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2020 Most Diverse Public High Schools in the New York City AreaAbout this List

Explore the most diverse public high schools serving your area. Ranking based on ethnic diversity statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and student and parent reviews of ethnic, economic, and cultural diversity. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,129
Most Diverse
1,129 results

  1. Edward R. Murrow High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 21, NY
    • 9-12
    • 799 reviews
    #1 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: Overall, Murrow is a great high school! The teachers really care about students’ success and happiness, and are always there to help. We’re kept very updated at this school, and I’ve never felt lost. This has been especially helpful lately as I am getting ready to apply to colleges! Something very apparent walking through the halls is Murrow’s pride. The students are constantly singing, rehearsing, drawing, etc. Despite the fact that Murrow is very theater based, it doesn’t take away from academics. We’re offered a huge variety of AP Courses along with really unique electives (Psychology, Animation, Costuming, Cosmetology, Piano, Foreign Cinema, etc.) Although Murrow is great for experiencing different classes, cultures and making friends, there are some safety issues involving the students. There are oftentimes physical fights that faculty and the security guards have to break up. However, Murrow’s pros definitely outweigh this one con.
    Read 799 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 3,776 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Millennium Brooklyn High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 15, NY
    • 9-12
    • 97 reviews
    #2 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: I genuinely love being a student at MBHS. I cannot imagine being anywhere else because I believe that I've found my niche here. I've met so many wonderful people that I get to call friends and the support system here for students is wonderful. The teachers are caring and easy to talk to. At Millennium Brooklyn, I've gotten the chance to do research, intern, take AP classes, and do large presentations. The school is smaller than many high schools in NYC and we have really strong academics that challenge students to do their best. The only bad thing I can think of is that we are kind of cramped in the hall ways but I really do love MBHS. Go Phoenix!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 652 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Midwood High School at Brooklyn College

    • New York City Geographic District No. 22, NY
    • 9-12
    • 1,208 reviews
    #3 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: My experience at wasn’t bad at all, I actually enjoyed it. While there were some ups and downs, it was a pretty regular high school. While it wasn’t a spealized high school, it felt pretty close to one. My experience felt similar but without the pressure. At the same time it isn’t hard to succeed nor is it necessarily competitive I am in the Med Science program (Senior 2019) and I felt like I was given many academic chances to succeed. While some schools might’ve had more, the school wasn’t entirely lacking. I had many choices in terms of AP classes, clubs and activities. Some of he teachers I had were some of the teachers I’ve ever met while others didn’t seem as motivated (might be common in many schools). Some practices were definitely not normal and sometimes seemed unnecessary and counterintuitive (such as late passes for 1-3 period classes). Overall my experience wasn’t bad and would recommend the High school for any student who is interested!
    Read 1,208 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 4,011 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. County Prep High School

    • Public School
    • Jersey City, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 231 reviews
    #4 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: I'm a rising senior in County Prep and honestly, I've enjoyed my time here. County Prep has a wide range of diversity and is accepting of all backgrounds. We have classes here that can accommodate all students, including inclusion classes for those with special needs. The guidance counselors try to help every student and do their best to challenge all students and work with those who learn differently into regular classes eventually if they can. The teachers also do an outstanding job of enforcing student involvement in class with group projects, class discussions, and presentations where everyone is involved. Our teachers are also involved in a lot of our clubs, including Poetry Club and the Debate Club, which teaches us all to have a voice and respect each other. The school culture is absolutely amazing as everyone participates in activities such as Spirit Week, festivals, and various sales. I just adore it.
    Read 231 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Manhattan Hunter Science High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 3, NY
    • 9-12
    • 158 reviews
    #5 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: MHSHS was a pretty good experience because I was able to learn in a diverse setting where everyone was so keen and focused on their own academic individual selves. In this sense, it created an environment that fostered learning in the best way through a growth mindset. The actual student body is very condensed and because of such, the setting is "everybody knows everybody," which almost creates this sense of unity and community. Everyone is especially excited for senior year, where seniors are able to take real college courses at Hunter College alongside their high school courses, which is really cool because it gives you the advantage of knowing what's to come in college before everyone else (early college experience).
    Read 158 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 448 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. High School Math Science & Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY)

    • New York City Geographic District No. 5, NY
    • 9-12
    • 161 reviews
    #6 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: After spending almost 4 years as a student in this school, I believe it was the best choice I've ever made. I originally applied to HSMSE because they had an anime club. But after I came to the school, and left the anime club only to pop in every now and then, I found so much more. The teachers are all certified in their concentrations, real engineers walk the hallways, and college professors lecture about Hemingway in front of my desk. Since it's a small school, I'm familiar with almost every person in the school, often forgetting who is in what grade. Being on a college campus also has its perks. We have access to the college libraries for reports, lab facilities, and a quad to enjoy lunch with friends. The guidance counselors know us by name and can recommend various colleges based on our interests and career aspirations. I mean, we aren't rated third best in New York City for nothing!
    Read 161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 464 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Susan E. Wagner High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY
    • 9-12
    • 522 reviews
    #7 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: The Scholars Academy provided vigorous classes including many AP classes, but the school itself was very diverse and unified. The teachers were very nice and caring and the rest of the staff made time for students that needed their help. Sports teams and clubs met regularly and the annual International Festival and theatre shows are greatly anticipated. The positive environment was one where students, staff, and visitors could practically feel the productive and flexible way that Wagner functions.
    Read 522 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 3,189 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. North Brunswick Township High School

    • North Brunswick Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 305 reviews
    #8 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: I like the teachers at North Brunswick very much as I find that they teach extremely well, especially my history teachers. I find the school to be generally a safe environment but something I would definitely change about my school is overall security and hall monitoring. I would create a hall monitoring system in which trustworthy students and teachers would be able to monitor halls and also attempt to have security thoroughly check who comes into the school.
    Read 305 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,753 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 28, NY
    • 6-12
    • 63 reviews
    #9 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Sophomore: I have been going to Mels since 6th grade. The school is very different than regular public high schools. In the school, you feel safe and all protocals are followed correctly. Mels is a school for hands on learning, we use computer and tablets rather than textbooks. Most of the work are printed out worksheets. The teachers are friendly and help you accordingly. There is office hours, it is where you can go to see one of your teacher if you need extra help.
    Read 63 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 824 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Infinity Institute

    • Jersey City School District, NJ
    • 6-12
    • 19 reviews
    #10 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: They undeniably hold up to academic standards, offering their students the best and ensuring that they are prepared for college. This is currently the second best high school in the city and cannot be shunned for having up to date technology and resources for students. Moreover the school possess a diverse student body and acknowledged such through multiple assemblies on an annual basis. The school is EXTREMELY involved in the community and offered a lot of volunteering opportunities for all students. Now i must say, the food that is fed to the students is really bad. moreover, they have a very limited spectrum of school clubs, partially because of the small student body. Additionally, because the school is fairly recent, they have no sport and students have to travel to their home public high schools in order to play sports.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 253 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Valley Stream South High School

    • Valley Stream Central High School District, NY
    • 7-12
    • 175 reviews
    #11 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: The diversity is incredible! South also has a lot of clubs and activities. There are also many caring and loving teachers. However, the school is slightly overpopulated due to the district's policy allowing students to petition to attend any high school they'd like to as long as they live in Valley Stream. Also, some work needs to be done with the facilities; as well as the overall organization of the school and communication with students and parents.
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,242 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Bard High School Early College Queens

    • New York City Geographic District No. 24, NY
    • 9-12
    • 323 reviews
    #12 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: I honestly owe everything to Bard. I'm a current senior here, and I'm graduating in ~ three weeks. This place is truly somewhere to flourish academically and socially. The friendships and teacher relationships that I've made were all meaningful, as the Bard community has a special essence and the professors are all absolutely amazing! The professors care tremendously about their own work and their student's work. The small school atmosphere has especially added to my experience!
    Read 323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 598 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 242 reviews
    #13 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: McNair High School is a mosaic of cultural diversity unmatched to any other institution where students embrace different ethnicities through clubs that bring awareness to minority groups. McNair was named the #1 high school in New Jersey and it truly lives up to its name. The curriculum is rigorous -- offering almost every AP course -- and prepares students well for college. This year, students were accepted to Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia and MIT. The teachers at McNair are what make the experience. They are the most caring individuals who work incredibly hard to make sure all students are taught to the highest of standards. Teachers stay after school until 8pm (all without pay too) to help students with their research projects in preparation for the annual county science fair. They truly love their job and students. Despite our accomplishments, we are a poorly funded school in dire need of better facilities.
    Read 242 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 685 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sewanhaka High School

    • Sewanhaka Central High School District, NY
    • 7-12
    • 193 reviews
    #14 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: Hi my name is Djayla, I rated My high school Sewanhaka HS very good! I went to school here for four years I’ve seen some positive changes along the way., but there’s always room for improvement. The reason why I say this is because I apply the same concept for myself. Where I know I received a great education at this school. There still a lot more for me to learn!
    Read 193 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,612 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Columbia Secondary School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 5, NY
    • 6-12
    • 104 reviews
    #15 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Parent: When my daughter entered Columbia secondary school , she was suprised to see this school campus is so small compared to her previous school in Beijing China. Maybe it is in Newyork city,narrow, limit.More time she spent the time in school, more she like everything and enjoy very moment in school. The school has the teachers taking their best efforts help each students in their academy, arts, curriculum etc. The teachers are familiar with every student and have very good relationships with students. My daughter involved in the sports of cross country and annal Broadway musical in school. As the rising seniors ,the AP chemistry teacher and AP calculus gave them a lot of summer time homework which has wonderful explanations about it .I was told that the AP chemistry teacher Pro. Rachel Jun is a recipient of a 2018Blackboard Award! I’m very very glad the school gives the engineering lesson and to my surprise,she equipped an amazing robot full of high technology during the class.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 687 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Forest Hills High School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 28, NY
    • 9-12
    • 764 reviews
    #16 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: Forest Hills High school is an excellent school that educates over 4,000 students annually. Regardless of the lack of funding, and the disproportional student to faculty ratio, Forest Hills High School manages to educate, and support all of their students efficiently on a daily basis. The faculty of the school do an excellent job managing all of the and work hard to fulfill their duties. The students also do a remarkable job pertaining to their education, excelling in core, challenging (ex: AP and honors classes), and contemporary classes (ex: riding and writing, African dancing). Unfortunately, there is a lack of guidance as only basic information is presented in hallway bulletin boards, but do not provide detailed information. Regardless, students still excel in extracurricular activities. Despite lack of funding,and athletic spaces, sports teams, research, performing arts, and law programs are one of the best in the city, thanks to the hard work of the students and faculty.
    Read 764 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 3,891 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Bloomfield High School

    • Bloomfield Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 287 reviews
    #17 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: Bloomfield High School is an establishment notorious for the diversity it harbors. Aside from having a beautifully diverse student body, Bloomfield High School is run by an excellent staff team that never fails to administer effective policies that keep students ahead of the game and out of trouble. The teachers are phenomenal. Each one has their own unique teaching style that keeps students engaged in the material being taught. In addition to this, most teachers are always available after school in case students need one-on-one help with their homework or have questions about what was taught in class. In my personal opinion, a strong staff team and amazing teachers play a critical role in making one's high school years an unparalleled experience. Thus, I can safely say that my high school years were the best.
    Read 287 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,918 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Franklin High School

    • Franklin Township Public School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 618 reviews
    #18 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: My high school experience so far has been amazing. The school is fairly large, holding 2,000+ kids. My freshman year it was a lot to grasp, especially being with three other grades of kids who much older than me. Ages would range from 13-19, which was very intimidating. The school in itself was very nice, the beautification as the years went on only got better. The staff and administration team are beyond helpful. Everyone is looking out for you and wants the best for you. The high school offers such a wide variety of classes, sports, activities, clubs, and electives. The list is endless, whatever you are interested in there's something for you at Franklin(there are a few exceptions but you get the point). Diversity is 6/5 stars! It is a great place to get an education.
    Read 618 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,121 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. NYC iSchool

    • New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY
    • 9-12
    • 161 reviews
    #19 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: Incredibly innovative high school. Perfect population size- close community, but you're often meeting new people or getting closer to acquaintances. The teachers are incredible! So dedicated, they listen to the students, and they put a lot of effort into creating engaging and impact classes. Our strongest departments are English and Science. Art and PE departments could be improved. The college office is one of the best of any high school I've seen, so helpful! Diversity isn't outstanding but the administration is making a huge effort to reach more prospective students of color. There are a lot of stairs but its worth it. I've had an amazing experience, I highly recommend it.
    Read 161 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 449 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Brooklyn Latin School

    • New York City Geographic District No. 14, NY
    • 9-12
    • 224 reviews
    #20 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Alum: The Brooklyn Latin High school was distinct due to its investment in the IB program which most NYC high schools fail to offer. It allowed students to take college level courses for an open opportunity to earn college credits. The school offered a diverse variety of classes including Latin, Greek, and theater which are courses not common in other high schools. Moreover, the teachers at this school demonstrate a huge determination to help students better their education. They constantly invest time after school such as office hours for extra tutoring. Despite its vast investment in education, the school lacks funding therefore it cannot afford a large range of programs or clubs. The clubs and activities within the school are highly limited and thus fail to cater to every student. I think with more government funding towards the school, they can invest in more support for things outside of solely academics and will overall, improve the community of the school.
    Read 224 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 725 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. West Orange High School

    • West Orange Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 365 reviews
    #21 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: I have had a great experience. People generally get along well with one another, and I have witnessed very few instances of bullying. It is such a huge school that it's easy to avoid people you don't like, anyway. The school is well-equipped with a woodshop, autoshop, a fleet of 3D printers, and a laser cutter. Whatever you like, there is a class or club for it. There are so many opportunities to succeed at WOHS!
    Read 365 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,907 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. High School for Construction, Trades, Engineering & Architecture

    • New York City Geographic District No. 27, NY
    • 9-12
    • 221 reviews
    #22 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Senior: High School for Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture has a great academic system! Welcoming and humble enviroment. Safety is no issue, the security guards are always alert and for the most part make the hallways more than safe enough to walk through. Great faculty, that are willing to work with the students, not only academiy but also for the real world. Amazing athletics! Theres enough teams for students to try out. Alot of diversity throughout the teams and the school building itself. The Construction, Engineering, and Architecture programs are very well ran, as they are spot on, to what you will be seeing in that career path in the future. Overall, an amazing school!
    Read 221 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,008 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Edison High School

    • Edison Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 263 reviews
    #23 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Junior: From many clubs that ensure inclusion minorities to college advisors that are free the entire school year to ensure the readiness of Edison High's students, Edison High School provides well for its students. Many students are friendly and more than willing to help each other. There are many fun events and fundraisers like food truck festivals, T-shirt fundraisers, and food sales. There are also always food drives and donations to the less fortunate in operation. The teachers are well qualified and always ready to help their students and provide a very comfortable and social atmosphere. One place Edison High School can improve upon is cafeteria food and assemblies that address social topics to educate the students on important and sensitive subjects such as the LGBTQ+ community and racial acceptance.
    Read 263 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,932 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Brooklyn International High School at Waters Edge

    • New York City Geographic District No. 13, NY
    • 9-12
    • 45 reviews
    #24 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Alum: I graduated in 2013 and went to SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY. I never regret going to BIHS. Teachers and staffs here were so nice and provided resources as many as possible that you need, and they also have connections with different school, programs, and organizations. They also helped you to APPLY FOR COLLEGE and FINANCIAL AID which will NEVER HAPPENS IN OTHER SCHOOLS.

    It was extremely helpful for an immigrant who doesn't have a family, connections, experiences in U.S. Class size is small so you can have enough attention from teachers and really focus on your learning. School activities were very fun as well. Overall, you get all the resources you need.

    If you study hard, have good GPA, and attended activities, it will not be a problem to go to Top 60 universities.
    Read 45 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 352 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Piscataway Township High School

    • Piscataway Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 495 reviews
    #25 Most Diverse Public High Schools in New York City Area

    Alum: I like how the school has so much to offer! From tons of clubs to join to a variety of sports to choose from. The academics are great, as well as the teachers because they're very determined to make sure you receive the best education they can offer.
    Read 495 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,215 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    The Knox School

    • Private School
    • St. James, NY
    • 6-12
    • 17 reviews

    Parent: My child is entering her third year. Best choice we could have made. She is challenged every day to try something new. She has learned about leadership by being able to be on student council and participate in other activities that aren’t offered at other schools and we looked in to a lot. The administration is very dedicated and cares about every student like they were their own. They go out of their way to make families and students feel valued and respected. Seeing every kid in the senior class graduate and go onto places like Cornell, NYU, Stony Brook and more is amazing. I am confident my child will be prepared for college after graduating from Knox.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 142 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    EF Academy International Boarding Schools

    • Private School
    • Thornwood, NY
    • 9-12
    • 77 reviews

    Middle School Student: The school is really good and I had very good experiences at EF Academy. There are over 40 clubs and activities on campus, including Model United Nations, Rock Bands, STEM Engineering Club, you can do many things to get involved.
    I loved the diversity of the school，and EF Academy was home to many students that all over the world. Everybody is very caring and accepting to everyone! Teachers responsible for communication are patient. They help students a lot get through IB and university counselors are great.
    Read 77 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 585 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Golda Och Academy

    • Private School
    • West Orange, NJ
    • PK, K-12
    • 45 reviews

    Parent: Golda Och Academy is a truly special place that allows each of my children to thrive! I love the warm and nurturing environment and fabulous teachers and administration that enables my children to walk in each day ready to learn and do their best. My children are receiving a tremendous general studies and Jewish education, all while learning what it means to be thoughtful and respectful of each other. In addition, my children look forward to science, music, library, technology, gym and more each week! I am grateful every day that my children are receiving a Golda Och Academy education!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 535 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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