2024 Niche Standout High Schools in New York

• Frankfort, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: I have attended the school for many years, and although there are many ups and downs, I would not have gone anywhere else. The school has some rules that are taken for granted and make sense, such as a policy for no phones. While some students see this as absurd, I believe it was one of the best decisions made. It makes sure we interact with others and aren't glued to a screen 24/7. I enjoyed my time at Utica Academy and will miss many of the staff members, mainly my counselor.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 794

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 78%

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: It’s a great school. The curriculum for the school meets the Board of Regent standard. Students can take AP classes and college-accredited courses. Parent your scholar can receive college credit while fulfilling their high school requirements. My scholar attended college credit classes at LaSalle University, CUNY, and Muhlenberg. The guidance counselor has many resources to help your scholar achieve their academic goal. The school provided us with several academic program referrals; we decided on SEO (Seizing Every Opportunity) 's an academic program that can boost your school's academic performance or help them achieve it. The education my scholar receive lends my scholar many college admission. NYU, La Salle University, Howard University U-Albany, Geneseo, Muhlenberg College, and all the CUNY schools. Safety is good, and diversity is good, club activities are diverse, my scholar is part of the National Honor Association because of the education he receives at MBA.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 90%

• New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  654 reviews

Alum: Attending Susan E. Wagner showed me how important diversity is in a school community. With the diverse student body and the welcoming staff I felt safe and secure attending the school. I was able to explore many extracurricular activities like tennis, math team, International Festival and more. The strong AP courses also allowed me to get a head start in my college journey. Wagner could continue to fully listen to the student body to further improve the student’s experiences. Listening to the marginalized communities of the school and reforming policies to make the school a more equitable and safe environment. Overall, I loved my time at Wagner and would not trade it for anything. The school and the people I met there helped me become the person I am today with a bright future.... Read 654 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 3,214

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 60%

• New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  80 reviews

Alum: The best part was the interactive community at Bronx Law that helped all students feel included. The worst part was being a small school and not having much access to information needed for school or community events. I would like to see a tighter schedule allowing students to be aware of everything happening ahead of time.... Read 80 reviews

• grade B

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 92%

• New York City Geographic District No. 13, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  245 reviews

Senior: My experience at Bedford Academy High School was really bitter sweet. Unfortunately my high school career consisted of being quarantined due to the pandemic but it was amazing. My first year was difficult but it was a bliss. This school really sets you up for greatness academically. I was a freshman with many advanced classes but it payed off because in my senior year I can only remember taking college classes, I was done with high school. Being at Bedford is pretty challenging but it’s worth it. One thing you need to have with you throughout the 4 years is perseverance. You definitely need to push yourself because it will get difficult. Most importantly I love how family oriented the building is. As a person who comes from a hard shelled family, i always felt loved and welcomed. Students were referred as kings and queens and there were select adults in the building; this doesn’t only limit teachers that make it their duty to check up on students. An amazing yet challenging school.... Read 245 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 381

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 68%

• Bronx, NY•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  36 reviews

Alum: This high school is great. I struggled with academics since middle school but this was the school that was able to help me. It made me discover my passions and the staff was very helpful when it came to transferring to colleges. Even the online version of the school is good, since I attended my 11th year and my full 12th online. I do miss it and wish I was able to have a senior year in person, but regardless, it was an amazing school and I’m glad I’ve attended here.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 541

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Free or reduced lunch 99%

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: The best part about my experience is my connection to students of all grades, especially mine. We have a true and tight connection that makes us a big family. Also, the teachers are amazing and understanding. You get to make connections with teachers and staff members. The activities provided are enjoyable. As well as the opportunities provided have helped me achieve more. The worst part may be the food provided which don't taste good or when there are problems in the bathroom/electricity.... Read 54 reviews

• grade B

• Students 445

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 86%

• New York City Geographic District No. 13, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  68 reviews

Senior: I am a high school senior and the school is overall a very good school. Teachers care about the advancement of students and are genuinely concerned for their education. The school is recognized for its enrichment opportunities which include study abroad, internship and job connections. I would have to say that more AP classes and rigorous courses should be added. There are currently only 5 AP'S and the school does not have many science classes like chemistry or biology, the school only recently introduced physics, which can place students at a disadvantage when entering college.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 453

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 79%

• New York City Geographic District No. 20, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  489 reviews

Senior: My experience in New Utrecht High School has overall been mostly positive. Many of the teachers are very nice and understanding of the students. They also are very knowlegable about their respected subjects. Also many different clubs and extracurricular activities are available such as numerous sports teams. There is something for every student to enjoy. Some of the negative parts of my experience would be the cleanliness of the school. New Utrecht isn't the most clean from the bathrooms to the staircases. But other than that the school is great!... Read 489 reviews

• grade B

• Students 3,337

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 81%

• New York, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: My son has been in this school since Kindergarten, and we both love it. They are very attentive and on top of things. Anything that you, the parent doesn’t understand. They will help you, walk you around the school if you need to! If there are any areas where your kid lacks, even at home they will pick up on it and help out as much as possible.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 586

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Free or reduced lunch 78%

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  390 reviews

Senior: As far as public high schools go, this one may just be one of the best. If you are an artistic student looking for a high school that will jumpstart your career then this is the high school for you! The school offers majors, not unlike a college, that students apply for and are accepted into, going into their sophomore year. These majors range from Animation, to Photography, Architecture, Illustration, Film and more! As a Career and Technical Education school these classes, alongside normal classes, prepare students for the industry and a fruitful career in the arts! In terms of environment, the school is full of kids who in most other schools would be deemed "the art kids" or "the nerds" which in turn creates an overwhelmingly positive environment and a massively diverse student body. I won't pretend the school has no problems whatsoever (it's still a public school after all) but if you're looking for an art high school, theres few better places to be.... Read 390 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,523

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 56%

• New York City Geographic District No. 28, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  295 reviews

Senior: Overall the school was great! The teachers were very polite and caring! Some programs are lacking a bit and I really wish that the school would put more attention on that but otherwise it was very good considering what had happened during the year of remote learning. This school will have you make some great friends and there are typically a lot of planned events but because the school was starting this all up again, this senior year was missing some aspects.... Read 295 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,026

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 57%

• New York, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: No other school has staff and teachers that would give an immense support like KIPP! Kipp provided multiple amazing programs, where I was able to find my true passion, hairstyling. Career counselors showed students that college was not the only option in order to have success. Through KIPP’s amazing network, the class of 2022 was able to be the first to pave the way and show how success can be achieved multiple ways.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,848

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 97%

• Bronx, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  30 reviews

Senior: While this school is very disciplined so it may become annoying at times, it creates a team and family like no other. Students and staff bond continuously even after promotion to high school and beyond. My experience with KIPP has been a ride and I didn’t understand much at first but later down my journey I have realized that they care. They truly do care. As graduation begins to arrive, teachers i’ve had in elementary and middle are popping in to congratulate me and my peers for such a amazing transition. The babies they once knew are no longer babies. Many schools do not have this bond with their past teachers, many do not have teachers who make sure they’re there throughout each event. KIPP had shaped me into the intelligent young woman I am today and as my journey begins to close as the first founding class of KIPP K-12 since 2009, I want to leave knowing that I have made history in my school community. I am honored to be apart of such a huge community worldwide.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,114

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Free or reduced lunch 90%

• New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  161 reviews

Senior: Everyone here in the East West are extremely friendly, you can not leave the school without having a friend! Teachers are very cooperative and very patient. There are a lot of different fun activities done every week in this school, so you are always excited for the upcoming week. There is College Now programs and AP programs available in this school. Most importantly East West is a safe and welcoming place for EVERYONE!... Read 161 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 671

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 82%

• New York City Geographic District No. 26, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at BTECH was pretty good for my freshman year. The teachers and staff were very helpful. All of my teachers made sure each student tried their best and would individually help them when needed. Usually, my teachers always had good feedback about my work ethic and how I was as a student. The only bad part is the students, unfortunately. Only a few students don't know how to act in school. For example, kids getting into fights for no real reasons and girls starting drama because they have nothing better to do. A change I would like to see is kids getting along better and teachers, deans, staff, etc. punishing the kids for their bad actions.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 73%

• Buffalo, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: Well from the start of freshman year, the teachers understood me in how advanced I was. At the end of freshman year and all the way through my sophomore year it was online classes. The school provided supplies and were understanding about being at home. My junior year was a little more stressful due to taking an AP course. My senior year went by fast because of all the fun and relaxed the teachers were. I would like to see more students involved in planning events and so forth. I would also like to see the lunches to be better and vary in options.... Read 61 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 936

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 87%

• New York City Geographic District No. 11, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: Good school. It offered the best transition from high school to college for me. Considering this school is worth it for your kid!... Read 62 reviews

• grade B

• Students 499

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 79%

• Rochester, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  80 reviews

Parent: My daughter had an amazing experience and learned very well was able to focus and get the help she needed with teachers and staff... Read 80 reviews

• grade B

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 100%

• New York City Geographic District No. 19, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: Throughout my time in the school, it was very obvious that teachers were hoping only the best out of their students. Multiple teachers and guidance counselors took times out of their busy days to assist me when it came to applying for college. Even if I was unsure about my future during the time of college applications, I revisit the school a year later only to find the comfortable and easy going feeling the school and teachers emanate. Teachers helped me organize my documents and made sure to double check all my decisions. Now because of their help, I am certain I want to attend the college I'm applying for and completely ready for any challenges or roadblocks ahead. Though the school specializes in Technology, the teachers there inspire all students to strive for something more, offering afterschool programs that fall out of the technology path. Even as far as offering students that are ahead jobs, to tutor students that are behind. Overall my experience in the school was phenomenal.... Read 41 reviews

• grade B

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 83%

• New York City Geographic District No. 3, NY•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: I'm a rising senior here and so far I have had an amazing experience at Frank McCourt. All of the teachers are dedicated and truly care about each and every student, which shines through everyday. The unique classes that are offered (like Dystopia/Utopia, Medicinal Health, Potions & Lotions, etc.) offer a new perspective on history, literature, and science that you won't find at another high school. I have made close relationships that will last forever! The only thing I think the school can improve on is organization and communication with the students and parents.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 67%

• Lawrence Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  152 reviews

Senior: Lawrence High school is overall a pretty decent school and my years at the school have been pretty good. Most of the teachers are really nice and help us as much as they can. The sports are good and fun. Obviously not every school is perfect they all have there down sides like no ac, expensive prom tickets and not the best food however it’s not that bad.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 770

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 70%

• New York City Geographic District No. 22, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  310 reviews

Alum: As an alumnus, I can attest to the positive impact it had on my life. BCA offers a wide range of rigorous academic programs that challenge students and prepare them for future success. A lot of the things that BCA taught me helped me thrive in college. It had a great faculty full of dedicated and passionate teachers. They created a supportive learning environment as well! There was a lot of great guidance and support with academic planning and personal development. There was a great sense of community in this school! The school did not have a lot of extracurricular activities or clubs, I think that would be great if that was added.... Read 310 reviews

• grade A

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%

• New York City Geographic District No. 21, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  961 reviews

Junior: I love my school, Edward R. Murrow High School, with all my heart. I study at an art Institute, at the art program, and I really like the classes. The teachers there are wonderful and their relationship with the students is very pleasant. The atmosphere in the classroom is quite friendly and cheerful. Teachers are always happy to help and support you. I really love this school!... Read 961 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 3,663

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 68%

• New York City Geographic District No. 11, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: High school of language and innovatio have diversity students and many other students from different culture .It give students power to celebration their own country independence of day .Every students of language and innovation has freedom of speech .In high school of language and innovation students take responsibility for their own learning. Students ask questions. Students read, write, and speak in every class, everyday.Students and staff push each others' thinking. Students and staff transform. Students have freedom and accountability. Students do unison reading to help each other out which is a best way to help,... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 323

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 88%