Top 10 Best Public High Schools In US (2023) | A Guide For Parents

What Is The #1 Public High School In America?

While some parents prefer private high schools for their children, others prefer public high schools for a variety of reasons. If you are a parent or guardian looking for the best public high schools in US, this article has everything you need and more.

These public high schools mentioned in this article are the best in the United States because they possess the qualities that qualify one to be called the best among others. Your child deserves the best education!

Why is it necessary to select the best public high schools in the United States?

High school education is the bridge between nursery and tertiary education, and its significance cannot be overstated. High school education is the foundation for your child’s journey to college, enrolling in one of the best ensures that your child will have access to all of the resources necessary to realize his or her academic goals.

Why Should You Send Your Child To A Public High School?

  • Teachers have better qualifications.

In terms of education and experience, public school teachers are more qualified than their independent school counterparts, according to a major study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics.

  • Core subjects are studied for longer

According to the same study, public school students spend three additional hours per week studying core subjects like English, math, social studies, and science than private school students.

  • The student body is more diverse

Because a private education is typically out of reach for poor children, your child is less likely to be exposed to children of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds. A public high school is the best option if you want your child to meet people from all walks of life.

  • More activities can be sponsored by public high schools.

Public schools have an advantage when it comes to extracurricular sports and clubs, academic support, and better supplies and learning tools. Why? Most public high schools are simply larger than private high schools, with sufficient numbers of students to hold a science fair or support a chorus or computer club. Furthermore, federal and state laws mandate the provision of diagnostic and disability services in public schools. Gifted and talented programs, as well as remedial programs, are more likely to be offered in public high schools.

What Factors Should Parents Consider When Choosing a Public High School?

You start thinking about where your child will spend their school years almost as soon as they are born. You want to research all possible school routes because you know that their education is more than just filling their head with knowledge. The school they attend will need to communicate with them effectively, and you will need to understand how your child learns. The school you choose must have high values because it will shape your child’s character. How can you tell if a public high school is a good one? These are the things to keep an eye out for when looking for best public high schools in US.

  • Academic Programs Offered

Many times, experts say, choosing a type of school is influenced, at least in part, by the academic programs available. If the student is interested in pursuing a specific subject area, such as theater, parents should consider whether the school offers related opportunities.


  • Diversity

Consider the diversity of a high school, say experts, to ensure that students and officials are sensitive to cultural challenges and that the child becomes conscious of and respectful of different values.

  • Cost

Assessing how much money to spend – if any – on a child’s high school education can be a difficult but important decision for parents.

  • Graduation and College Attendance Rates

While parents shouldn’t base their decision off of numbers alone, certain statistics can suggest how successful a school has been at bringing students to the next stage of their lives.Two stats to consider, experts say, are graduation rates and college attendance rates.

  • Size

Parents should choose the environment that is best suited for their child, whether it is a small school with more personal attention or a larger high school with more opportunities to build relationships. Experts advise keeping the child’s personality in mind. A smaller school, for example, may be best for an introverted student.

  • Student-Teacher Interaction

Another thing to keep an eye on when looking for the best public high schools in US is student-teacher interaction. When touring a school, looking at how students and teachers interact with one another can give parents an idea of the school’s overall atmosphere.

Take note if any students or teachers personally greet parents, and observe students’ moods and how they treat one another.

  • Technology and Resources

It’s important to understand what schools are doing with emerging technology to benefit students and how they are integrating it into the classroom setting, experts say.Some high schools use interactive whiteboards, provide students with laptops or tablets and assign online coursework.

  • Parental Participation

Determining whether there is a parent group or parent-teacher association can help you learn more about the high school your child attends.You should inquire about how involved parents can be in activities, meetings, and events. Parental involvement can demonstrate to students the importance of taking their education seriously.

  • Extracurricular Activities

It’s vital for students to get involved outside the classroom through extracurricular activities, and experts say to look for a school that offers a variety.

Is it safe to send your child to a public high school?

Following recent tragedies, the safety of public high schools has been called into question.Some public high schools are experiencing increased discipline issues in specific neighborhoods, but not all public schools are the same. The quality of education and safety can vary greatly from one school to the next – even within the same city.

Are There Public High Schools Near Me?

There are public high schools near you that your child can attend regardless of where you live. All you have to do is go and look for the ones that have good reviews.

Top 10 Best Public High Schools In US

If you want to provide your child with a good high school education, we’ve compiled a list of the best public high schools in US. These schools include the following:

  1. The Davidson Academy
  2. Walter Payton College Prep
  3. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
  4. Stevenson High School
  5. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
  7. Northside College Preparatory High School
  8. Arizona College Prep Academy
  9. Stuyvesant High School
  10. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
1. The Davidson Academy

The Davidson Academy is number 1 on the list of best public high schools in US. The Davidson Academy is a school for profoundly gifted students that was founded in 2006. The Academy offers two educational options tailored to the needs of highly gifted students: an online campus for students from anywhere in the United States and Canada, and a school on the University of Nevada, Reno campus for local residents.

The Davidson Academy creates a personalized learning plan for each student, ensuring that they receive an education that is tailored to their specific needs. Its facilities are modern, putting it in a good position to provide quality education to students.

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2. Walter Payton College Prep

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is a public high school with a selective enrollment policy and an international model for global education and learning. Payton’s world-class math, science, world-language, humanities, fine arts, and adventure education programs have earned it a prestigious and award-winning reputation.

Students participate in a variety of student-led clubs, extracurricular activities, and a variety of competitive sports programs in addition to a challenging academic program.

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3. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is the 3rd best public high school in the US. This high school was founded in 1985 with the mission of providing students with a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, inspiring joy at the prospect of discovery, and fostering an innovative culture.

Students learn best at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology when academic disciplines are integrated, fostering an appreciation for how they interact and form a whole.The school is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education as the Governor’s School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia.

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4. Stevenson High School

Stevenson High School takes the fourth position on the ranking on best public high schools in US. Founded in 1965, Stevenson High School has grown to become one of the most prestigious high schools in the United States. More than 200 courses in communication arts, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, fine arts, applied arts, and physical welfare are available.

Stevenson has received four Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education from the United States Department of Education, making it the only public high school in Illinois to do so. Several SHS teachers are regarded as among the country’s foremost authorities in their fields by their peers.

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5. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a public high school in the state of Illinois. The Academic Program at the Academy provides students with world-class opportunities to collaborate with renowned scholars, research their own questions, and bring their ideas to market.

Mathematics, science, English, history and social sciences, world languages, fine arts, and wellness are among the major disciplines. The academy’s mission is to inspire and nurture creative, ethical, and scientific minds in order to improve the human condition.

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6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in the United States is a four-year public high school. The School is consistently ranked among the top schools in the country. It has a long history of providing Chicago’s most academically advanced students with a rigorous college prep curriculum. There are currently 94 Honors courses and 29 Advanced Placement courses available. The school’s mission is to provide a college preparatory educational program that pushes all students to achieve their full potential.

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7. Northside College Preparatory High School

Northside Prep, which was founded in 1999, is a one-of-a-kind learning community that values and shows respect for the individual and the educational experience on all levels. It is a diverse community striving for excellence so that everyone can live productive, balanced lives in a more democratic, ethical, and humane world. The curriculum at the school emphasizes in-depth study of subjects such as physics, constitutional law, and technology.

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8. Arizona College Prep Academy

Arizona College Prep Academy (ACPA) is a tuition-free 9-12 charter school in central Tucson, Arizona, that was founded in 1997. Its Program of Instruction is a blend of its founders’ teaching and curriculum-creation experiences. ACPA encourages students’ academic, social, and personal growth and development. Its ideal is an inquiry-based curriculum that weaves interdisciplinary explorations and real-life experiences into a rigorous pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

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9. Stuyvesant High School

Stuyvesant High School, founded in 1904, is ranked 9th among the best public high schools in US. For over a century, this High School has been a symbol of educational excellence. Its mission is to maintain and strengthen that commitment by creating an environment that nurtures and develops the special academic talents of Stuyvesant students. Stuyvesant’s educational legacy is steeped in the traditions of Science, Mathematics, and Technology.

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10. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

The Mississippi School for Mathematics (MSMS) is a co-educational, public, residential high school for academically gifted juniors and seniors. It is Mississippi’s only public, residential high school dedicated to meeting the academic needs of the Magnolia State’s most academically gifted and talented students. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science is a public, residential high school located on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi, for academically gifted and talented eleventh and twelfth-grade students.

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What are the best public high Schools in Los Angeles?

When it comes to education in Los Angeles, there is a widespread misconception that private schools provide the best education. Nonetheless, public education has vastly improved. You can enroll your child in a variety of fantastic public high schools in Los Angeles, including:

  • Beverly Hills High School
  • Cleveland Humanities Magnet
  • Culver City High School
  • Da Vinci Schools
  • Girls Academic Leadership Academy
  • John Marshall High School

What are the best public high Schools in Chicago?

Do you live in the windy city of Chicago and want to find the best public high school for your child? Check them out below:

  • New Trier Township High School
  • Northside College Preparatory High School
  • Hinsdale Central High School
  • Jones College Prep High School
  • Vernon Hills High School
  • Walter Payton College Prep

What are the best public high Schools in New York City?

New York City is one of the most amazing cities on earth. Many refer to it as the “City that Never Sleeps” or “the Big Apple.” As a large state, there are many good public high schools in this place. In New York, parents are very concerned about their children’s education. The following are some of New York City’s best public high schools.

  • Stuyvesant High School
  • Staten Island Technical High School
  • Bronx High School of Science
  • Townsend Harris High School
  • Jericho Senior High School
  • Great Neck South High School

Frequently Asked Questions on Best Public High Schools In Us?

What is the #1 public high school in America?

According to current statistics and reviews, The Davidson Academy is currently the number 1 public high school in America.

Are American Public High Schools Good?

Yes. Public high schools in America have a good reputation, facilities, and teachers who will help your child achieve his or her academic goals.

What are the best public schools in the US?

  • The Davidson Academy
  • Walter Payton College Prep
  • Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
  • Stevenson High School
  • Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
  • Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
  • Northside College Preparatory High School
  • Arizona College Prep Academy
  • Stuyvesant High School
  • The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
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