2024 Niche Standout High Schools in Virginia

• Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: Green Run Collegiate was the perfect school for me to attend during high school. It is located inside of the same school that I am zoned for, placing me in an environment where I was familiar with lots of the other students. They have always pushed me harder to strive and be the best student I could possibly be. They have great staff members who I can easily speak to and feel very comfortable asking questions and talking about my life too. The teachers are also very caring and made it very easy to build relationships with them. They have a 100% acceptance rate into college and also provide students with a lot of outside learning opportunities instead of staying in the classroom. Green Run Collegiate was perfect for me and I would recommend it to others.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 41%

• Surry County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from Surry County High School 17 days ago. The teachers were very kind and blunt. However, I did not enjoy school because of the work. I enjoyed it because the people were in there. Throughout the technically two and a half years due to covid, I remained with the same individuals I grew up with. The guidance counselor, Ms.Mary Johnson was my life saver. She kept me sane, humble, and positive throughout the whole process. I enjoyed this high school journey.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 228

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Free or reduced lunch 51%

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  277 reviews

Junior: I liked going to a school where I felt valued as a student. I felt like the teachers at Lewis really cared about my education and pushed me to move further in my education. The student body is also nice because it is so diverse. I've met many new people at this school with bright and interesting opinions. Being enrolled at Lewis High School has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of inclusivity and open-mindedness. It's important to hear out other viewpoints from other people because it can benefit you and the greater good of the group. Students are taught to work and communicate well with each other which has provided me with the ability to form meaningful and deep connections with friends. As a result of being enrolled at Lewis, I feel as though I am a more caring, bright, and accepting student!... Read 277 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,704

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Free or reduced lunch 57%

• Accomack County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  94 reviews

Junior: Overall I have enjoyed my experience as being a student apart of Nandua High School. The best part I would have to say is the teachers are amazing they always want to make sure I understand what the assignment was that was being taught upon me that week. The worst part is I am a cheerleader and it is a struggle for us to practice because we don’t have an auxiliary gym. Also I don’t like that they do not have scouts/ college professors come out to watch us during our competitions so that we could get recruited, it’s like we have to put ourselves out there or the colleges wouldn’t know what we manage to put all our time in after school.... Read 94 reviews

• grade B

• Students 651

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 95%

• Prince William County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  484 reviews

Alum: Academic programs: Gar-Field High School may offer a variety of academic programs and courses, including honors and Advanced Placement classes, to challenge and prepare students for higher education. Diversity: Gar-Field High School's diverse student body may foster an inclusive and multicultural environment, allowing students to learn from different perspectives and cultures. Class sizes and resources: Depending on the school's enrollment and funding, class sizes and access to resources like textbooks, technology, and facilities may vary, potentially impacting the learning experience.Safety and discipline: Like any school, Gar-Field High School may face challenges related to maintaining a safe and discipline. Communication and support: Some students and parents may feel that communication between the school administration, teachers, and families could be improved. Additionally, availability of counseling and support services for students academic and emotional needs may vary.... Read 484 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,513

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 63%

• Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  571 reviews

Alum: I was enrolled in the Health Sciences Academy at Bayside for all four years of high school. The academy helped me learn a lot about health sciences and human anatomy, being there helped me further my passion to enter a career in medicine. However, being in the academy also was difficult on my mental health because of the rigorous course load on top of seeming to have little support from teachers and my guidance counselor. I did not have a guidance counselor I felt I could talk to about anything until my senior year, which I was so grateful to have a new counselor help me through the college application process and everything else after. I would like to see more support become available for students, if I wasn't gifted then I probably would not have met my gifted resource teacher who helped me through so much. I think it's important for every student regardless of their academic or mental status to have a support person at school.... Read 571 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,945

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 49%

• Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  309 reviews

Senior: I overall have have had a great experience at Green Run High School. The student body is a diverse demographic. This encourages students to learn about and embrace cultures. As well as students, the teachers at Green Run are phenomenal. The teachers strive to keep Green Run a safe, well informed, and kind environment. Teachers take time to understand their students both academically, and emotionally. They utilize this understanding and implement it into their teaching. This makes the learning experience something all students can enjoy and excel at. Green Run occasionally struggles with disruption caused by students, this at times can cause unwanted situations. Despite this, administration never fails handling issues in an admirable, respectable, and professional way. If I could change anything about Green Run, it would be it’s reputation. Though perceived by other schools as “bad,” I have experienced nothing but the opposite. I’m proud to be a stallion!... Read 309 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,470

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 51%

• Winchester City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  158 reviews

Alum: I have been in the Winchester Public School System my whole academic life and have received a very good education from John Handley. When I was in middle school, they offered me the chance to jump ahead in math and science, a choice I have no regret in making. This allowed me to take higher-level classes throughout high school. John Handley has also created a large technical and career education sector, now known as the Innovation Center. The Innovation Center has classes ranging from Physical Therapy and Drones to Welding. The school does have AP and Dual enrollment available for students in high school. However, some of the higher-level classes that could be offered by the school are not currently being offered. The school has been described as being on the smaller side, which allowed me to get to know my teachers and my peers on a more personal level. The school will push you to get involved but there is a club for almost anything.... Read 158 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,343

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Free or reduced lunch 50%

• Roanoke City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  267 reviews

Senior: Patrick Henry is a very diverse school with a main focus of academics and safety. During my four years there I have been able to notice the amount of students who come from so many different cultures whom are celebrated in school events and clubs. Safety is also one of their top priorities. This shows they care about their students, faculty, and staff. While being a student at Patrick Henry, I have never felt that my safety was compromised. Teachers have really focused on academics which have helped me develop study skills that will help me in college. Even though teachers really focus on academics, they also value their students and care for each one individually. I have loved my experience at Patrick Henry High School.... Read 267 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,035

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 87%

• Norton City Public Schools, VA•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 323

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 92%

• Harrisonburg City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  265 reviews

Senior: First off High school is tough. No matter what expensive gadgets or luxurious spaces it provides its students the experience is tough. Add in a world wide pandemic, closing of your school and the removal of in person avícola interactions. Tough right. Absolutely! All that aside HHS has done a remarkable job providing mental resources for those who struggled with the adjustments needed these past years. Making sure all students had WiFi access, Chromebook’s and academic support. Only when it was safe to do so did they open up the school and extra curricular programs to students. They allowed us to get back to normal but still addressed how not normal our current situation is. Between the support for academics, sports and overall learning, HHS has handled the pandemic, our mental states and fueling our interest in furthering our education despite the recent events. I’m motivated to continue when otherwise I may not have without HHS.... Read 265 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,923

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 64%

• Cumberland County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: My experience at Cumberland I feel is one that many can relate to. As an overall experience, I would simply categorize it as an average high school, with everyone associating in their own groups along with staying away from others. The students can be a headache most times, but I can say personally that there could be a much worse high school experience. However, it can only get so dramatic at such a small school, were most problems are resolved within a week at most. I feel many would agree that our COVID year was tough from the transition to online learning and back to traditional, but we all managed in our own ways. The memories I have made with friends this year, whether it be the fun in the classroom, or the long nights of work and study, I can say my high school experience, though not much more than average, would still be one to remember. I can't say I won't miss high school, but I am very much excited to graduate and move on to bigger things.... Read 70 reviews

• grade B

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 79%

• Pittsylvania County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: Dan River has opened my eyes to the many different opinions and diversity located within the school. It has brought independence to the students, and allows us to be active in our community. Although the food is not of the highest standard, it brings in enough nutrients to our body to sustain us. I have truly grown and developed with the help of all Dan River staff.... Read 93 reviews

• grade B

• Students 628

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Free or reduced lunch 61%

• Galax City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  63 reviews

Senior: Galax High School had been an overall decent experience for me. As I'm going into my senior year I have noticed good improvement since freshman year.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B

• Students 374

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 56%

• Chesapeake Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  505 reviews

Senior: When someone asks me about my experience with Oscar F. Smith High School, I always say it is a pleasure and an honor. Every school has their own downfalls such as discipline but I can most definitely say that Oscar Smith knows how to bounce back. The best moments at Smith have to be the friendship with other students, the relationships with teachers and other faculty, and the drive everyone gives to do better than they did before. One thing I would like to change at Oscar Smith is the student involvement. I believe every student should have some type of involvement within their school because it can help them grow confidence, make new friends, and overall, get to know their school better.... Read 505 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,267

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Free or reduced lunch 56%

• Washington County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I love the fact that we are a small school. You really get to know the teacher, administration and students. I would like to see school lunches to start to taste better!... Read 20 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 65%

• Manassas Park City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  196 reviews

Alum: Manassas Park High School was a great school! The staff and faculty was beyond supportive and the education there is taken very seriously. They challenge their students to try their best and to never give up! I love how supportive the school is. I wish they would’ve had more programs during 2019-2023. Some nursing programs or healthcare programs and clubs would’ve been nice.... Read 196 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,122

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Free or reduced lunch 58%

• Alexandria City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,094 reviews

Sophomore: I loved my experience at ACHS. I have the most amazing teachers ever, flexible academics, yet rigorous and dense. Plenty of support available as we also have a writing center to help us with different writing assignments. We have top notch AP and DE classes! I get tons of emails as well of many opportunities I can take advantage of that can benefit me, while also having plenty of clubs to join! The main things I would like to see more include more schools spirit, involvement in the real world within classes, work-based and project based learning, and a bit more quality CTE department. One thing I must say about my school is that it prioritizes mental health as we even have a free mental health center, plus tons of school social workers and assigned counselors. This school is low ranked but an amazing experience and quality school and you will enjoy it and find where you belong in this big school.... Read 1,094 reviews

• grade B

• Students 4,402

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 44%

• Norfolk City Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: The best part of Norview High School is the teachers. Almost every single teacher in that school is truly passionate and knowledgeable about their subject. They love to work with their students, and they help them to achieve their best potential. The worst part of Norview High School is probably the multiple students who always like to cause trouble. They make the learning environment in the school less enjoyable, and they give the school a bad reputation regardless of the many great things the school and the staff do to help every single student leave Norview with a diploma in their hands. Something that I would like to see change is the behavior of some students that give a hard time to the teachers and the students who truly want to learn. I believe this would make Norview a better place.... Read 281 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,889

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 59%

• Loudoun County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  301 reviews

Alum: Parkview Highschool gets a bad wrap in the area, but the students/staff understand this. This leads to a school with a beautiful thoughtful culture far from the stereotypes of modern American highschool, and a staff willing to care for each individual student. Sure Parkview might not have the best athletics, but everyone that plays has fun!... Read 301 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,408

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 70%

• Wise County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: Great school! Modern, nice, and clean. Except there is little diversity, mainly white kids. School spirit is high, especially at pep rallies and football games! Staff is friendly and can be helpful at times.... Read 29 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 40%

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  336 reviews

Senior: While Falls Church High School may be known for its shanty town reputation, I have genuinely only had positive experiences with the staff and students here. For many, the High School Experience in the previous 4 years has definitely been noteworthy with the global pandemic and online learning. The experience has been new, exciting, and somewhat nerve-wrecking; however, time and time again the staff at Falls Church have proven to be accommodating and caring. The AP and Honors classes are the perfect amount of challenging and create hardworking and motivated students. There is much good about Falls Church, however, there is a part of the student body that is overlooked and their education is more neglected. The building has been under construction for about a year now and it has been an interesting time adjusting to the obvious presence of drywall and lack of ceilings. I'm excited that the school is finally getting a much-needed upgrade and hope to return one day to see it finished.... Read 336 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,985

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Free or reduced lunch 57%

• Grayson County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.26 out of 5  89 reviews

Senior: Grayson County High School is a great place to learn and is very accepting of its students. There’s a large diversity throughout the school and all of the faculty are always prepared to assist any student that attends Grayson with anything they need. They extra curricular activities, including their sports and academics are always enjoyable for spectators and participators alike. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Grayson County High School has reopened its doors for the students to attend in person learning. All of the teachers follow protocols and everything is being handled extremely professionally. However, the few things that I believe need adjustment is the offering of classes. With limited staff, there’s not a wide range of elective classes for students to take. Also, in few cases, some teachers don’t quite show the respect that students deserve. Generally speaking though, Grayson County High School is an exceptional school for students to learn and grow in.... Read 89 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 453

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 58%

• Tazewell County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Tazewell High School gave me some of the best experiences, teachers, and friends I've ever had. High school was a period for personal development and self-discovery for me, as I began to gain independence and make important decisions about my future career. This was also a time to socialize and meet new friends, as well as hang out with new people, in order to get more comfortable in social situations, improve interpersonal skills, and create lifetime connections. I am also grateful to experience some of the best high school teachers and coaches who pushed me to be more prepared for the future and who taught me valuable things. I will always be proud of my hometown and my high school since they are very important parts of my life.... Read 119 reviews

• grade B

• Students 514

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Free or reduced lunch 53%

• Scott County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  78 reviews

Senior: Great school! Enjoyed soccer, cross country, and football! We had opportunity to take many dual enrollment courses and will be able to transfer those to my chosen college next year.... Read 78 reviews

• grade B

• Students 644

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 52%