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2020 Niche Standout High Schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaAbout this List

The 2020 Niche Standout High Schools list recognizes public schools that are making a difference in their community. The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include school diversity, graduation rates and state test scores for economically disadvantaged and minority students, SAT/ACT scores, and the quality of colleges that students consider. The list is limited to only schools with 1) at least 50% of students identified by the school as economically disadvantaged and 2) a Niche Overall Grade of B or higher. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 8 of 8
Niche Standout Schools
8 results

  1. Central Senior High School

    • St. Paul Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 354 reviews
    #1 Niche Standout High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I have had the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise while attending Central. This is a school filled with people from all varying backgrounds with different perspectives, and that is definitely something I can appreciate about the school. There are groups in Central that care very deeply about the betterment of the Central community and the Twin Cities as whole. Everyone cares about our state and our classmates, and I find a lot of passion in Central; passion for learning, passion for growing, passion for changing people's lives for the better. Attending Central has contributed to me growing into a well-rounded person who knows how to strive for their goals and ambitions, all the while remaining kind and supportive of others.
    Read 354 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,764 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 51% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  2. South Senior High School

    • Minneapolis Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 324 reviews
    #2 Niche Standout High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I actually love going to South High School! I made lots of good friends and the teachers are very cool. One downside is that it seems like the school never gets around to cleaning cause the stairs/ floors are always dirty. The 2nd floor is my favorite place in the whole school because its impossible for new people to navigate and it's so funny watching people get lost (which was me until sophomore year approximately). The whole school calls the 2nd floor The Maze.
    Read 324 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,787 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 57% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  3. Kennedy Senior High School

    • Bloomington Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 217 reviews
    #3 Niche Standout High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: My experience was very positive. Kennedy's teachers are not only kind, funny, and memorable but also genuinely caring about my well being as a student and as a person. On top of the hardworking and dedicated teachers, Kennedy's outstanding diversity makes it an environment in which students of any race, religion, or background can thrive and build meaningful relationships.
    Read 217 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,646 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 54% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  4. Osseo Senior High School

    • Osseo Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 360 reviews
    #4 Niche Standout High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: My experience at osseo has been excellent. The diversity of staff and students creates a very unified school. It allows others to learn about different ethnicities and cultures. All of my teachers had a huge impact on me and I will remember them forever. Osseo has driven me to be who I am today and has prepared me for the future. I will always appreciate what this school has done for me!
    Read 360 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,022 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 50% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  5. Columbia Heights Senior High School

    • Columbia Heights Public School District, MN
    • 8-12
    • 106 reviews
    #5 Niche Standout High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Parent: The teachers are excellent. They are responsive, supportive, and communicate regularly about expectations and progress. The administration is friendly and gets to know everybody. We need to re-think the food provided in our schools to include more fresh vegetables and improved selection, which would be a benefit to long-term community health. The facilities are adequate; however, more financial support is needed for the expanding number of students and activities which lack dedicated space. In the end, the dedicated people (teachers, students, and administration) make for a top-rated educational experience.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 908 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 78% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  6. Fridley Senior High School

    • Fridley Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 123 reviews

    Junior: Great atmosphere! The school is lacking in honors programs for underclassmen, but the teachers cater to all students! Activities are great (but sometimes underfunded). Fridley is definitely the best public school in the area.
    Read 123 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 877 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 60% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  9. South St. Paul Secondary School

    • South St. Paul Public School District, MN
    • 6-12
    • 156 reviews

    Alum: I enjoyed the environment that my school has. No matter who you are, you are accepted and encouraged to get involved anywhere you would like to. I knew that when I graduated from South Saint Paul Secondary School, I was prepared for whatever came my way. When I started college, I was a bit shy but as soon as I started classes I settled right in. SSPPS prepared me socially, academically, and personally. I left high school with an open mind to the world around me, curious about what I did not know. If I were to change anything, I would add a mentoring program. Many students graduate with an idea of what they would like to pursue, but I wish there was that added bonus of having people in their field sharing their knowledge with young minds.
    Read 156 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,766 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 46% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  10. Como Park Senior High School

    • St. Paul Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 199 reviews

    Sophomore: Very good school! The academics, especially in the sciences and maths, are really well taught. The teachers make it interesting. The only complaint I have is about the arts program; unfortunately, the SPPS school district does not put enough money into its arts programs, even though they are, in my opinion, vital to student social and academic development.
    Read 199 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,278 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    • 68% Free or Reduced Lunch
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  11. Sponsored

    Walnut Hill School for the Arts

    • Private School
    • Natick, MA
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews

    Sophomore: As a current student, I couldn't be happier with my experience at Walnut Hill. My academic classes are challenging. I am a Theater major and deeply love the process based classes in addition to performances. Before Walnut Hill, I was really involved with my local theater but it was only about performance. Here we are deeply invested in the art form. The people here are wonderful and supportive and I feel as though I can be myself here.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 284 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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