This article will focus on the top ten public high schools in America. The United States high schools are consistently ranked among the top in the world. America is home to the world’s best education system.
The USA is a great place to study if you are thinking of studying abroad. America is home to the majority of the best secondary and post-secondary schools in the world.
The quality of your high school education will determine the success of a college or other postsecondary educational programs.
There are a few things you should consider before choosing a high school: the curriculum, test results like the SAT or ACT, teacher-to-student ratios (class size), school administration, and availability of extracurricular activities.
Before we get into the best high schools in the United States, let’s review the US education system.
Before we dive into the top public high schools in America let’s first look at the types of High Schools that exist in the US.
Preparatory Colleges (Prep Schools)
Preparatory schools can be public-supported institutions, charter schools, or private secondary schools.
Preparatory schools prepare students for entry to post-secondary institutions.
We are now familiar with the various school types in the US. Now we will focus on the top private and public high schools. Without further ado, here are the top American high schools.
Public Schools
The funding of public schools in the United States is the responsibility of the state or federal governments. The majority of public schools in the US offer education free of charge.
Private Schools
Private schools are those which are independent of any public authority. Most private schools charge tuition. The majority of top private high schools in America offer students need-based financial assistance and scholarship opportunities.
Charter Schools
Charter schools that are tuition-free can be supported by public funds. Charter schools are independent and have their own academic standards.
Magnet Schools
Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized curriculums. Magnet schools can have an all-encompassing focus but most magnet schools specialize in a single field.
Below is the complete list of the top 10 public high schools in America
1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, (TJHSST).
This school is our first selection of the best public high schools in America. Fairfax County Public Schools runs Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a magnet school.
TJHSST was created to provide instruction in science, mathematics, and technology.
To be eligible for this prestigious secondary school, applicants must have completed grade 7, and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5.
2. South Carolina Governor’s School for School and Mathematics, (SCGSSM).
SCGSSM is a private residential school in Hartsville, South Carolina for gifted and motivated students.
It offers outreach activities, a residential high school program for two years, a virtual high school program and summer camps.
These subjects are emphasized at SCGSSM, which is still rated as one of America’s top public high schools.
3. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
It is located in Aurora, Illinois, and is a three-year residential secondary school for the public.
Illinois students with aptitudes in mathematics and science are offered a rigorous and advanced education at IMSA.
4. Townsend Harris High School, (THHS).
Townsend Harris High School is a public magnet high school located in New York City. It is well-known for being one of the top public high schools in America.
In 1984, Townsend Harris Hall Prep School students who wanted to recreate their 1940s-era institution founded the school.
Townsend Harris High School offers a variety of elective classes and AP classes for students in grades 9-12.
5. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology
Another top-rated public high school in America is GSMST. GSMST, a Lawrenceville, Georgia public school for students in grades 9-12, is a special school for students in grades 9-12. It was founded in 2007 as a charter school for STEM.
GSMST provides education for students through a curriculum that emphasizes science and technology.
6. The Davidson Academy
The Davidson Academy is ranked sixth on the American High School Rankings.
Nevada’s The Academy was created for exceptionally gifted children in grades 6-12.
The Academy’s classes are arranged according to demonstrated skills, rather than age-based grades. This is in contrast with other high schools.
7. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, (WPCP).
Here is our seventh ranking of the best public high schools in America: Walter Payton College Preparatory School. Walter Payton College Preparatory School is a private high school located in Chicago’s downtown.
Payton is known for its outstanding reputation in math, science, and world language.
8. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NCSSM
Another top choice for public high schools is this one. NCSSM, a public high school located in Durham, North Carolina, emphasizes rigorous science and math education.
The school offers both residential and online programs for students in 11-12 grades.
9. Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science, (Mass Academy)
Mass Academy is a coed high school located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is one of America’s top-rated public high schools.
It offers instruction in science and technology for academically gifted 11th- and 12th-grade students.
Mass Academy offers two options program choices: the Senior Year Program and the Junior Year Program.
10. Bergen County Academies (BCA)
We have Bergen County Academies at the tenth spot on the American High School Rankings.
Bergen County Academies is a magnet public high school in Hackensack for students in grades 9-12.
BCA offers a unique high school education that blends rigorous academics and technical and career-related courses.
11. The School for the Talented & Gifted, (TAG).
TAG, a magnet secondary school located in Dallas, Texas that prepares students to go to college, is a public magnet secondary school. It is part of the Dallas Independent School District. Students can attend it in grades 9-12.
TAG’s curriculum offers both grade-level seminars and interdisciplinary activities such as TREK or TAG-IT.
12. Northside College Preparatory High School, (NCP).
Northside College Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois is a high school for selective enrollment and is one of the top public high schools in America.
NCP offers students challenging and cutting-edge instruction across all subjects. Every course at NCP is designed to prepare students for college. All core courses are available at the honors and advanced placement levels.
13. Stuyvesant High School
New York City has Stuyvesant High school, a magnet public high school that prepares students to go to college. This public high school has been rated as one of America’s top public high schools.
The main focus of the program is education in science, math, and technology. It also offers a wide range of electives and courses that can be used for advanced placement.
14. High Technology High School
This school is the 14th on our list of America’s top public high schools. New Jersey’s High Technology High School, a magnet public high school, is for students in grades 9-12.
This pre-engineering vocational academy focuses on the interconnections between science, technology, mathematics, and the humanities.
15. Bronx High School of Science
Our list of America’s top public high schools concludes with the Bronx High School of Science. Bronx High School of Science is a magnet public high school in New York City. It is managed by the New York City Department of Education.
Students can choose from Honors, AP, and elective courses.
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