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1-25 of 24,697 results
- #1 Best Public High Schools in AmericaThe Davidson AcademyReno, NV•Public School•5-12•Rating 4.53 out of 5 83 reviewsParent: I am a teacher and my husband is a bartender. Private school wasn't an option for us, and private school wouldn't have been able to meet our daughter's academic needs anyway. Our daughter wasn't initially sold on the idea of moving to Reno and leaving her friends. After seeing the overview video, however, she was determined to go to the gifted school with the air hockey table. Now she is in her sixth year at the Davidson Academy, where she dominates the air hockey scene. She has the most wonderful friends and caring teachers. We moved here for the academics (and air hockey). As expected, they are the best of the best. Only in hindsight do we now see that it's the teachers' genuine care for students' overall wellbeing that makes this school so special. Davidson Academy is more than a school. In a world with limited opportunities for those without unlimited funds, Davidson Academy breaks down barriers and paves the way for students to reach their full potential. Thank you!... Read 83 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 172Student-teacher ratio 7:1#1 Best Public High Schools in America.The Davidson AcademyBlue checkmark.Public School,RENO, NV,5-12,83 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Parent says I am a teacher and my husband is a bartender. Private school wasn't an option for us, and private school wouldn't have been able to meet our daughter's academic needs anyway. Our daughter wasn't...Now she is in her sixth year at the Davidson Academy, where she dominates the air hockey scene. She has the most wonderful friends and caring teachers. We moved here for the academics (and air...Davidson Academy is more than a school. In a world with limited opportunities for those without unlimited funds, Davidson Academy breaks down barriers and paves the way for students to reach their....Read 83 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 172,Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
- #2 Best Public High Schools in AmericaNorth Carolina School of Science and MathematicsDurham, NC•Public School•11-12•Rating 4.47 out of 5 173 reviewsSenior: A free boarding school that is available through application. Excellent school for college readiness and expanding your academic studies. Teachers are outstanding and are often masters within their discipline many have doctorate degrees. Facilities are a bit worn out and dated but the cafeteria was renovated during my time here. The school's sports have greatly suffered since they have had to move students into trailers on the baseball field in the midst of dorm renovations. The food is lackluster. While enrolled in this school I've experienced some ups and downs but overall, I believe this school helped me immensely with my academics and search for higher education.... Read 173 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 976Student-teacher ratio 8:1#2 Best Public High Schools in America.North Carolina School of Science and MathematicsBlue checkmark.Public School,DURHAM, NC,11-12,173 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Senior says A free boarding school that is available through application. Excellent school for college readiness and expanding your academic studies. Teachers are outstanding and are often masters within their....Read 173 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 976,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- SponsoredSchool DistrictMercer Island School DistrictSchool District•MERCER ISLAND, WA•Rating 4.04 out of 5 25SponsoredPrivate SchoolAcademy for Precision LearningPrivate School•SEATTLE, WA•K-12SponsoredOnline SchoolWashington Virtual Academy High School - OmakOnline School•Omak School District, WA•9-12•Rating 4.33 out of 5 80
- #4 Best Public High Schools in AmericaPayton College Preparatory High SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL•9-12•Rating 4.1 out of 5 433 reviewsSenior: This school is amazing, it's academics are great and it really pushes students to do well. Clubs and extracurriculars are also great as there's so many to choose from. However facilities are a little lacking, the bathrooms are disgusting and cramped, and it lacks a pool and track, though there is a field outside.... Read 433 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,167Student-teacher ratio 15:1#4 Best Public High Schools in America.Payton College Preparatory High SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL,9-12,433 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Senior says This school is amazing, it's academics are great and it really pushes students to do well. Clubs and extracurriculars are also great as there's so many to choose from. However facilities are a little....Read 433 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,167,Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
- #5 Best Public High Schools in AmericaOklahoma School of Science and MathematicsOklahoma City, OK•Public School•11-12•Rating 4.07 out of 5 54 reviewsJunior: The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics prepares its students for college with their rigorous coursework. However, some adjustments could be made to the staff, facilities, and everyday student life; overall, I consider it a great school.... Read 54 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 120Student-teacher ratio 4:1#5 Best Public High Schools in America.Oklahoma School of Science and MathematicsBlue checkmark.Public School,OKLAHOMA CITY, OK,11-12,54 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Junior says The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics prepares its students for college with their rigorous coursework. However, some adjustments could be made to the staff, facilities, and everyday student....Read 54 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 120,Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,
- #8 Best Public High Schools in AmericaNorthside College Preparatory High SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL•9-12•Rating 4.07 out of 5 627 reviewsJunior: It's overall good. The math department is horrendous, headed by a teacher who just doesn't care about the students unless she likes you. The math department also gives out an absolutely obscene amount of homework every single class; it's toeing the line of breaking the Geneva Convention because the amount of time they expect you to sink into math class alone is a borderline war crime. To sum it up, I and many other students hate most of the math teachers. But the rest is good :).... Read 627 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,027Student-teacher ratio 16:1#8 Best Public High Schools in America.Northside College Preparatory High SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL,9-12,627 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Junior says It's overall good. The math department is horrendous, headed by a teacher who just doesn't care about the students unless she likes you. The math department also gives out an absolutely obscene....Read 627 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,027,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #9 Best Public High Schools in AmericaThomas Jefferson High School for Science & TechnologyFairfax County Public Schools, VA•9-12•Rating 3.95 out of 5 598 reviewsSenior: Senior here. Note that I came into high school during COVID; thus, my freshman year experience will be different from what is experienced now. That being said, coming from middle school, where A's took no work, high school, and TJ is a huge jump. For any incoming students, develop your study skills, they're vital. Although is academically intense, TJ provides a massive opportunity. Having computer science classes up to machine learning, access to million-dollar engineering labs, or math classes that go into 4th-year college level gives students access to something that most other high schoolers could only dream of. Alongside these courses, you'll meet some of the smartest and (I like to think) well-hearted people, both students and teachers, you will ever meet. Students generally like to collaborate on projects and help each other out, especially during clubs. It's a hard, competitive school, but I wouldn't trade my time here for the world (even if I might say I would on the daily).... Read 598 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,902Student-teacher ratio 18:1#9 Best Public High Schools in America.Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & TechnologyFairfax County Public Schools, VA,9-12,598 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Senior here. Note that I came into high school during COVID; thus, my freshman year experience will be different from what is experienced now. That being said, coming from middle school, where A's...Although is academically intense, TJ provides a massive opportunity. Having computer science classes up to machine learning, access to million-dollar engineering labs, or math classes that go into....Read 598 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,902,Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
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- #10 Best Public High Schools in AmericaIllinois Mathematics and Science AcademyAurora, IL•Public School•10-12•Rating 3.94 out of 5 381 reviewsJunior: I absolutely love this school. It has opened so many doors in terms of college readiness and research opportunities. I have gained so many friends and mentors during my short time here. I have discovered underlying passions through the extracurriculars that IMSA offers. I have been challenged and pushed to my limits with the rigorous course work and busy day-to-day. I am very grateful for this school.... Read 381 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 624Student-teacher ratio 14:1#10 Best Public High Schools in America.Illinois Mathematics and Science AcademyBlue checkmark.Public School,AURORA, IL,10-12,381 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Junior says I absolutely love this school. It has opened so many doors in terms of college readiness and research opportunities. I have gained so many friends and mentors during my short time here. I have....Read 381 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 624,Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
- #11 Best Public High Schools in AmericaStaten Island Technical High SchoolNew York City Geographic District No. 31, NY•9-12•Rating 4.35 out of 5 791 reviewsFreshman: I'm currently a freshman at SITHS, and it's been great! I've never felt more involved in a school community than now! The teachers are incredibly supportive and will be there for you no matter what. It's a tight school community, so we all get along well. The heavy workload is demanding, as it is a specialized high school, but becomes easier to manage as you go on. There are a lot of clubs and sports to participate in, and the school is full of fun spirit activities during the year. The school is extremely dedicated to college readiness as you are forced into at least 3 AP Classes and College Now courses during your 4 years at Tech. There are multiple electives and classes you can choose to take from, and there are a lot of great opportunities to participate in during your 4 years. Not only is the school dedicated to academics but we have a lot of great events such as Homecoming, Prom, Spirit Week, etc. Overall, the school is great, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else!... Read 791 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,355Student-teacher ratio 19:1#11 Best Public High Schools in America.Staten Island Technical High SchoolBlue checkmark.New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY,9-12,791 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Freshman says I'm currently a freshman at SITHS, and it's been great! I've never felt more involved in a school community than now! The teachers are incredibly supportive and will be there for you no matter what.....Read 791 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,355,Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,
- #12 Best Public High Schools in AmericaBronx High School of ScienceNew York City Geographic District No. 10, NY•9-12•Rating 3.89 out of 5 1,069 reviewsSenior: My time at Bronx High School of Science has been both demanding and fulfilling. The academic rigor has honed my critical thinking and expanded my knowledge across various subjects. The diverse community has enriched my perspective and allowed me to connect with peers from different backgrounds.However, the workload can be overwhelming, leading to stress and burnout. The competitive atmosphere sometimes fosters unhealthy comparisons among students. I believe more support systems are needed to address mental health and promote a balanced lifestyle.Overall, Bronx Science has provided me with an excellent education and valuable experiences, though improvements in student well-being support would enhance the overall experience.... Read 1,069 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,985Student-teacher ratio 21:1#12 Best Public High Schools in America.Bronx High School of ScienceNew York City Geographic District No. 10, NY,9-12,1069 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Senior says My time at Bronx High School of Science has been both demanding and fulfilling. The academic rigor has honed my critical thinking and expanded my knowledge across various subjects. The diverse...However, the workload can be overwhelming, leading to stress and burnout. The competitive atmosphere sometimes fosters unhealthy comparisons among students. I believe more support systems are needed...Overall, Bronx Science has provided me with an excellent education and valuable experiences, though improvements in student well-being support would enhance the overall experience..Read 1069 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,985,Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
- #13 Best Public High Schools in AmericaTownsend Harris High SchoolNew York City Geographic District No. 25, NY•9-12•Rating 4.21 out of 5 702 reviewsSenior: As a senior at Townsend, I've learned a lot these past four years. The teachers and staff are always there to help you and guide you so you are not lost when it comes to preparing for the next step in your life. The guidance counselors are a huge help when applying to college and I'm sure I wouldn't have felt as prepared as I am now if it wasn't for them.... Read 702 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,347Student-teacher ratio 16:1#13 Best Public High Schools in America.Townsend Harris High SchoolBlue checkmark.New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY,9-12,702 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Senior says As a senior at Townsend, I've learned a lot these past four years. The teachers and staff are always there to help you and guide you so you are not lost when it comes to preparing for the next step....Read 702 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,347,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #14 Best Public High Schools in AmericaRising Leaders AcademyBay District Schools, FL•K-12•Rating 4.44 out of 5 16 reviewsParent: Two years ago, my two daughters enrolled at Rising Leaders Academy. At the beginning, they did not know how to read or write any English. Their math abilities were not that good. Not to mention, they were very shy and timid. Now, they are doing very well and passing every state exam. What a difference a good school and good teachers can make in any child's progress and learning abilities. The school environment is excellent. The teachers have the patient of saint. The administration always go the extra mile to work with the parents as they did with me when my daughters needed help. Every race and every culture is welcome. My daughters are Muslims and they feel very welcome and Rising Leaders Academy accommodate their Islamic needs with utmost pleasure. As a parent I could not be more pleased with this school. I strongly recommend Rising Leaders Academy to any parent who really care about the best education and the best safe environment their children could receive.... Read 16 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 335Student-teacher ratio 10:1#14 Best Public High Schools in America.Rising Leaders AcademyBlue checkmark.Bay District Schools, FL,K-12,16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Parent says Two years ago, my two daughters enrolled at Rising Leaders Academy. At the beginning, they did not know how to read or write any English. Their math abilities were not that good. Not to mention, they....Read 16 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 335,Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
- #16 Best Public High Schools in AmericaWhitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL•7-12•Rating 4.17 out of 5 1,197 reviewsJunior: Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is an excellent school in the vigors of its academics, sports, and numerous extracurriculars. As a junior, I am surrounded by students who are very involved in this school; they dedicate their time to studying, practicing instruments, playing sports, and creating art. Additionally, students are encouraged to take the initiative to start their own clubs and design self-guided senior projects; this school prepares students to become leaders. I value the emphasis that Young places on being well-rounded. I have experienced a mixture of challenging and interesting courses and I feel prepared for college. This high school is fortunate to be heavily resourced in art and lab equipment, instruments, and professional software for editing and coding (my favorites being the Adobe suite, and gel electrophoresis kits in biotechnology). Young's diversity is one of its greatest features, though, because I learn from my classmates in addition to my teachers.... Read 1,197 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,051Student-teacher ratio 16:1#16 Best Public High Schools in America.Whitney M. Young Magnet High SchoolBlue checkmark.Chicago Public Schools, IL,7-12,1197 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is an excellent school in the vigors of its academics, sports, and numerous extracurriculars. As a junior, I am surrounded by students who are very involved in....Read 1197 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,051,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #20 Best Public High Schools in AmericaPine View SchoolSarasota County Schools, FL•2-12•Rating 4.05 out of 5 372 reviewsJunior: Amazing campus, staff, teachers and academics. Lots of varying clubs and activities for after school. Very friendly and fun environment. However, the school is very rigorous so some may find it challenging.... Read 372 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,745Student-teacher ratio 14:1#20 Best Public High Schools in America.Pine View SchoolBlue checkmark.Sarasota County Schools, FL,2-12,372 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Amazing campus, staff, teachers and academics. Lots of varying clubs and activities for after school. Very friendly and fun environment. However, the school is very rigorous so some may find it....Read 372 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,745,Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
- #21 Best Public High Schools in AmericaIndiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and HumanitiesMuncie, IN•Public School•10-12•Rating 4.37 out of 5 385 reviewsSenior: The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is an incredible high school. The highly advanced classes mixed with the incredible ratio of students to teachers make it a very hands-on and good school to learn at. There are a few downsides though. Since it is on a college campus, the food is not good, especially if you have allergies. The main buildings are all very close together, however, if you take a college course at Ball State, you may end up walking across campus entirely for your course.... Read 385 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 213Student-teacher ratio 9:1#21 Best Public High Schools in America.Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and HumanitiesBlue checkmark.Public School,MUNCIE, IN,10-12,385 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Senior says The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is an incredible high school. The highly advanced classes mixed with the incredible ratio of students to teachers make it a very hands-on....Read 385 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 213,Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
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- #23 Best Public High Schools in AmericaStuyvesant High SchoolNew York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•9-12•Rating 4.11 out of 5 1,179 reviewsAlum: Since most students at Stuyvesant are academically inclined, it's an environment where every student enjoys learning, which helps with your own education. The downside of that is the inherent competition in an environment like that, where students constantly compare grades. It can be frustrating, especially for people who aren't naturally competitive. That would be the one area I would like to see change in. Otherwise, my experience at Stuyvesant was amazing, from great friends to teachers and after-school activities.... Read 1,179 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 3,304Student-teacher ratio 21:1#23 Best Public High Schools in America.Stuyvesant High SchoolBlue checkmark.New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY,9-12,1179 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Since most students at Stuyvesant are academically inclined, it's an environment where every student enjoys learning, which helps with your own education. The downside of that is the inherent....Read 1179 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 3,304,Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
- #24 Best Public High Schools in AmericaSignature SchoolEvansville, IN•Public School•9-12•Rating 4.24 out of 5 133 reviewsJunior: I would like to see the addition of some lockers because we currently do not have any and having to carry books up many flights of stairs has caused me back and knee pain. I do like how during lunch we can eat outside and also get to go up and down Main street for food.... Read 133 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 383Student-teacher ratio 14:1#24 Best Public High Schools in America.Signature SchoolPublic School,EVANSVILLE, IN,9-12,133 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Junior says I would like to see the addition of some lockers because we currently do not have any and having to carry books up many flights of stairs has caused me back and knee pain. I do like how during lunch....Read 133 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 383,Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
- #25 Best Public High Schools in AmericaPoolesville High SchoolMontgomery County Public Schools, MD•9-12•Rating 4.03 out of 5 360 reviewsSenior: This high school provides a rich academic environment with dedicated teachers, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and strong support systems for students. The faculty goes above and beyond to ensure students succeed academically and personally. The school fosters a sense of community and inclusivity, encouraging students to explore their interests and passions while also emphasizing the importance of leadership and service. Overall, it offers a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for future success in college and beyond.... Read 360 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,272Student-teacher ratio 20:1#25 Best Public High Schools in America.Poolesville High SchoolMontgomery County Public Schools, MD,9-12,360 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Senior says This high school provides a rich academic environment with dedicated teachers, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and strong support systems for students. The faculty goes above and beyond....Read 360 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,272,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- SponsoredPrivate SchoolThe Meridian SchoolPrivate School•SEATTLE, WA•PK, K-5•Rating 4.86 out of 5 7SponsoredChristian SchoolCascade Christian Frederickson CampusPrivate School•TACOMA, WA•PK, K-6•Rating 5 out of 5 2SponsoredAll-Girls SchoolLake Washington Girls Middle SchoolPrivate School•SEATTLE, WA•6-8•Rating 4.4 out of 5 5
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FAQs
- How many public high schools are in America?
- There are 24,697 public high schools in America. Check out their Niche profiles to find a school that best suits the needs of you and your child!
The Best Public High Schools in America
The best public high schools in America give us hope for the future. These institutions routinely go beyond academic basics to help the next generation find the path that’s right for them. The teachers are excellent, and the schools offer students all the resources they need to thrive.
No matter where you live, this list of the best high schools can provide you and your child with inspiration for your own school searches. Of course, if you happen to live in the district, all the better.
What goes into selecting the best public high schools?
The Niche methodology takes a lot of different elements into consideration. For each school, we weigh academics, teachers, environment, and extracurriculars.
The largest part of the overall Niche grade is the academics grade, which counts for 60% of the total. We look at both state and national standardized test scores as well as surveys issued to students and parents.
We believe in the value of a diverse student body. Young adults learn from their peers as well as from their teachers. The grades for teachers and for culture and diversity each count for 10% of the whole. Parent/student reviews also make up 10%.
The final 10% equally weighs:
- Clubs and activities
- Health and safety
- Resources and facilities
- Sports
Depending on your family’s priorities, you can also view many of these grades individually, allowing you to choose a school that matches your values. In addition, you can filter the list to only show schools that provide particular services or opportunities, such as special education or advanced placement classes.
How are public schools different than private schools?
Your child can find a first-rate education at either a public school or a private school. Each benefits from different advantages. The key differences between public and private schools are:
- Price.Public schools are free, while private schools often require tuition.
- Funding.Public schools receive government funding, and private schools rely on tuition and grants.
- Teachers. Public school teachers need to be certified, while private school teachers don’t.
- Admissions and student body.Private schools are more selective, but public schools tend to be more diverse.
- Religious affiliation. Public schools are non-denominational by law. Private schools can be associated with a certain religion and may provide religious education as well as secular.
To make the decision that’s best for your family, look at individual schools closely. Both public and private schools range widely in terms of quality.
How can you give your kid the best start in life?
If you’re taking the time to research the best high schools, then your kid is already pretty lucky. You also can check out our blog on parent resources for tips on how to find the right school and how to make the most of any school.
A great education sets a child up for life, regardless of their long-term plans. Strong foundations prepare them for future learning, rewarding careers, and thoughtful engagement with the world. Whether they want to be an artist, a mechanic, or a lawyer, they’ll have all the elements they need for success.
