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K-12 Districts in America

2018 Best School Districts for Athletes in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best school districts for athletes serving your area. Ranking based on student and parent reviews of athletics, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school. Compare the best school districts for sports in your state. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best for Athletes
8,618 results

  1. Saline Area Schools

    • School District
    • Saline, MI
    • 13

    Senior: I have moved around a lot, and therefore have been to many schools. The past two years at Saline High School have been amazing. The counselors and teachers have put so much time and effort into making sure my education is top notch and that I am ahead of the game when it comes to applying to college and scholarships. I have made amazing friends here in this very welcoming community as well. There is so much available to get involved in and find a group of people that are similar in their interests to you. I am so proud to be graduating from Saline this year!
    Read 13 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 5,272 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Minnetonka Public School District

    • School District
    • Minnetonka, MN
    • 34

    Senior: Minnetonka schools offer more than a child would ever need to reach not only their full potential, but their dreams. Everything and anything you may be interested in can be made a possibility to be involved in at Minnetonka High School. From Women's/Men's Rugby, to Optimist Club, every sport and club is offered. The clubs vary by different interests such as languages, volunteering, arts, science, government, and more. Another notable feature about Minnetonka High School is the academics and the resources. Students are able to choose the level to accommodate to their particular level of skill and desired challenge in any specific discipline. No matter the choice, each student is given equal opportunity to excel and learn the course material in a very effective manner. The teachers are respectful, educated, and very professional. These are some of the many reasons Minnetonka is rated #1 in state, and I have been so lucky to experience all of it.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 10,253 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Glenbrook High Schools District 225

    • School District
    • Glenview, IL
    • 19

    Parent: GBN is a great school with a high standards. Glenbrook North does a great job preparing their students for college. The teachers are very helpful and make themselves available for students if any assistance is needed. There are many clubs and organizations within the school. Great experience!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 5,078 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Mason City School District

    • School District
    • Mason, OH
    • 28

    Middle School Student: Mason School District is a huge district, averaging at about 850 students per graduating class. You would expect a school this large to have a VERY large number of class and sports options. But I was disappointed to learn that MHS only teaches the standard languages (Spanish, French, German, Latin, and ASL) with the exception of Mandarin. MHS only teaches 3 of the top 10 most spoken languages in the world. And while the sports options are slightly better, I am still disappointed to hear that they canceled the gymnastics team. I was looking forward to participating in high school gymnastics but they canceled it. Overall good school, just would like to see more options for classes and activities.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 10,605 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. North Allegheny School District

    • School District
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 58

    Alum: I was so prepared for college coming out of this school. I have been breezing through my liberal classes while many others are getting tripped up. Take advantage of your teachers, most of them have your best interest at heart. The various options at lunch are a lot like a small college cafeteria. Get involved in as many extra-curriculars as possible- it will help you balance college life!
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 8,155 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Grosse Pointe Public Schools

    • School District
    • Grosse Pointe, MI
    • 24

    Senior: I have really enjoyed my time with GPPS! I feel very ready to attend college, with amazing academics and extracurricular opportunities preparing me. I love that the schools provide equal funding for all activities, rather than dedicating al their resources into one area. For example, at my high school, our women's sports were voted the best HS program in the state, the choir is recognized internationally and win many titles, and we have dozens of scholastic art award winners each year- I even have access to my ceramic classes in a college-level studio. The students also care very much about their academics. My only qualm is that I wish the schools (and community) were more diverse.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 14 Total Schools
    • 7,999 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

    • School District
    • Middleton, WI
    • 27

    Senior: My overall experience in the district has been very positive. Many of the schools have very good resources, which contributes to an effective learning environment that has the track record of effectively preparing students for post-high school experiences. Some specific areas of academics however, especially at the high school, have an apparent lack of quality teachers. For example, the Chemistry department at the high school has a very limited number of effective teachers, which makes it difficult to get a good understanding of the subject in either the entry level or advanced placement class.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 6,984 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Birmingham Public Schools

    • School District
    • Beverly Hills, MI
    • 25

    Senior: My experience with Birmingham Public Schools was a good one. I have been a student in BPS since kindergarten and each year I change, learn more than I ever thought possible, and make outstanding relationships with peers and teachers. The teachers really do care about their students and seeing them improve. They are passionate about what they are teaching you and actually make learning fun! Specifically at Seaholm High School, where I am currently attending, the academics are rigorous, which means that every day you come out learning something new and useful. Though BPS does work hard to make the most effective schedules and programs for their students in the future I would like to see more active outreach to students, whether that be for getting their opinion about nutrition options, surveys on breaks and schedules, or options for more choices in classes.
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 8,106 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Wayzata Public School District

    • School District
    • Wayzata, MN
    • 29

    Parent: I love the athletics and college preparation the school provides. They have great teachers and very nice students. The only thing I would like to see change is the your choice program where students from the cities are accepted since they do not have the best schools in North Minneapolis. But, surrounding districts are not given the same choice even though the schools are becoming very unsafe there also. Cooper High School is a great example. Basically, kids are fighting for their lives there but, not offered the same opportunity as kids a couple of blocks away.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 10,958 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Glastonbury School District

    • School District
    • Glastonbury, CT
    • 15

    Alum: I loved Glastonbury High School! and the lower levels were only a little less perfect. Although there will always be bad teachers in the system, there are always some willing to help and offer success. The resources in the public school district are vast, and more extensive than most private high schools. The sports are well-funded, and there has never been a year in which we have not won a state championship in some sport. The music department is well-funded and represented, and a great source of pride for the quality of ensembles, derived by a combination of great instructors and talented and determined musicians. Academically tough, but success is possible and there is little of a competitive atmosphere.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 16 Total Schools
    • 6,050 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Lincoln Way Community High School District No. 210

    • School District
    • New Lenox, IL
    • 67

    Senior: At first I went to Central and I LOVED it! ALL of the staff was incredible. They always strived to make sure you succeeded. Not only were they there to mentor and teach me, but I also formed relationships with my teachers that most schools don't have. However, when LWN closed down due to district debt, I ended up attending LWW. Now I can only speak for myself but I can strongly say that LWW was not nearly as good as LWC. ALL of the sports are very politically driven in terms of who gets playing time, who makes the team, etc. In addition to politically formed sports teams, the staff also did not measure up to LWC's standards. As far as I know, very few students, if any, had any relationship with any of their teachers. This was a very heartbreaking experience for me. Not necessarily speaking about all the teachers, just simply the majority didn't really care how well you did. They obviously wanted everyone to succeed but there was definitely a lack of enthusiasm along the way
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 7,110 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Redondo Beach Unified School District

    • School District
    • Redondo Beach, CA
    • 12

    Senior: The teachers at Redondo Union are really good, they care about more than just our academic achievements. They care about our future and our well beings. They are flexible to what is going on outside of school in our personal lives.
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 9,529 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Kirkwood School District

    • School District
    • Kirkwood, MO
    • 18

    Parent: As the parent of a son with ASD/ADHD, I could not have asked for a better environment for my son to learn, grow, and thrive! Each of his schools has been amazing and exceeded my expectations! I love the district and moved here exclusively for the education. I'll stay because I can't imagine living anywhere else!
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 5,718 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. East Grand Rapids Public Schools

    • School District
    • Grand Rapids, MI
    • 12

    Alum: East Grand Rapids schools are wonderful and give children quality education. From elementary school to high school, many students develop tight knit groups of friends for life. Many teachers genuinely care about their students and their education and strive do the best that they can.
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 2,957 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. San Marcos Unified School District

    • School District
    • San Marcos, CA
    • 56

    Senior: Amazing facilities that many kids take for granted. The class sizes are expanding and the school is getting bigger, almost 4,000 kids! I would like to see that lessen because some hallways are so crowded that it is almost a fire/safety hazard. Great teachers and peers!
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 19 Total Schools
    • 20,813 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204

    • School District
    • Aurora, IL
    • 33

    Niche User: Throughout my schooling years at the Indian Prairie District (High School only), Neuqua Valley was a typical learning experience and environment, nothing great, nothing terrible. I've also seen the elementary and Middle schools because of my siblings. The schools are clean and my brothers come home with brains full of knowledge. I think District 204's schools are above average, however I'd like to see more involvement in the artistic and technological side of the schools programs. Since I was involved in art, I found the schools money more focused on sports, building new tracks and basketball courts when some of that money should be spent on new computers or better supplies for art and film students. High schools are support to prepare you for college, right?
    Read 33 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 34 Total Schools
    • 28,283 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Brighton Area Schools

    • School District
    • Brighton, MI
    • 30

    Senior: My experience at Brighton High School was great because there were teachers who would actually engage with us and teach the content in so many creative ways because they knew that just giving worksheets wouldn’t help students for application in the future. It was about using diverse techniques to get the information across because they’re so many different types of learners out there. It was overall very impressive that administration could recognize that. Overall, it would be very beneficial if Brighton High School was more diverse in every way especially with views. Many people are close minded and aren’t open to new ideas and evolving and incorporating that within a school system can be very beneficial to students in the future because regardless of what field you pursue, there will be so many different walk of life.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 5,948 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Cambridge Public Schools

    • School District
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 14

    Alum: I studied at Cambridge Public Schools from pre-k to 12th grade and it was surely an experience like no other! I have had resources to help me through every step of the way along with the space for me to grow independently. The parents, students, teachers, and administration have a passion that is rare in individuals but which allows the city of Cambridge to run as efficiently as it does.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 6,741 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Buford City Schools

    • School District
    • Buford, GA
    • 20

    Alum: As an Alum that attended Buford City Schools from kindergarten through graduation, I can honestly say that my schooling experience was irreplaceable. The culture of BufoRD is something that is deeply ingrained in each of their students. The teachers genuinely care, and do not merely teach to meet standards. I can also attest to the options provided in all aspects of participation. Almost every single person I graduated with was heavily involved in at least one (usually multiple) activities aside from curriculum. Buford molds individuals in to who they are meant to be. Shout out to Dr. Bitterman for being the most caring and dedicated principal a person could dream of. The most bittersweet part of my experience has been watching how successful my classmates and I have been post graduation. If you haven't noticed by now, I am one thankful and PROUD alum. I end this raving review with one last cliche: Triple A Excellence forever!
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 4,330 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Victor Central School District

    • School District
    • Victor, NY
    • 17

    Alum: My high school experience greatly shaped me into the person I am today. I made amazing friends there that I still talk to every day as a college freshmen. The teachers at Victor Schools are exceptional. The largest class I had there was about 30 students, making it easy to get to know your teachers personally and get help when needed. The academics, especially the AP and IB classes, are excellent. Victor's staff are completely dedicated to make sure students are ready for their future. The only problem with Victor is that it focuses greatly on its sports programs, and tends to classify the arts as an afterthought. Greater funding for the art, music, and theatre departments would be a great improvement for the school. Overall, a great place for kids to mature, make friends, and have great experiences while getting an outstanding education.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 4,429 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Eastern Carver County Public Schools

    • School District
    • Chaska, MN
    • 4

    Senior: Eastern Carver County Schools offer a challenging academic environment, enriched by a large number of clubs and activities. Chaska High school encourages its students to challenge themselves by encouraging them to take AP and accelerated courses. They also support struggling students through after school support and peer tutoring during the day.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 21 Total Schools
    • 9,548 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Franklin Public Schools

    • School District
    • Franklin, MA
    • 6

    Junior: Franklin Public Schools have a very friendly and safe environment for students to study. Here you can learn various subjects with well-trained and experienced faculty. The faculties are so professional in there field and they know how to teach students so they can retain it forever. If you are in Franklin Public Schools and if you didn't do any sports here, you missed all the fun. Friendly, safe, sportsmanship environment make it confortable for students to enjoy every sport. Food in this school is just great! If you don't believe me, come and visit, you will experience it yourself.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 11 Total Schools
    • 5,554 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. Lake Orion Community Schools

    • School District
    • Lake Orion, MI
    • 31

    Freshman: Lake Orion High has a great buliding structure with many architecture awards. I've been going there for almost a year and I'm impressed by the many electives offered. From classes like zoology to psychologyl, journalism, and astronomy! The teaching there is marvellous. Not only do teachers care about your education, they also care about your hospitality and how your day is going. I'd recommend for anyone who cares about there education to attend Lake Orion High.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 7,600 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Fairfield School District

    • School District
    • Fairfield, CT
    • 29

    Senior: Fairfield has a well-established and vibrant community that allows for every teacher and student to feel welcomed and satisfaction of having a voice. Here, teachers provide the necessary assistance for every student to achieve success, whether if it's staying after school one-on-one or learning how each student comprehends information. Parents are always informed of their child's status in school. The best part is the fundamental success rate of each school. Two years ago, the governor attended Fairfield Warde to congratulate them on their achievement of highest graduation rate in the entire state. Fairfield is doing something right, and I couldn't be happier.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 10,054 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Lower Merion School District

    • School District
    • Ardmore, PA
    • 38

    Alum: Lower Merion School District is great! They prepared me for college completely and I had some of the most amazing teachers throughout elementary to high school. I moved to the area in 5th grade from Israel and did not speak a word of English. The ESL (English as a Second Language) program helped me so much and in 5 years I was already placed out of the program and was in all English speaking classes. I would definitely recommend Lower Merion School District to anyone looking for great education and a great experience.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Sports
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 8,355 Students
    View Nearby Homes
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2018 Best School Districts for Athletes in America