2023 Best School Districts for Athletes in America

• Saline, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Junior: I cannot fully describe how amazing my experience has been in saline, especially during my Highschool years. Since day one, 13 years ago when the high majority of our student body started, and for those who came along later, it has been amazing to learn, smile, and grow up with everyone here. Also, our teachers. I have never met so many amazing staff members in one building. The updated training they have been receiving in the last 2 year gives an overwhelming sense of appreciation to know that students are not left unheard. Although our schools will carry our bad reputation for years, our students have given their all, fighting the stereotypes left on us by former students who have been long gone. We have seen great improvement in, both curriculum and socially, what it means to go to Saline, and great strides in other definitions of diversity as well, like gender, lgbtqia+, and inclusivity. I truly admire our student body for the hard work and diligence they use everyday.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,967

• Glastonbury, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: Glastonbury High School was a good example of a high school. The classes were of good quality and the teachers knew what they were teaching while also including students' input. There were also a wide variety of clubs and elective class subjects. The school events that the staff put on were also a lot of fun and the sports teams did fantastic. Not to mention how up to date the technology and library resources were that were provided to students. It was also a very welcoming environment with little instances of bullying. There was also ample parking space for students and staff. The agriscience program was also of good quality and a good way for kids to be involved and learn new skills. The food could've been a bit better, but there was variety so it wasn't too bad. Ipad usage for students was also too excessive on the school's part, due to the debates on whether they actually helped the kids learn or not. However, that can be tied into being up to date with the technology.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,738

• Bedford, NH•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: We feel very fortunate that our children have had to opportunity to attend the Bedford, New Hampshire school system. The teachers in the Bedford district are highly qualified and caring, involved educators. The quality and creativity of the instruction is second to none. Our experience has been that the communication from teachers is also excellent. A typical response time to a question is within hours. We would highly recommend the Bedford School system.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,266

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  175 reviews

Senior: The teachers are excellent, and so are the opportunities offered to students! I loved most of my classes and teachers throughout my time here. However, the music and sports departments are amazing, and we're nationally recognized for our speech and debate team. The STEM classes are also great. My one complaint would be that some of the administrators, especially at the senior high, are difficult to approach and unhelpful.... Read 175 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 11

• Students 8,499

• Buford, GA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: I first moved to Buford City Schools in 6th grade, but the overly friendly environment emphasized by students and staff made my middle school and high school experiences very nice. The school system has a culture of encouraging not only strong academic potential, but also growth in athletics and the arts. Being at Buford has allowed me to further my potential and achieve so much more than i could possibly achieve at any other school!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 5,468

• Victor, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: Victor Central Schools is a very competitive, academically fulfilling district with plenty of opportunity for extracurricular involvement. There are some limitations in the elective offerings at the High School level and the technology 1:1 is slow in developing. Otherwise this has been a rewarding district to grow up in.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,320

• Carmel, IN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I believe that Carmel Clay Schools does a great job of providing many opportunities for students for their future. There are so many specialized classes that provide specific learning experiences that cater towards student's wants and needs. It gives a good jumpstart to college and career life, and offers great education with amazing teachers. I think with as many students that are in the district, especially with Carmel High School being one of the largest public schools, the teachers do a great job in connecting with the students.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 15

• Students 16,395

• North Kingstown, RI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Excellent teachers and many extracurricular activities/sports to choice from. This is a large district and it offers slightly more diversity over the neighboring town district. I enjoy watching my children learn and grow academically and have a number of ways to get involved with the school. All teachers and administration have been easy to get ahold of. The busing/transportation… well that’s a different story.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 3,923

• Combined Locks, WI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: My experience at Kimberly High has been an experience I would never replace. The environment is one of the most friendly and kind to all. Teachers take the time to develop strong relationships with the students and individually work with them to achieve goals. I would recommend Kimberly to take a more diverse approach by hiring more teachers of different races. This would create a more diverse environment within the school. Overall, I am looking forward to entering my senior year of high school!... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,196

• Darien, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: Darien High School is an incredible school for college preparation, but the atmosphere can be stifling. The school is a pipeline for Ivy League kids and future hedge fund managers, and it offers incredible AP classes and even beyond. For parents, make sure to realize that your kids are under intense pressure both socially and academically, and for students, whether the school tells you or not: IT'S OK TO FAIL!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,653

• Aledo, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: Aledo HS is an amazing school! I feel I am being very well prepared for college with challenging coursework including AP and dual enrollment. The Bearcat Regiment is the best band and it has been an awesome experience to learn music and discipline throughout my time in Aledo ISD. I've made great friends and have a great support network.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,723

• Wayne, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: My experience at Wayne Township has been a great one! The teachers are always willing to go the extra mile to offer help when it is needed. Also, there are many clubs and activities to choose. I always found something to do during the fall/winter and spring. Also, it is a very safe and friendly classroom environment. The district does many drills throughout the school year to keep students safe.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 15

• Students 7,634

• Muskego, WI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  107 reviews

Works Here: Muskego Norway Schools mission is to "Ensure every student learning, growing, succeeding." This district actualizes this mission with students every day. Youth engage in critical thinking, problem solving, and workforce development on a regular basis and leave the system prepared for life after high school. Students are offered multiple opportunities to earn college credits and participate career based learning experiences. This district offers excellence to every student, every day! The district promotes and engages in inclusive practices across all 6 school sites. There is a strong culture of belonging and staff implement an "all means all" approach to educating and developing students.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,725

• Brookfield, WI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  155 reviews

Middle School Student: I really enjoyed my time at Wisconsin Hills Middle School! Most of the people there were really nice and caring, and I felt so comfortable talking to my friends and teachers. The academics are really good too, at my school. For math, the school district offers numerous opportunities to excel in the subject, as they place you in more advanced level courses that your other peers if you need a challenge. The teachers and staff are also super encouraging and helpful if you need extra guidance in any subject. In Language Arts, classic novels are being read and we have book clubs to interact and share thoughts with peers. Overall, I just love the environment at my school!... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 7,280

• Southlake, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: The Carroll Independent School District makes a great attempt at unifying the people of Southlake with its mascot, the dragon. The dragon is meant to exemplify a "tradition" of excellence, which is shown with the quantity and variety of achievements awarded to students of Southlake compared to other cities. This excellence, however, makes Southlake become ignorant to the rising issues within the district. The worst problem in Southlake is the amount of pressure that the students feel they have to succeed. The students here take away from their childhood because of the constant reminder to "protect the tradition." They begin to feel that without achievements, they don't show excellence, and are therefore worthless. Although it is good to make sure people understand that hard work pays off, and it is good to promote a culture supporting people following their passions, CISD needs to put more efforts into making sure students do not waste what should be the least stressful years of life.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 11

• Students 8,324

• Madison, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: Our experience has been one of caring and accomplished teachers who guide students to realize their greatest potential. We have found diverse and exceptional athletic and artistic opportunities which provide opportunities for all children. There are extensive and supportive wrap around services. The Guidance programs offer students a real world template and help right size a path that is appropriate for each child. As a parent of a junior, I have been pleased to find the districts college prep activities a perfect balance of communicating opportunities with empowering students to take ownership of their own futures. Overall we have found wonderful sense of community and Tiger Pride! Students support each other and their extracurricular activities and we have found this is reinforced as early as elementary school. They celebrate each other and encourage positivity. We are lucky to be a part of a community that is positive and supportive and values education and service.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,458

• West Des Moines, IA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: West Des Moines has a very student first oriented education system. From the very start in kindergarten all the way to senior year, the teaching staff has been incredible and very student oriented. Great classroom sizes. Teachers that care. Great activities and athletics.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 14

• Students 9,248

• Green Bay, WI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  22 reviews

Freshman: Overall, this school district is a very good one! I would say that the only areas it lacks in would be diversity. Another downside is that the school uses a lot of its funds towards sports, which is a good thing. But, it does sometimes restrict other school activities and programs. Other than these things, this school district is amazing! The teachers, at least at the high school and middle school, are all very kind and dedicated to teaching their students. Most teachers I have met have gone above and beyond to provide an optimal learning experience for all of their students and try to cater to each one. The only reason I took a star off was due to the redirection of funds to sports, and diversity issues. Although from what I can tell, they are trying to work on the diversity issue but sort-of turn a blind eye to the sports and club issue.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,913

• Rockford, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  134 reviews

Junior: The teachers for the most difficult classes, like honors or AP, or academic electives, are all very professional and learn students well beyond the required curriculum, at the student’s interest. The students along with the faculty get along great and there is high school spirit throughout the halls every day. While diversity is low, not much can be done about that due to the lack of diversity found in the city of Rockford anyway. Teachers keep an open mind and set aside differences in beliefs for civility and respect between each other. Students are very active in clubs and extra curricular sports and activities. The district is very mindful of the parents wishes to better the school, and parents are very attentive to their students wishes and worries as well. Overall the academics and culture of the school offers growth for each and every student, and I wouldn’t trade my school for any other.... Read 134 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total schools 15

• Students 7,717

• New Lenox, IL•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  134 reviews

Senior: What I like about Lincoln-Way is the amount of attention given to students. All of the teachers and staff work very hard to help students succeed through their next chapter in life in college. My counselor has helped me with applying, early credit opportunities, and my mindset in general. Our sports teams our very committed and passionate about what it takes to run a team and thrive through games win or lose. Our group of students are very passionate about our academics and career opportunities through the variety of electives and classes that are offered here. I can truly say I am thankful for what I have been able to accomplish through Lincoln-Way and believe it will shape my future in college and my career.... Read 134 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 6,721

• Duncan, SC•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: Spartanburg District 5 is dedicated to fostering the education of the youth. It is not without it's own flaws, but it truly does try to lift up it's students. A suggestion I would make would be in it's usage of funds, as some of the facilities in some of the schools are starting to show signs of age and wear. If these could be renewed, then it would greatly improve both the district and the student's quality of education.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 12

• Students 9,028

• Mequon, WI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  40 reviews

Niche User: As a former teacher in another district in the Northshore area, I can strongly recommend the Mequon-Thiensville School district to be top notch! The academic expectations are stringent, the opportunities for students to excel are plentiful, and the desire for staff to reach students academically, socially and emotionally, is obvious.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,521

• Haddonfield, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: It’s a great school, everyone’s super nice especially most of the teachers, just not the best music program haha!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,656

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: Very big and diverse school with opportunities for all interests! Offers many AP classes, sports, and aid if a student is struggling.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total schools 16

• Students 9,228

• Massapequa, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: My school is a blue ribbon school. Massapequa is academically advanced, as the AP and high level courses are the majority of our students. I have gotten nothing but the best teachers here at MHs. The music program is taken very seriously and our sports are almost always at the top. Ive gotten to be who i am today because of the amazing staff and environment MHS provides.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,624