The 50 best public high schools in America

Location: West Palm Beach, Florida

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 33

"The arts, culture, and spirit are alive in this school in great amounts everywhere," one senior wrote. "This is by far one of the most diverse schools, that provides everyone equal opportunities to express themselves and reach greater heights in their chosen major."

Location: Manahawkin, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 33

According to one senior, "Any student who can make it through four years at MATES is not only set for college, but most likely for their life."

"You're surrounded by driven, intelligent students who have a strong passion for learning and performing exceptionally, as well as teachers with years of experience in the fields they teach that allow for much greater in-depth study," they added.

Location: Chicago

Average SAT score: 1290

Average ACT score: 29

"Lane Tech College Prep has a diverse range of students which help build the cultural setting of the high school," one junior wrote. "Lane Tech has various clubs and organizations suitable for anyone and everyone. If there's something that doesn't exist at Lane, students have the chance to change that and introduce new ideas which will be heard and accepted."

Location: Lincolnshire, Illinois

Average SAT score: 1360

Average ACT score: 31

"Academically, if you attend Stevenson you are set for college," wrote a sophomore. "The courses are intense, difficult, and require a ton of work to succeed."

A Niche user wrote that "teachers care a lot about their students and can be understanding about other classes students are taking."

Location: Chicago

Average SAT score: 1320

Average ACT score: 30

"Because the school is college preparatory, the counselors really focus on early applications to colleges and for scholarships," wrote one Niche user. "The academics are very understandable and provide a good platform for upward mobility in terms of class selection."

Location: Fullerton, California

Average SAT score: 1410

Average ACT score: 32

According to one student, Troy High School "is not your average American public high school."

"Although the academic courses I took were very rigorous, I have never regretted taking them because they gave me a strong work ethic and allowed me to develop a passion for learning," they said.

Location: Los Angeles

Average SAT score: 1250

Average ACT score: 30

"Going to an all-girls high school was a very unique experience and the school not only focused on STEM, but it also values creating a close-knit community for its students, " one former student wrote.

Location: Lincroft, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 1530

Average ACT score: 34

"The school is unique in that starting in freshman year and continuing onward students are required to take college level courses in Engineering (through Project lead the Way curriculum)," an HTHS senior wrote.

"This school will transform almost anyone into an overachiever. The air is slightly competitive with high expectations," another said.

Location: Phoenix

Average SAT score: 1440

Average ACT score: 32

"What I loved most about BASIS Ahwatukee has nothing to do with the branch's accredited academic rigor but rather, the community the students built for themselves, " one former student wrote. "From its very first established year in 2013, I've witnessed the Ahwatukee branch develop its sense of school pride through the support of one another and the faculty/staff that fight for the students in their care."

Location: Phoenix

Average SAT score: 1430

Average ACT score: 32

"Basis Phoenix is a great school for academically focused and has a diverse curriculum preparing kids for college applications," one senior wrote.

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

Average SAT score: 1480

Average ACT score: 34

"At the Early College at Guilford (ECG) we speed up our curriculum so as to complete two years of high school in one year," wrote a senior. Then, "after we have completed our high school curriculum in two years, we are allowed to take college classes at the affiliated college, Guilford College."

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

Average SAT score: 1390

Average ACT score: 31

"Very unique program for self motivated people to excel in a real accredited college curriculum with by far the easiest access to research opportunities out of any high school in Florida for sure," one senior wrote.

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Average SAT score: 1370

Average ACT score: 31

"The classes that Raleigh Charter offers are very relevant to everyone's career paths and the teachers teach comparatively to college professors," wrote one junior.

Location: Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 1430

Average ACT score: 33

Students applauded Union County Magnet High School for its tight-knit community and diversity.

"Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students," commented one student. "Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet."

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 32

"The teachers are amazing," commented a junior. "Every teacher wants each student to succeed and works their best to help them achieve their success everyday."

Location: Bronx, New York

Average SAT score: 1430

Average ACT score: 33

"The small school encourages a very tight-knit community where everyone is so supportive and willing to help each other succeed. Almost everyone participates in some club or sport which also encourages community. The teachers and the curriculum are great - I feel very prepared for college," one senior wrote.

Location: Mobile, Alabama

Average SAT score: 1220

Average ACT score: 28

"I have gained such a supportive community and met people that actually care about me and my future. This school is very academically prosperous with highly active and engaging teachers. I recommend to anyone interested!" one junior wrote.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Average SAT score: 1410

Average ACT score: 31

"I really like how there's always something for someone here no matter what you like or who you are. There's so many people and clubs and it's honestly a pretty fun environment. They do give out a lot of work, but I feel like it's really setting me up for college," one freshman wrote.

Location: Poolesville, Maryland

Average SAT score: 1410

Average ACT score: 31

"Everyone at Poolesville gets a rigorous and challenging education," wrote a senior.

Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Average SAT score: 1330

Average ACT score: 29

"The academic challenge is no joke. It will break you, but then you will grow back up and you will be stronger than you were before, and infinitely more prepared for college than any other public school in the state can offer. Nothing is spoonfed to you, but if you're willing to work hard, the opportunities are there for you to be able to go far," one senior wrote.

Location: Evansville, Indiana

Average SAT score: 1340

Average ACT score: 31

"The best decision of my life was moving to Signature School. I will be able to reach all of my future goals because of this school. The education you receive is top-tier; you won't find better anywhere else," one senior wrote.

Location: Mesa, Arizona

Average SAT score: 1400

Average ACT score: 32

"The abundance of smart kids and the academic-focused curriculum here create a very encouraging and studious environment," one senior wrote.

Location: Scarsdale, New York

Average SAT score: 1440

Average ACT score: 32

"Scarsdale breeds driven students that are passionate about their academic and extracurricular performance. The school is well maintained, the teachers are incredibly qualified, I've never once felt unsafe," one senior wrote.

Location: Houston

Average SAT score: 1380

Average ACT score: 31

"If you like small schools, Carnegie is a great school to look at," wrote a senior. "Not only is it one of the top schools in the Houston Independent School District, the culture that Carnegie has is really unique."

Location: Flushing, New York

Average SAT score: 1410

Average ACT score: 32

"Though sometimes challenging to keep up with the schoolwork, my experience at Townsend Harris has been phenomenal," wrote a senior. "The environment overall is very mellow, as teachers challenge students to think critically and pursue their own questions, all while taking the time to warmly talk about school events and getting involved in student life."

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Average SAT score: 1480

Average ACT score: 33

"The students who go here are mostly highly self-motivated and smart. Most of them manage on their own," wrote a Basis senior. 

According to another senior, "many students achieve a much higher education than many of their peers from other schools," thanks to a large selection of AP classes.

Location: Carson, California

Average SAT score: 1360

Average ACT score: 31

"CAMS is an excellent school for overachievers. The academic rigor and endless college resources foster a positive and motivating environment for students," one parent wrote.

Location: Muncie, Indiana

Average SAT score: 1320

Average ACT score: 29

"The Academy was a great experience and I am glad I got the opportunity to go. It was great to live away from home at such a young age because it taught you responsibilities you don't always pick up on while living with parents. The academics were rough, but there were people there to help you succeed," one former student wrote.

Location: Austin

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 33

Several Niche commenters lauded LASA's difficult curriculum. "It is extremely tough but worth it because it prepared me very well for college," wrote one user.

"LASA's main draw is its academic intensity. If you want to be challenged, you will be," added a junior.

Location: Rockaway, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 1530

Average ACT score: 35

"The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering will fundamentally change any high schooler. With difficult coursework, extremely early mornings, and long days as well as a competitive atmosphere. But there are numerous rewards to be gained," one senior wrote.

Location: Hackensack, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 1480

Average ACT score: 34

Challenging academics define BCA, according to commenters. The school is "rigorous and intellectually challenging," wrote one Niche user. "Some classes will leave you drained but inundated with knowledge, which is much, much more rewarding than it sounds."

Location: Chicago

Average SAT score: 1350

Average ACT score: 31

"Academics are held to an incredibly high standard. ... Rather than trying to outsmart the student next to us, we work together to outperform other schools," wrote one Niche user. 

Location: Dallas

Average SAT score: 1360

Average ACT score: 31

"Overall, the teachers are really invested in the education of their students and really care to see their students be successful later in life," wrote one Niche user.

Location: Aurora, Illinois

Average SAT score: 1440

Average ACT score: 33

"The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching," wrote one senior.

Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Average SAT score: 1400

Average ACT score: 31

GSMST has a STEM-focused curriculum that many commenters called rigorous but top-notch. 

"You have to study, you have to ask questions, you have to prepare for your lessons," wrote a Niche user. "GSMST challenges you, it challenges all types of students whether you were a genius in middle school or not."

Location: Staten Island, New York

Average SAT score: 1450

Average ACT score: 33

"This high school has given me and so many other students many opportunities to find their niche and excel in it, whether it be in the academics, theatrical drama, or just the many competitions in general," commented one junior.

Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Average SAT score: 1410

Average ACT score: 32

"The best part about my experience at the International Academy is the teachers. They are always helpful and willing to support every student. The curriculum is also a high point in the school. It constantly pushes students to try their best, and helps me prepare for college," one senior wrote.

Location: Bronx, New York

Average SAT score: 1460

Average ACT score: 33

While many students found the curriculum demanding, they also thought there were plenty of opportunities and resources.

"It's a challenge but the community and teachers help me at every turn!" wrote one student. "Everyone here has something about which they're passionate about, and you have so many opportunities to find your own passion."

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Average SAT score: 1510

AP test pass rate: 34

"Math, science, and tech labs are extensive. The hardest classes are well into the college range [...] Seniors get to pursue subjects they are genuinely interested in, and finish projects by the end of the year," commented one senior.

Location: Chicago

Average SAT score: 1380

Average ACT score: 32

Northside academics are "amazing," according to a junior. "I always feel challenged in my courses, but also feel confident that I will succeed. Northside makes it so that as long as you are actively engaged in your learning you can achieve highly which I think is important," they wrote.

Location: Osprey, Florida

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 32

"Pine View School has provided me with a world class education in the time I have attended there," one junior wrote.

Location: Dallas

Average SAT score: 1400

Average ACT score: 32

One Niche user praised TAG's quality academic environment. 

"You forget how smart you are because you're in an environment which is entirely made up of smart people and is very competitive," the person wrote.

Location: Hartsville, South Carolina

Average SAT score: 1380

Average ACT score: 31

Students agree teachers offer a lot of support and guidance at Governor's School for Science & Mathematics.

"The smaller class sizes at GSSM mean that each student gets more individual attention from teachers and the opportunity to be much more engaged in class," commented a senior.

"The workload is crazy, but teachers are almost always available after hours for tutoring, and there are tutoring centers open from 8-10 every weeknight," added a junior.

Location: Oklahoma City

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 31

"The teachers are all experts in their field and willing to help students, but their classes will be challenging. If you are a focused student that wants to take their academic experience to the next level, OSSM is a great school," one junior wrote.

Location: Chicago

Average SAT score: 1420

Average ACT score: 32

"Classes are interesting and eye-opening for the most part, though they are certainly demanding and consume much of a student's free time," wrote a junior. "Students come into Payton recognizing that they will be working hard for the next four years, and this is certainly no lie."

Location: New York City

Average SAT score: 1500

Average ACT score: 33

"It's an environment filled with so many amazing people, both students and teachers, that I've considered my second family," wrote one senior. "It's been a phenomenal four years for me here, and I honestly cannot imagine my life anywhere else."

"Stuyvesant High School offers an immense number of opportunities to explore a diverse range of interests, from academics to athletics and the arts," added another.

Location: Panama City, Florida

Average SAT score: N/A

Average ACT score: N/A

"I've been to a few schools and this one was the best. It's small and the teachers help students a lot. I get to take college courses too," one junior wrote.

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 1500

Average ACT score: 34

Nothing compares to Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science's offerings, according to one student. "The quality of the faculty and students and the resources available ... make this school unparalleled in the vast opportunities it presents to those fortunate to attend," they wrote.

Location: Reno, Nevada

Average SAT score: 1530

Average ACT score: 35

"I think anyone who goes here will receive an excellent education that will take them far in life," wrote one former student.

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Average SAT score: 1450

Average ACT score: 33

"You could do your own research, make your own class to teach to other students, and so much more. I got to touch real human bones and work with specimens I never knew existed. The people you meet there are also no joke, you'll find the friends of your life there," one senior wrote.