9 Top Us Public High Schools That Send Most Students to the Ivy Leagues

Dreaming of attending an Ivy League university like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton? 

You don’t have to overlook public high schools. 

In this article, we reveal the top US public high schools that have an outstanding track record of sending students to prestigious Ivy League institutions. 

These schools excel in academic excellence, boast impressive statistics, and have students admitted to renowned universities. 

If you’re aspiring to join the Ivy League ranks, these public high schools might hold the key to your dreams.

Here are some of the top public high schools in the United States that have a history of sending students to Ivy League universities:

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria, Virginia)

 Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a renowned public magnet school in Alexandria, Virginia. 

It consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the United States. With a class size of 400+ and a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, TJHSST emphasizes personalized attention and high-quality education.

Between 2018 and 2020, the school sent 27 students to MIT, 18 to Princeton, and 12 to Harvard, according to PolarisList.

• 12 Harvard admissions, 18 Princeton admissions, and 27 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1530+
• 95% proficiency in math and 99% proficiency in reading based on state test scores. 
• 72% AP Enrollment 
• Known for its rigorous STEM curriculum and emphasis on research and innovation.
• Sends a notable number of students to Ivy League universities, particularly in STEM fields.

Stuyvesant High School (New York, New York)

Stuyvesant High School in New York City is a prestigious public school with 3,304 students in grades 9-12 and a 21:1 student-teacher ratio. 

Stuyvesant is known for its rigorous academics, STEM focus, and wide range of AP courses. Graduates attend top universities worldwide.

From 2018 to 2020, 30 students were admitted to Harvard, 26 to Princeton, and 28 to MIT. 

Admission is based on a highly competitive exam—one of the toughest in the country—selecting only the highest scorers.

• 30 Harvard admissions, 26 Princeton admissions, and 28 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1450+
• 96% proficiency in math and 99% proficiency in reading based on state test scores.
• 56% AP Enrollment 
• Renowned for its strong emphasis on STEM education and academic achievement.
• Graduates a significant number of students who gain admission to Ivy League institutions.

Bronx High School of Science (Bronx, New York)

Bronx High School of Science (Bronx Science) is renowned for its rigorous academics and STEM emphasis. 

It provides a diverse selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and its graduates achieve admission to esteemed global universities.

Between 2018 and 2020, PolarisList records 12 admittance to Harvard, 10 to Princeton, and 16 to MIT. 

As a selective institution, Bronx Science admits students based on a highly challenging entrance exam—one of the nation’s toughest. Only the highest scorers secure admission.

• 12 Harvard admissions, 10 Princeton admissions, and 16 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1440+
• 99% proficiency in math and 99% proficiency in reading based on state test scores.
• 69% AP Enrollment 
• Focuses on science and mathematics education, producing accomplished scientists and researchers.
• Sends numerous students to Ivy League universities, particularly in STEM fields.

Montgomery Blair High School (Silver Spring, Maryland)

Montgomery Blair High School, situated in SILVER SPRING, MD, is a highly regarded public school known for its exceptional quality of education. 

Between 2018 and 2020, the school sent 6 students to Harvard, 8 to Princeton, and 11 to MIT. 

• 6 Harvard admissions, 8 Princeton admissions, and 11 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1380+
• 54% proficiency in math and 73% proficiency in reading based on state test scores.
• 41% AP Enrollment 
• Offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Sends a considerable number of students to Ivy League institutions, showcasing their academic strength.

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago, Illinois)

Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago, Illinois is a top-rated public magnet school known for its rigorous academics and college preparation. 

With a student body of 1,191 in grades 9-12 and a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, Payton boasts impressive state test scores, with 96% proficiency in math and 94% in reading. 

Admission is based on a competitive exam, and the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. 

Payton has a strong reputation for sending graduates to prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools. 

 In 2022 alone, 22 Payton students were accepted to Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Columbia. 

Another source records 5 Harvard admissions, 2 Princeton admissions, and 5 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020.

• 5 Harvard admissions, 2 Princeton admissions, and 5 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1366
• 96% proficiency in math and 94% skill in reading based on state test scores.
• 77% AP Enrollment 
• Ranked #4 in Nation by US News & World Report
• Offers a rigorous college preparatory program and a variety of advanced courses.
• Sends a significant number of students to Ivy League institutions, reflecting their academic dedication.
• 31% of students are from low-income families 
• 99% 4-year college attendance

The School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas, Texas)

The School for the Talented & Gifted (TAG) located in Dallas, Texas is a highly regarded public magnet school recognized for its rigorous academic programs and focus on college preparation. 

The school has a student body of 464 in grades 9-12 and maintains an 18:1 student-teacher ratio. 

TAG has demonstrated outstanding performance on state tests, with 95% of students proficient in math and reading. In 2019, the graduating class of sixty-eight students received a combined total of over $13 million in scholarships. 

TAG offers an extensive curriculum that includes a minimum of ten Advanced Placement (AP) courses, providing students with a strong foundation for success at renowned universities. 

Admission to TAG is competitive and is based on a selective exam. The school provides a stimulating academic environment, catering to students who aspire to be well-prepared for college and future achievements.

• Average SAT score: 1340+
• 95% proficiency in math and in reading based on state test scores.
• 100% AP enrollment
• Provides a specialized curriculum for intellectually gifted students.
• Sends notable numbers of students to Ivy League universities, showcasing their exceptional abilities.

Hunter College High School (New York, New York)

Manhattan Hunter Science High School (MHSHS) is a renowned public school located in New York City. 

Admission to MHSHS is highly competitive and based on a selective exam.

MHSHS is acclaimed for its rigorous academic programs with a particular emphasis on science and math. 

The school offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, preparing students for admission to prestigious universities worldwide. 

Particularly, MHSHS has an impressive track record of sending 22 students to Harvard, 5 to Princeton, and 3 to MIT between 2018 and 2020. 

In addition, MHSHS fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming students from a variety of backgrounds, and providing support for students with disabilities and those from low-income families.

Upon graduation, students can choose to pursue education at Hunter College, tuition-free. 

• 22 Harvard admissions, 5 Princeton admissions, and 3 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1320+
• 95% proficiency in math and 82% proficiency in reading based on state test scores. 
• Focuses on rigorous academics and intellectual growth.
• Sends a considerable number of students to Ivy League institutions, reflecting their academic prowess.

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago, Illinois)

Northside College Preparatory High School, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a top-rated public school recognized for its excellence in academics and college preparation. 

With 1,041 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, Northside achieves impressive state test scores, with 94% proficiency in math and 95% in reading. 

Admission to Northside is competitive and based on a selective exam.

Renowned for its rigorous curriculum, Northside offers a diverse range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, equipping students for success at prestigious universities worldwide. 

The school takes pride in its track record of sending students to Ivy League schools, with an average of 9-12 students each year securing admissions. 

In 2022, 10 Northside students were admitted to Ivy League institutions, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Columbia. Another record from PolarisLsit shows 3 admissions to Harvard, 2 admissions to Princeton, and 1 to MIT between 2018 and 2020. 

• 3 Harvard admissions, 2 Princeton admissions, and 1 MIT admission between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1300+
• 94% proficiency in math and 95% proficiency in reading based on state test scores. 
• 59% AP Enrollment
• Offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum and a supportive environment.
• Sends a significant number of students to Ivy League universities, highlighting their academic achievements.

Boston Latin School (Boston, Massachusetts)

Boston Latin School (BLS), the oldest public school in the United States, is a highly selective exam school in Boston, Massachusetts. Its record of sending students to Ivy League schools is impressive, with 10-15 students admitted each year. 

In 2022, 13 BLS students were accepted to Ivy League institutions including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia.

According to another source, PolarisList, BLS sent 63 students to Harvard, 1 to Princeton, and 3 to MIT between 2018 and 2020. 

BLS’s success is attributed to its rigorous academics, college preparation focus, and strong community. 

The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and its graduates attend prestigious universities worldwide.

Diversity is a core value at BLS, with a 56% minority student body and inclusive programs.

For a challenging academic environment and college readiness, Boston Latin School is an excellent choice. Its renowned curriculum ensures students thrive in their post-high school endeavors.

• 63 Harvard admissions, 1 Princeton admissions, and 3 MIT admissions between 2018 and 2020
• Average SAT score: 1280+
• 86% proficiency in math and 81% proficiency in reading based on state test scores. 
• 74% AP Enrollment
• Boasts a rich history and tradition of academic excellence.
• Sends a notable number of students to Ivy League institutions, showcasing their intellectual capabilities.

Conclusion

For those seeking a public high school education with a proven track record of sending students to the Ivy League, the top US public high schools listed in this article provide exceptional opportunities. 

These schools have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, rigorous curricula, and supportive environments, which have led to a significant number of students gaining admission to Ivy League institutions. 

If you’re determined to achieve your Ivy League dreams, consider exploring these remarkable public high schools and embark on a path to future success.