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2019 Best Schools in the New York City AreaAbout 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 1,716
Best Schools
1,716 results

  1. Trinity School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 50
    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 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,001 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 111
    12 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Beyond academic rigor, being a Regian is a commitment and continuous giving of one's time, energies and talents to others. My son is regularly exhausted from the workload, obligations and commute, but he is also highly energized and inspired. The teachers are passionate, but my son learns as much from classmates who are accomplished and driven, yet supportive of each other.

    The all-scholarship legacy means true socioeconomic diversity and allows Regis to position itself above the what-can-you-do-for-my-child calculus of expensive private schools.

    Regis has an outsized share of boys receiving various national merit awards and placements into the very top universities. But those are never the explicit goals of the school, or the 'returns expectations' of families. They are just the outcome of 4 sincere years of amazing purposeful Regis experience.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored

    New Canaan Country School

    • Private School
    • New Canaan, CT
    • PK, K-9
    • 18

    Parent: We have three children in their fifth year at New Canaan Country School and I'm also an alum. I cannot say enough good things about it! The teachers are engaged, delivering a curriculum that is hands-on and appropriately challenging, preparing students well for competitive high schools. The teachers really get to know your kids. They take joy in their successes and work with you to help them succeed. Daily sports, broad exposure to the arts, a wide range of extracurriculars, and many opportunities for leadership and service throughout the journey – all of these enhance the core academic experience to create students who are well-rounded, intellectually curious and socially aware. The strong sense of community helps teach manners / respect for others, community values and social skills. The beautiful 80-acre campus becomes part of the curriculum as the children tap maple trees for syrup or explore the woodlands in science. I could go on … Love this place!
    Read 18 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Horace Mann School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 110
    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 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Stuyvesant High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 904
    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 904 Reviews

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

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 589
    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 589 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Dalton School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 64
    23 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Dalton offers an incredibly challenging academic environment for it’s students. As a School with a progressive philosophy expect students to be charged with managing there studies and responsibilities on there own from a very young age. Music and arts a a focus but sports are somewhat of an afterthought. A quick poll of parents will have you believe that every child is easily getting A’s. Don’t believe it. The use of tutors is pervasive. The amount of homework is staggering. I have a student there and the teachers share test and project grade averages. Trust me when I say all kids are not getting A’s. For those kids who can cope with the homework and absorb the material Dalton will turn them into super students. Word on the street is that after Dalton, college is a breeze for these kids. Then again all those kids may have been the ones that easily got A’s :-)
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,322 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Newark Academy

    • Private School
    • Livingston, NJ
    • 6-12
    • 64
    25 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Newark Academy is a great school with great people and it has prepared me well to start college in the fall. NA's emphasis on student led learning allows its students develop significant over their time at NA. Also, because of both school size and school spirit, one interesting thing you'll find about NA's student body is that everyone is incredibly involved in student life. Most people play a sport, are involved in at least one club and often times fit in an art as well. NA encourages its students to explore all of their interests, and as a result, it has an incredibly driven and passionate student body.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 598 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Brearley School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 39
    32 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Brearley School is wonderful K-12 school which has a diverse community. The school has a terrific financial aid policy and helps support all each girl's endeavors. The teachers here are incredible. The curriculum is well thought out and the faculty does an excellent job of working closely with each and every student. Every family who comes here feels very welcome in the Brearley community. The school prepares students exceptionally well for college. The school is one of the safest out there, excellent security. There are many clubs and activities for the students to get involved in. Academics are top notch and the girls who come here have fun while learning!
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 719 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Riverdale Country School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 32
    38 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Riverdale Country School is a co-educational, independent, college-preparatory day school in New York City serving pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is located on two campuses covering more than 27 acres in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York, United States.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,154 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 436
    12 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: Bergen County Academies certainly offers a unique range of opportunities for high school students with only the best resources devoted toward educational advancement. After a long admissions process, students of BCA are enrolled in one of seven academies, or majors, where they are able to take part in high level medical research, earn spots in competitive orchestras, and have access to a Bloomberg Terminal- one of just two owned by a high school in the United States. The environment is far more welcoming than that of most other public high schools and the atmosphere is one of trust and comfort- to the point where students frequently leave their belongings unguarded without the fear of them being stolen. The availability of clubs, competitions, and activities is unrivaled at BCA and the rigorous courses and intense workload makes the school a place known to prepare its students for college very adequately.
    Read 436 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. The Chapin School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 70
    41 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: Though Chapin is a diverse and open community and has progressed to take more active stands social justice issues over the years, there is always room to improve. I think we need to focus more on action in our community. I have been thinking about this for some time, and I think Chapin should hold its own high-school wide diversity conference during a town hall meeting slot in which we would simulate some of the same discussions and activities from the Student Diversity Leadership Conference for all of us to experience. I think that, if that meeting were successful, it would be eye-opening to then include other inter-school students in this discussion, and host our own Diversity day. Also, as an individual I will of course continue to try to make our community as safe a space as possible both by voicing my own experiences and also, as an ally to other marginalized groups, by giving space for others to use their own voices.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 725 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. The Pingry School

    • Private School
    • Basking Ridge, NJ
    • K-12
    • 76
    43 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 76 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,128 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Hackley School

    • Private School
    • Tarrytown, NY
    • K-12
    • 53
    49 Best Private High Schools in America

    Sophomore: As a sophomore currently in Hackley, I can only highly recommend the school. The academic program is one of the most rigorous out there even if it isn't noticeable in the school. Various AP classes and advanced electives are the common practice beginning sophomore year and beyond and some freshmen may even take some as well.

    The English Department is considered the bane of most students' existence and goes into such analytical depth that it rivals any AP English course out there.

    Transitioning from a public school to this could be difficult, especially if it's into the Upper School. The rigorous curriculum will challenge you, and lower grades than usual will appear. Our strongest science and math students who take on AP Physics C and Multivariable Calculus in senior year are subject to the two most difficult classes in the school, classes that can give test grades as low as 40 on a regular basis. It's worth it though, the experience is unforgettable.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 834 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Rye Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Rye, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 85
    59 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I transitioned from a rigorous private school in UK or RCDS. Transition has was wonderfully smooth and incredibly easy. Academics are top notch and rigorous- on-par with UK standard of rigour. I’m so glad I studied here. A warm metropolis is how I remember RCDS to be. A great place. Wonderful and supportive teachers. The headmaster was excellent and made sure the school was run like a finely tuned machine but a warm kind machine!
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 894 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Bronx High School of Science

    • New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY
    • 9-12
    • 788
    17 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Attending The Bronx High School of Science has been the most impactful experience of my life. With over 30 AP courses to offer and teachers with esteemed educational backgrounds, BxSci has presented a platform for me to challenge myself with a diverse set of individuals who all aspire to be the best versions of themselves. Entering high school with no particular interests, I discovered my love for Mechanics in AP Physics, understood the wonders of the world at the molecular level in AP Chemistry, and challenged my philosophy with engaging Socratic seminars in AP Literature. The competitive environment, along with my supportive group of friends, pushed me to value education with a deeper understanding. In my final year in high school, I conclusively say that Bronx Science has provided the quintessential foundation to reach my intellectual zenith.
    Read 788 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,011 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. High Technology High School

    • Public School
    • Lincroft, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 83
    18 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: I liked the sense of community in the school throughout my years here. I am able to ask for help whenever I want because of the strong connections here. One thing I would change is introduce more diversity in the current clubs, such as adding more language-based clubs.
    Read 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 116
    19 Best Public High Schools in America

    Senior: Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students. Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet - you'll quickly see that the students are friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic. The clubs and activities they lead, especially the STEM-related ones like Robotics and Science Olympiad, are a lot of fun - and of course great learning experiences! The school offers so much support for students, whether through funding, resources (like the brand new makerspace and on-campus fitness centers), or fantastic guidance counselors.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Townsend Harris High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY
    • 9-12
    • 540
    22 Best Public High Schools in America

    Alum: It's been a few years that I've graduated from Townsend and I have to say, it prepared me so well for college. I ended up going to an ivy after high school and not only was I prepared academically, but I was more than prepared to face the competitive environment surrounding me. I realized early on in Townsend that you should not compare yourself to your peers and just always put your best foot forward, and that's exactly what I did during my time there and in college now. Furthermore, Townsend students are textbook definition of nice kids. Everyone was really respectful and friendly and promoted positive peer pressure, i.e. caring about learning, and education. I cannot recommend Townsend enough! Private school education for a public school price :).
    Read 540 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,132 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Dwight-Englewood School

    • Private School
    • Englewood, NJ
    • PK, K-12
    • 49
    74 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: I think I’m one of those kids who adapt to their environment easily. However that doesn’t necessarily describe the culture of your environment, just that I’m adaptable. My school is economically, socially and racially diverse. I always thought my neighborhood, mostly Latinos and Portuguese, and myself a Korean/Colombian was as diverse as they come. No! Having different culture/nationalities in your neighborhood doesn’t qualify as being diverse. Diversity is a community of different backgrounds in a where we learn, share and understand different ideas. This is the Dwight Englewood culture.
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 947 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Packer Collegiate Institute

    • Private School
    • Brooklyn, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 105
    76 Best Private High Schools in America

    Alum: I attended Packer from PK through to 12th grade, and they truly were, the best years of life. Students are expected to thrive academically, but that's not to say it's a hothouse, where only the fittest survive. Support is there for students who need it, for whatever reason that may be. During 10th grade, I had a period of suffering with health issues, which at the time I had receive no diagnosis for. I was well supported by the school, and as a result my grades didn't suffer. Once I received a diagnosis - thankfully nothing too serious - the school continued to support me, while I received treatment. Without such incredible support from the school, at that time in life, I would not have graduated with a 4.0 GPA!
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 998 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Delbarton School

    • Private School
    • Morristown, NJ
    • 7-12
    • 84
    79 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: Delbarton is truly a wonderful school for boys to become highly educated, respectful, hard working young men. It is a great environment. Outside the school, you will meet people that passionately love the school. Conversely, there will be people that passionately dislike the school. The latter is typically due to a family member or friend that was not accepted and they felt the boy should have been accepted. Delbarton is a very academically and extracurricular diverse community that not only spans athletics but the arts. Do not listen to what others say. I highly recommend that you and your son visit Delbarton and your son does a student for a day. You will be amazed by the Delbarton experience.
    Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 588 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. Great Neck South High School

    • Great Neck Public Schools, NY
    • 8-12
    • 203
    28 Best Public High Schools in America

    Junior: I like how Great Neck South provides its students with countless opportunities through its numerous clubs and programs. Especially impressive are the math and science departments. Improvements could be made through introducing the idea of college to students during their freshmen year, as many students feel anxiety from a general feeling of unpreparedness by their junior year.
    Read 203 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Poly Prep Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Brooklyn, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 69
    84 Best Private High Schools in America

    Parent: This school literally saved my daughter’s life. Being intellectually curious, her previous school did not challenge her and she was on her way to becoming a surly adolescent who would be disinterested in learning. Poly, because of its creative approach to learning and its flexibility in scheduling, encouraged her to pursue her passion in math and science. She has excelled academically and is happy. She also was able to be fully engaged in athletics. Poly has been the best decision we have made as a family.
    Read 69 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,080 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Convent of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 35
    85 Best Private High Schools in America

    Senior: If I had to start over again, I would choose Sacred Heart without a doubt! The challenging curriculum, the amazing teachers, wide array of extracurriculars have made my high school experience one I will treasure for the rest of my life!
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Pine Street School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-8
    • 7

    Parent: Years ago, we visited MANY schools before choosing Pine Street! Our son is now a first grade student in the Mandarin/English program and we couldn't be happier. The IB philosophy - a hands on and inquiry based approach to learning - has supported the development of our child's natural sense of curiosity. We do not speak Mandarin at home, but are in awe at how quickly our son and his peers have picked up the language! Beyond the approach and the school's strong academics - we are most impressed with how community oriented the school is! His peers and their families feel like an extension to our own AND the administration and his teachers genuinely make us feel as though they are in our "village."
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 182 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    The IDEAL School of Manhattan

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 193 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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