Metros with the most highly ranked public high schools
Metros with the most highly ranked public high schools
George Eastman, the founder of Kodak film who changed the face of photography, said, "The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education." Countless studies show that after primary school, receiving a solid secondary education is critical to later life success. "The fewer years of education you've completed, the fewer doors are open to you. It's that simple," That said, there are certain high schools that offer more to teenage learners than others.
麻豆原创 compiled a list of the metros with the most highly ranked public schools using . These metros are ranked by which areas have the most public schools in the top 200, with ties broken by which metro has the higher-ranked school. All metros with two or more top 200 schools were included.
A number of factors were considered, including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. in ranking also includes grades for culture and diversity, parent/student surveys on overall experience, club and activities, health and safety, resources, and facilities.
Finances had a tremendous effect on which schools were able to top the list, with a number receiving higher funding than previous years. For schools in some metro areas, reaching academic excellence has come at the 麻豆原创 also found that nearly all the most highly ranked public schools implement Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum.
Five states placed multiple metro areas on the list, led by California's four, followed by Texas (three), with New York, Ohio, and Arizona each placing twice. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology gives the nation's capital the distinction of having the top-rated high school in the country. And New York City boasts the most schools in Niche's Top 200 with 40.
Read on to discover 麻豆原创's list of metro areas with the most highly ranked public high schools.
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#27. Nashville
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (#161 nationally), Central Magnet School (#200)
Increased funding for priority schools is one reason why Nashville ranks on the list, This year the Tennessee Department of Education requested up to $12.8 million to ensure sustained success within the high school system鈥攑articularly with the American College Testing (ACT) program. Because of the program, , scoring 20.1 on the ACT for the first time.
#26. Rochester
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: Brighton High School (#116 nationally), Pittsford-Mendon High School (#153)
is highly focused on feeding students enhanced literacy and music opportunities along with greater college access support; the Monroe County School District has two top high schools in the ranking. In 2013, REF created the Rochester College Access Network (RCAN), which assists teenagers in filling out federal financial documents and brings college students into high schools to discuss higher education. , REF鈥檚 commitment to the school district is critical in keeping the two schools highly ranked.
#25. Kansas City
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: Blue Valley North High School (#72 nationally), Blue Valley High School (#125)
Blue Valley North High School has an award-winning . students , proving learners here are thriving in the current curriculum, the Kansas College & Career Readiness Standards (KCCRS). include the 2018 graduating class completing an ACT composite score of 25.5, nearly four points above the state average of 21.6.
#24. Trenton-Ewing
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: Princeton High School (#47 nationally), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (#80)
Since 2009, Princeton High School (PHS) has been acclaimed for its high academic standards, with a decade ago. One advantage PHS and Ewing High School have above other New Jersey schools is the which recruits high school freshmen within the Mercer County School District and mentors them through their secondary schooling and collegiate career. In 2018, the , enabling the highly ranked public schools to remain fully funded and successful.
#23. Durham
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (#35 nationally), East Chapel Hill High School (#196)
Funding for Durham is fluent, with the to the local school district in June 2019 Along with state budget resources, help fund these two top schools. and Youth Racial Equity Training also set these schools apart from other North Carolina four-years.
#22. Raleigh
- Top 200 public schools: 2
- Highest ranked public schools: Raleigh Charter High School (#23 nationally), Green Hope High School (#198)
Like Niche, in all categories including academics, diversity, college prep, health and safety, teachers, and club activities, as the second best in the North Carolina metro area. The state has proposed placing .
#21. Baltimore
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: Marriotts Ridge High School (#130 nationally), River Hill High School (#155), Centennial High School (#188)
The Marriotts Ridge High School motto is 鈥淓xemplifying honor and excellence in all that we do.鈥 A reason for its success, along with the other two top schools, is that they are part of the Howard County Public Schools System, which recently received 鈥渉istorically high funding,鈥 Centennial High School Biology teacher and varsity cross-country and track coach Kevin McCoy, who is one of three brothers who both teach and coach in Howard County, made news when on the family鈥檚 dedication to education.
#20. Miami
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (#90 nationally), School for Advanced Studies - South (#109), Suncoast Community High School (#122)
A.D. Henderson University School & Florida Atlantic University (FAU) High School are both located on the college campus of the same name. and provides innovative faculty-developed research and syllabi for individual students. with high school students having the opportunity to work toward their secondary and undergraduate degree at the same time.
#19. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: Canyon Crest Academy (#31 nationally), Torrey Pines High School (#110), Westview High School (#187)
Secondary schools Canyon Crest Academy鈥攃onsistently ranked by Newsweek as one of the top 100 four-years鈥攁nd Torrey Pines, are in the San Dieguito Union High School District, in the 2018鈥19 year budget. The schools maintain excellence in academics and sports, with #9 out of 2,057 for best high schools for athletes in California.
#18. Tucson
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: BASIS Tucson North (#26 nationally), Basis Oro Valley (#41), University High School (#99)
These educationally competitive high schools follow , which entails students taking a minimum of eight Advanced Placement (AP) classes and passing at least six AP exams in four years. As of late, BASIS Tucson North rather than abundant resources, as the "renowned" institution went $44 million in debt. Meanwhile, John Rosinbum, shines a brighter light on the district, which in a less financially viable region.
#17. Austin-Round Rock
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: Liberal Arts & Science Academy (#22 nationally), Westlake High School (#44), Westwood High School (#106)
Liberal Arts & Science Academy is a public magnet high school "recruiting the most academically advanced students from public and private middle schools throughout the city," . After attending the academy, students graduate with a college readiness of 98.8/100, according to U.S. News & World Report, "LASA's advanced, rigorous curriculum includes 30 Advanced Placement courses and 121 honors courses." Additionally, Austin's other two top high schools, Westlake and Westwood, remain respected college preparatory facilities, both ranking high for college readiness at and , respectively.
#16. Dallas-Fort Worth
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: School of Science & Engineering (#16 nationally), School for the Talented & Gifted (#17), Carroll Senior High School (#96)
The Dallas Independent School District, which governs the School of Science & Engineering and School for the Talented & Gifted, for the 2019鈥20 school year. Along with secure financial resources, high school/university dual enrollment and dozens of AP classes continue to set these two schools apart. Additionally, Carroll Senior High School boosts a , winning leadership awards from the Ivy League school.
#15. Columbus
- Top 200 public schools: 3
- Highest ranked public schools: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (#6 nationally), Dublin Jerome High School (#98), Dublin Coffman High School (#185)
A public residential high school for the gifted, The Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science also ranks . that a brilliant faculty, challenging curriculum, research opportunities, and community outreach keep the school at the top. The Dublin City School District, which governs both Dublin Jerome and Coffman High Schools, remains highly successfully,
#14. Cincinnati
- Top 200 public schools: 4
- Highest ranked public schools: Indian Hill High School (#114 nationally), Wyoming High School (#143), Walnut Hills High School (#165)
for its privately funded STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) small-group learning classroom, which will add to its already advanced curriculum. Meanwhile, keeps the top high school in the news for its 703 wins, while Walnut Hills High School maintains nationally ranked when entering the 7-12 grade school. Though the three top Ohio high schools are separated by different school districts, each remains the best in its region.
#13. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown
- Top 200 public schools: 4
- Highest ranked public schools: Carnegie Vanguard High School (#94 nationally), Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions (#105), Clements High School (#126)
and is already nationally ranked as a top Texas high school. Fully equipped with dentistry, rehabilitation and patient care teaching labs, mock hospital rooms, and science labs, the $67 million high school is one of a kind. Additionally, Clements High School , and Carnegie Vanguard High School programs are reportedly "like private education for free,"
#12. Detroit
- Top 200 public schools: 4
- Highest ranked public schools: International Academy (#56 nationally), International Academy (#66), Troy High School (#69)
including Chinese Language and Culture, Macro Economics, Psychology, and 2D Studio Art, Troy High School stands out among others, for the top high schools in the U.S. in 2016. The award-winning Troy High School Orchestra, with Freshman, Concert and Symphony ensembles, also sets the school apart. Though it remains the top high school in the Detroit metro area, International Academy , which has shed a negative light on the school that consistently sees positive press.
#11. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell
- Top 200 public schools: 4
- Highest ranked public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (#13 nationally), Northview High School (#124), Walton High School (#172)
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology while also for its strategic student program including the Senior Capstone Experience鈥攁n intense year-long study upon graduation. Also notably ranked within the Fulton County School District, which just passed a $1.7 billion fiscal budget for the 2019 school year, Northview High School remains a top high school with academic honors including the Governor鈥檚 Cup Receipt and Newsweek Magazine Top 1,000 High Schools in America.
#10. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward
- Top 200 public schools: 5
- Highest ranked public schools: Lowell High School (#137 nationally), Amador Valley High School (#145), Burlingame High School (#150)
In 2018, Lowell High School took steps to decrease racial disparities within the school when it to all qualified middle school students from a predominently black middle school. Some unique programs that help keep this high school ranked #1 is The Lowell, a nationally recognized student-run newspaper, and the Lowell Forensic Society, Meanwhile, Amador Valley High School was awarded for its highly recognized programs and test scores, .
#9. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Top 200 public schools: 5
- Highest ranked public schools: Tesla STEM High School (#30 nationally), Interlake Senior High School (#148), International Community School (#157)
Tesla STEM High School senior Griffin White . Meanwhile, more than 20% of Interlake Senior High School students are considered to be gifted, . The International Community School offers no athletic programs, with the focus being on academics.
#8. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy
- Top 200 public schools: 6
- Highest ranked public schools: Lexington High School (#91 nationally), Brookline High School (#115), Boston Latin School (#123)
help keep Lexington High School students sharp during their careers at this top high school. Brookline High School has a School Within a School, , for select juniors and seniors, which helps set it apart from other four-years in Massachusetts. Lastly, Boston Latin School offers distinct programs, including the Clough Center for Global Understanding, Deitch Leadership Institute, and the Wolk Innovation Center, .
#7. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale
- Top 200 public schools: 6
- Highest ranked public schools: Basis Scottsdale (#9 nationally), BASIS Peoria (#55), BASIS Phoenix (#59)
Peoria and Phoenix focus on subject matter other schools do not, teaching adolescents economics, engineering, and Mandarin, among other complex lessons. Along with Niche鈥檚 #2 ranking, as #3 for best STEM high schools, #5 for best charter high schools, and #21 for best U.S. high schools. , coming in #35 for best U.S. high schools.
#6. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
- Top 200 public schools: 7
- Highest ranked public schools: Henry M. Gunn High School (#27 nationally), Saratoga High School (#38), Palo Alto High School (#39)
are located in the U.S. and Silicon Valley鈥檚 most expensive area, which offers abundant funding for advanced programs and curriculum. While Henry M. Gunn High School has more , it also offers unique programs including Advanced Authentic Research and Project Lead The Way. Despite being one of the top high schools in California, , with one student taken into custody in August 2019.
#5. Philadelphia
- Top 200 public schools: 8
- Highest ranked public schools: Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (#46 nationally), Conestoga Senior High School (#49), Charter School of Wilmington (#67)
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School also maintained Pennsylvania鈥檚 highest SAT and ACT scores since 2017. The school made recent news for English teacher to the 2019 graduating class. The Charter School of Wilmington, which admits students based on placement testing, and the that distinguish the school.
#4. Washington D.C.
- Top 200 public schools: 8
- Highest ranked public schools: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (#1 nationally), Poolesville High School (#32), Winston Churchill High School (#78)
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology claims the title of the nation鈥檚 top school, , and Poolesville, , and Winston Churchill High School both fall in the Montgomery County Public School District in Maryland; whereas Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology is in the Fairfax County Public School District in Virginia. Though the three schools are separated by different state boundaries, they all fall under Washington D.C.鈥檚 most elite high schools.
#3. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana
- Top 200 public schools: 12
- Highest ranked public schools: Troy High School (#63 nationally), California Academy of Mathematics & Science (#79), Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (#87)
Troy High School has dominated the Science Olympiad, that features nearly 8,000 schools 11 of the past 20 years. Troy also won the which began with over 6,000 schools, defeating Palos Verdes and 10 other finalist schools. The California Academy of Mathematics & Science, which is located on the campus of Cal State - Dominguez Hills and opened in 1990 with a mission to empower women and minorities, is the .
#2. Chicago
- Top 200 public schools: 26
- Highest ranked public schools: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (#2 nationally), Walter Payton College Prep (#3), Northside College Preparatory High School (#11)
The three-year residential Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy boasts a , and was Niche's #2 high school in 2019. Walter Payton College Prep, named for the Chicago Bears great, was the A labor dispute between the city and the Chicago Teachers Union over salaries and class sizes threatens a .
#1. New York
- Top 200 public schools: 40
- Highest ranked public schools: Stuyvesant High School (#4 nationally), Bergen County Academies (#5), High Technology High School (#7)
New York City , according to Politico, although a controversial provision in the city鈥檚 current funding plan provides Stuyvesant High School was rated tops in New York for college prep and STEM classes by Niche, but a and has had the school in the national spotlight for the wrong reasons. Bergen County Academies, which was also rated the top high school in the state by , is located in northern New Jersey.
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