

Alum: St. John's is an incredible school with tons of opportunities for participation and excellence in and out of the classroom. Even though it is considered probably the "nerdiest" school in Houston, the people here excel in extracurricular activities as well, including sports theater, the arts, and so much more. I absolutely loved my time at St. John's and the class I graduated with, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,424

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Lakeville, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss was an incredible experience for both of our children. The academics were certainly challenging, but the support of teachers and advisors made it all manageable. Both kids are now in college and found the transition to be minimal. Sports were important to both of our kids. For one, the sports media program was an incredible experience and for the other varsity sports were an incredible experience. Away from sports, the residential life program was amazing and both kids made friends for life. As a family, we often heard that Hotchkiss could be a pressure kicker, and while it is demanding, it is also a school that cares about its students and strives to have a thoughtful balance between hard work and fun. Hotchkiss was life changing for both of our kids and our family would strongly recommend the school.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  150 reviews

Alum: The school is excellent in every regard except for the student culture. Everyone is extremely nice and there haven't been any problems with bullying, but it comes at the cost of near complete grade-centrism. Grades are so important that, in many cases, comprehension and enjoyment of the subject falls second. It creates tension and competition, and I'm pretty sure the stress took more than a few years off my life. Still, I've loved attending here and from my parent's perspective, the administration was unbelievably organized and generally very responsive to issues. Also, if you're interested in engineering like I was during high school, there were only two classes with engineering in the name. To make up I joined one of the (several) robotics teams and took all the math, physics and compsci classes I could, which were excellent, but it's a noticeable hole in the school's diverse curriculum.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,793

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: Although small, the St. Mark's community is great as there are a myriad of ways to connect with others. One example is how the Seniors get little buddies (1st through 3rd graders) that they interact with throughout the year, and at the all School Christmas party, bring their little buddy in on their shoulders and let them put an ornament on the Christmas Tree. This is only one of the many ways that St. Mark's brings everyone in the community together. Even if some of the courses are hard, the teachers are great and willing to meet outside of class to help students out. There are also many ways for parents to be involved in the St. Mark's community.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 911

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• La Canada Flintridge, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  109 reviews

Alum: steller incredible academics! I felt so prepared for my Ivy League school after attending Prep for 6 years. The community is incredible; welcoming and friendly. Administration empowers students and gives them a voice in decision making. Teachers are helpful and want you to succeed. My only complaint was that there was a teacher who went around calling us “wild Indians” when we misbehaved. I believe he has retired but still teaches summer and cpr classes... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  65 reviews

Alum: Castilleja was the best choice I have ever made, and I am eternally grateful that my parents made the sacrifice to send me there. Castilleja has made me the person who I am today and has given me lifelong friends. I believe there are very few schools in the world that instill the same love of learning, confidence, and camaraderie among women. When I compare my high school experience to that of my college friends, I understand that Castilleja is incredibly unique. The traditions, experiential classes, global programming, connection to the community, and brilliant fellow students encouraged me to be the best version of myself. The teachers at Castilleja are some of the best people I have ever met. They truly care deeply about their students' learning inside and outside of the classroom. I am still friends with my former teachers to this day. Every job I have earned post grad I learned about through a Castilleja alumni—the network is incredible and expansive.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: Pros: An extremely close-knit student body. Strong humanities program that will overprepare you for college. State-ranked sports teams in golf, track, cross country, tennis, etc. Passionate teachers. Pretty good lunch food. Cons: High tuition. Support for STEM programs is still growing right now, which is actually a pro if you're a self-motivated, hard-working student that can take advantage of the situation. Almost too strong of an emphasis on DEI that only seems to be growing---mandatory, bi-weekly affinity spaces based on race so that we can socialize with others "of our race" is overkill. (If this is a pro for you, that's great! Personally not my favourite thing.) What makes Crystal different than other schools is its kind, caring community. No other high school that I've visited or been to on the entire peninsula/Bay Area has as nice of a student body as Crystal does.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  91 reviews

Alum: I was part of the inaugural class of 1993. The experience was eye-opening. Never before was I so challenged by the pace, curriculum, and mostly my fellow classmates. This experience was not only incredible to have as part of a college admissions package, but it also gave me the necessary perspective for all my future endeavors. All my classmates were incredibly talented, ambitious, and great people. Just keeping up, required me to learn and grow. Not only academically but also as a person. To say the program had a profound impact on me, would be an understatement! I loved my time in the Academy, and was very proud to be a part of such a highly talented group.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  86 reviews

Sophomore: I am receiving a truly fantastic education at Brearley, and for that I am grateful! The school provides students with valuable resources and opportunities to expand and customize their learning experience. The culture of competition can be overwhelming, but I think the stressful atmosphere is perpetuated by the students, rather than the administration. The adults I’ve interacted with at Brearley have generally been supportive and understanding, while some of the kids can be cutthroat and aggressively driven.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 776

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Windsor, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  146 reviews

Freshman: I like the welcoming environment and sense of belonging from going to this school. Loomis’s emphasis on the Best Self and Common Good is present throughout the school‘s culture and social life, and hence the school is very open and accepting. The diversity at the school made me feel welcome and accepted, and Loomis’s programs to raise awareness for groups like the LGBTQ+ community were reaffirming and a nice action for National Coming Out Day. The school’s academic programs are beneficially challenging as well, with flexibility in advancing in courses such that students are able to take sufficiently challenging courses. The music, arts and after school activities all have an abundance of applicable resources. The Loomis Chaffee School is a great place for students who are willing to take initiative and seek resources to advance their learning and skills.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  176 reviews

Sophomore: The Lawrenceville School is renowned for its exceptional academic standards. The school's rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering a love for learning and intellectual growth. With a dedicated faculty of highly qualified teachers, Lawrenceville provides a supportive and stimulating environment for students to excel academically. The school offers a wide range of courses, from advanced placement classes to specialized electives, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop a well-rounded education. Additionally, Lawrenceville's commitment to small class sizes allows for personalized attention and meaningful interactions between students and teachers, further enhancing the academic experience.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1