2024 Best Public High Schools in America - Niche
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2024 Best Public High Schools in America

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About This List

The 2024 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, and high school ratings. SAT/ACT scores have been removed from this year's rankings to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

    FAQs

    How many public high schools are in America?
    There are 24,604 public high schools in America. Check out their Niche profiles to find a school that best suits the needs of you and your child!

    The Best Public High Schools in America

    The best public high schools in America give us hope for the future. These institutions routinely go beyond academic basics to help the next generation find the path that’s right for them. The teachers are excellent, and the schools offer students all the resources they need to thrive.

    No matter where you live, this list of the best high schools can provide you and your child with inspiration for your own school searches. Of course, if you happen to live in the district, all the better.

    What goes into selecting the best public high schools?

    The Niche methodology takes a lot of different elements into consideration. For each school, we weigh academics, teachers, environment, and extracurriculars.

    The largest part of the overall Niche grade is the academics grade, which counts for 60% of the total. We look at both state and national standardized test scores as well as surveys issued to students and parents.

    We believe in the value of a diverse student body. Young adults learn from their peers as well as from their teachers. The grades for teachers and for culture and diversity each count for 10% of the whole. Parent/student reviews also make up 10%.

    The final 10% equally weighs:

    • Clubs and activities
    • Health and safety
    • Resources and facilities
    • Sports

    Depending on your family’s priorities, you can also view many of these grades individually, allowing you to choose a school that matches your values. In addition, you can filter the list to only show schools that provide particular services or opportunities, such as special education or advanced placement classes.

    How are public schools different than private schools?

    Your child can find a first-rate education at either a public school or a private school. Each benefits from different advantages. The key differences between public and private schools are:

    • Price. Public schools are free, while private schools often require tuition.
    • Funding. Public schools receive government funding, and private schools rely on tuition and grants.
    • Teachers. Public school teachers need to be certified, while private school teachers don’t.
    • Admissions and student body. Private schools are more selective, but public schools tend to be more diverse.
    • Religious affiliation. Public schools are non-denominational by law. Private schools can be associated with a certain religion and may provide religious education as well as secular.

    To make the decision that’s best for your family, look at individual schools closely. Both public and private schools range widely in terms of quality.

    How can you give your kid the best start in life?

    If you’re taking the time to research the best high schools, then your kid is already pretty lucky. You also can check out our blog on parent resources for tips on how to find the right school and how to make the most of any school.

    A great education sets a child up for life, regardless of their long-term plans. Strong foundations prepare them for future learning, rewarding careers, and thoughtful engagement with the world. Whether they want to be an artist, a mechanic, or a lawyer, they’ll have all the elements they need for success.