Choosing the right high school for your child can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as academic quality, location, cost, extracurricular activities, and student culture. To help you narrow down your options, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best high schools in America based on various criteria.
These schools are not only recognized for their excellence in education, but also for their diversity, innovation, and impact on society. Whether you are looking for a public or private school, a STEM-focused or liberal arts program, or a large or small campus, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences among these outstanding institutions.
Here are the top 10 best high schools in America:
1. The Early College at Guilford, North Carolina
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 197
The Early College at Guilford is a public high school in Greensboro, North Carolina, that offers a unique and challenging educational opportunity for gifted students. Founded in 2002 as a partnership between Guilford College and Guilford County Schools, it was the first early college high school in North Carolina and is ranked as the number one public high school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Students at The Early College at Guilford can graduate with a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit from Guilford College, a private liberal arts college with a Quaker heritage. The school has a rigorous and writing-intensive curriculum that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses in ninth and 10th grade, and college courses taught by Guilford College professors in 11th and 12th grade. The school's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by supporting their academic development at the highest standards and fostering their multi-dimensional leadership skills.
2. Signature School, Indiana
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 383
Signature School is a public charter high school in Evansville, Indiana that offers a globally focused, nationally recognized, and locally connected education. Founded in 1992 as a half-day program for gifted students, it became Indiana's first full-day charter high school in 2002. Signature School is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
The school has been ranked among the top high schools in the United States by various publications, such as the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and Newsweek. Signature School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and requires all students to complete more than 100 hours of community service. The school's motto is "Globally focused. Nationally recognized. Locally connected."
3. School for Advanced Studies (SAS), Florida
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 266
School for Advanced Studies (SAS) is a public college-preparatory high school in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is a dual-enrollment program that allows students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. SAS was founded in 1988 and has four campuses located at Miami Dade College's Kendall, Wolfson, North, and West campuses.
SAS offers a rigorous curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, honors courses, and college courses. Students also have access to the college's facilities, resources, and activities. SAS graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and Columbia. SAS aims to provide students with a challenging and enriching academic experience that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.
4. The Davidson Academy of Nevada, Nevada
Graduation Rate: > 95% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 132
The Davidson Academy of Nevada is a public school for profoundly gifted students located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. The Academy was founded in 2006 by Bob and Jan Davidson, who are also the founders of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a national nonprofit organization that supports gifted children. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum that is tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student, as well as a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement.
The Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and the National Association for Gifted Children. Graduates of the Academy have been accepted to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world, such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. The Academy's mission is to provide an opportunity for profoundly gifted young people to learn at a level appropriate to their abilities, potential, and personal goals.
5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Virginia
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 1,902
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a public magnet school in Fairfax County, Virginia. It is one of the most selective and prestigious high schools in the United States and is ranked among the best in the nation by various publications. TJHSST offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes science, mathematics, engineering, technology, humanities, and social sciences.
Students are admitted through a highly competitive admissions process that includes a standardized test, teacher recommendations, essays, and a problem-solving essay. TJHSST has a diverse student body that represents many cultural and ethnic backgrounds and fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. TJHSST graduates have gone on to attend top universities and pursue careers in various fields of science and technology.
6. The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG), Texas
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 502
The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) is a magnet school in Dallas, Texas, that offers a challenging curriculum for students who excel academically and creatively. The school was founded in 1982 and has been consistently ranked among the top public high schools nationwide by various publications.
The school aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can develop their full potential and pursue their passions. The school offers a variety of courses, clubs, activities, and opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents. Some of the unique features of the school include:
- A flexible schedule that allows students to take classes at different levels and pace
- A project-based learning approach that encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems
- A mentorship program that connects students with professionals and experts in their fields of interest
- A travel program that exposes students to different cultures and perspectives
- A community service program that fosters social responsibility and civic engagement
The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) is a place where students can thrive academically, creatively, and personally. The school's motto is "Where the Endless Pursuit of Excellence Begins."
7. Tesla STEM High School, Washington
Graduation Rate: 98% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 610
Tesla STEM High School is a public school in Redmond, Washington, that offers a rigorous curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was founded in 2012 and has since earned recognition for its academic excellence, innovation, and student achievement. Tesla STEM High School aims to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century by fostering creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The school offers a variety of courses and programs, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Project Lead the Way, Robotics, Biotechnology, and more. It also provides students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, arts, and community service. Tesla STEM High School is a place where students can explore their passions, discover their potential, and pursue their dreams.
8. Academic Magnet High School, South Carolina
Graduation Rate: 100% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 712
Academic Magnet High School (AMHS) is a public high school in North Charleston, South Carolina, that offers a rigorous curriculum and an independent research project for its students. AMHS is ranked as the #2 public high school in the nation and the #1 high school in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report. AMHS admits students based on their academic performance, test scores, teacher recommendations, and an essay.
AMHS maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, catering to a total enrollment of 712 students. The student body at AMHS is notably diverse, with 23% representing various minority groups. The school offers an extensive range of courses, primarily at the honors or Advanced Placement level and every student completes a two-year research project that can be published in academic or professional journals. It also has a variety of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, clubs, and community service. The overarching mission of AMHS is to set high academic expectations for students, teachers, and parents, ultimately preparing students for both college and future careers.
9. Oxford Academy, California
Graduation Rate: 99% | College Readiness: 100 | Enrollment 9-12: 831
Oxford Academy is a public school in Cypress, California that serves grades 7-12 as part of the Anaheim Union High School District. It is one of the best high schools in the state and the nation, ranking #1 in California and #9 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. The school runs an intensive honors curriculum that requires students to take at least four Advanced Placement courses to graduate.
Students can also choose from four career pathways: biomedical science, engineering, business/entrepreneurship, and software systems and development. The school has a diverse student body, with many students coming from homes where English is the second language. Additionally, the school provides various student groups, including the National Honor Society and the OA Fiddlers.
10. Payton College Preparatory High School, Illinois
Graduation Rate: 98% | College Readiness: 95.8 | Enrollment 9-12: 1,167
Payton College Preparatory High School is a selective enrollment public high school in Chicago, Illinois, that offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum for students who are passionate about learning. The school was established in 2000 and named after Walter Payton, a legendary Chicago Bears football player and humanitarian. Payton has been consistently ranked as one of the top public high schools in the state and the nation by various publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and Intel.
Payton College Preparatory High School aims to instill courage, character, curiosity and compassion in its diverse student body. The school offers a robust set of programs including Advanced Placement courses, world languages, fine arts, athletics, clubs and service learning opportunities. With abundant offerings paired with its motto "Go Grizzlies!" Payton encourages both academic excellence and school spirit in its students.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 best high schools in America according to our research and analysis. They are all excellent choices for your child's education and future. However, you should also consider your child's personality, goals, and preferences when making the final decision. We hope this list helps you find the best fit for your child.
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