2024 Best Public Schools in the New York City Area

• New York City Geographic District #31, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  793 reviews

Freshman: I'm currently a freshman at SITHS, and it's been great! I've never felt more involved in a school community than now! The teachers are incredibly supportive and will be there for you no matter what. It's a tight school community, so we all get along well. The heavy workload is demanding, as it is a specialized high school, but becomes easier to manage as you go on. There are a lot of clubs and sports to participate in, and the school is full of fun spirit activities during the year. The school is extremely dedicated to college readiness as you are forced into at least 3 AP Classes and College Now courses during your 4 years at Tech. There are multiple electives and classes you can choose to take from, and there are a lot of great opportunities to participate in during your 4 years. Not only is the school dedicated to academics but we have a lot of great events such as Homecoming, Prom, Spirit Week, etc. Overall, the school is great, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else!... Read 793 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,355

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• New York City Geographic District #10, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,078 reviews

Parent: Bronx Science is a lovely school with a challenging curriculum. It has brought out the best in my child as the students are encouraged to be well-rounded with the offering of many clubs and activities. The most challenging part is the sense of competition between the students, however, there are many of the students who support each other and it is not as much of a "pressure cooker" as other schools. I am glad we chose the school and I would send my other child there without hesitation. One other positive about the school is that my child has met many students from different boroughs of the city and different backgrounds. It has been nice for her to learn about other cultures and develop further appreciation for them.... Read 1,078 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,985

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• New York City Geographic District #25, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  707 reviews

Senior: Deciding to attend Townsend Harris was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For starters, the community here is very welcoming, whether it be teachers, students, or admin. Spend a day here and you will see a multitude of friendly interactions between students and teachers in the halls (dapping teachers up, to yelling each others’ names and saying hi in the halls) Another aspect I appreciate is this school’s active student body. There are several major student-led events that occur throughout the year, and virtually all students participate it in. FON and S!NG are the major events, and during these times, almost the entirety of the student population comes together to put together the productions. The school is always bustling after school, and most people stay late to participate in clubs, attend FON or S!NG rehearsals, or simply hang out in the halls. I love this community and I would recommend this school to anyone who can handle high academic stress!... Read 707 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,347

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  41 reviews

Senior: With a $1 million engineering lab, senior internships/capstones, and constant support from teachers/peers, this school really has unparalleled opportunities.... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio —

• New York City Geographic District # 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,184 reviews

Parent: Stuyvesant represents a solid experience in the public school system. Many people are proud and happy to be here, across varied positions, teachers, administrators, staff, counseling etc. A huge school that manages to foster a sense of community! The students are very competitive with themselves, but for the most part very supportive of each other. Any student can find their passion and their people here, but they need to look and be involved. Fosters independence; diverse socioeconomically; many interesting perspectives; academic rigor; incredible resources; excellent facilities. That being said, not for every student; still need to deal with DOE bureaucracy in a big place; a couple of teachers have checked out or can’t teach; mental health is not the best here. Aside from that overall, Stuyvesant is pretty much what you see is what you get. Lots of pressure junior year. Heavy workload. Little sleep. I would like to see more understanding and focus on mental health.... Read 1,184 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,247

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  108 reviews

Junior: My experience at HTHS was pretty great. Sure, the teachers and programs are great, but the best thing about the school is the people. You get to meet and collaborate with the smartest people in your area of New Jersey, and it's a one of a kind experience that can help you make lifetime connections. No matter where you end up in college, HTHS can help you make the connections and get the knowledge you need to succeed no mater what... Read 108 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  566 reviews

Senior: Overall I think my time at Bergen County Academies was positive. There are ample opportunities for students and the school encourages students to take initiative in guiding their academic path. A unique positive feature of our school is the freedom it gives to students; we can go wherever we want on campus during free periods and go to nearby restaurants for lunch. The most negative part of BCA is its lack of focus on sports. Sports are a big part of my life and many other students' lives, but doing sports you have to forgo doing clubs and taking electives. I know at other highschool sports are a much bigger part of their schools' culture, and students don't have to choose between them and academic opportunities at those schools.... Read 566 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,109

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  124 reviews

Senior: Biotechnology High School (BTHS) prepared me well for the rigors of college. As a senior at BTHS, I am genuinely impressed by the institution's commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity. The vibrant academic atmosphere, coupled with state-of-the-art laboratories and passionate educators, fosters a dynamic learning environment. The challenging curriculum not only equips students with a deep understanding of scientific principles but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Collaborative projects and extracurricular activities amplify the hands-on learning experience, preparing us for real-world challenges. The supportive community of like-minded peers fuels a passion for exploration and innovation. Biotechnology High School truly cultivates the next generation of STEM leaders, making my years here an intellectually stimulating and rewarding journey.... Read 124 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 315

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  128 reviews

Alum: Great resources academically and lots of great opportunities. I had some really amazing teachers that I’ll probably remember forever and I was able to meet a lot of new friends through clubs and sports. The students are pretty competitive and focused on college, but that prepares you well for college and I really enjoyed my time there!... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,471

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  147 reviews

Junior: Love the people, love the school and its teachers. Of course, it has its stressful times, but you learn a lot more from Magnet than just math, science, tech etc.. it teaches you time management, working in a competitive environment, and organization skills. Most of the students here are self-motivated and also encouraged by the general peer pressure to do well in school. The teachers are passionate and well-qualified, making the subjects even more interesting. With all its positives, Magnet does require a lot of hard work and work ethic. Hopefully, it'll all be worth it!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• New York City Geographic District #10, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  147 reviews

Sophomore: The High School of American Studies is a great school for students that seek academic rigor. It is an interactive and supportive community that advances students upwards. This school has a lot of clubs to offer, such as Mock Trial. There is nothing I would like to change about this high school.... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 408

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  306 reviews

Senior: McNair Academic High School appears to offer a challenging academic environment that effectively prepares students for college, which is a valuable aspect of any high school. Additionally, the presence of numerous athletic and club opportunities provides students with a well-rounded educational experience, fostering personal growth beyond the classroom. This combination of academic rigor and extracurricular engagement can contribute to a rich and rewarding high school experience.... Read 306 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  127 reviews

Senior: From the moment I stepped through the doors as a wide-eyed freshman, I knew this wasn't going to be like any traditional high school experience. What really sets AOIT apart though are the incredible opportunities outside of the classroom. Through internships, job shadowing, and partnerships with major tech companies, I gained invaluable professional experience before even graduating. I was able to explore my interests in cybersecurity in-depth and earn industry certifications that will give me a huge leg up after graduation. As I prepare to walk across that stage, I'm grateful for the way AOIT has empowered me with the skills, experiences, and confidence to tackle whatever comes next. This school truly is a founding platform for achieving your dreams in technology.... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Half Hollow Hills Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  323 reviews

Freshman: I've been so happy to be honored at this school so far! Great people there, amazing teachers and you can really gain a support fan base there. Clubs and activities are amazing and this is going a lot better than the middle school. Whenever I had an issue, it will be solved right away, even though it may not be the reason I wanted. Overall, this school has such nice students and adults there. I love the fact that you can stay in this school for longer after you graduate. Overall, I'm honored to be at this great school and great people there!... Read 323 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,035

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• New York City Geographic District #24, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  397 reviews

Alum: Overall I had a good experience. I felt like I was getting a rigorous and challenging education that pushed me to do better, and I think it did prepare me for certain aspects of college. However, I think they need to put more time into really guiding students through the application process and encouraging them to aim higher.... Read 397 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  264 reviews

Senior: The best part of my experience was meeting people from all over the county. It broadened my perspective and understanding of a lot of aspects in my life. It has helped me foster communication skills and empathy for people different from myself. The mental health facilities at this school are very obtainable and useful. The teachers are very understanding and willing to help if it is needed. However, there have been major challenges such as the lack of support for the music and arts. Funding for the school is visibly prioritized toward more technical majors such as their Aerospace Engineering major. I would’ve liked to see more funding for things like musical theater, band, chorus, the arts department. Another struggle was the lack of structure and portfolio creation in the Commercial Art and Graphic Design department. It was very difficult to create a portfolio outside of school when it was expected that the art classes would help me do so in school.... Read 264 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 678

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York City Geographic District # 5, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  206 reviews

Senior: The school is great! Provides a lot of resources for students to take advantage of and prepares students well for college. There is also a lot of one-on-one support that is given to each student.... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 524

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  276 reviews

Alum: Great Neck South High School was spectacular in building a solid foundation for college. The academics prepared me to succeed in my college courses. I learned to speak in public, share my opinions and support concepts in my written projects and presentations. It also allowed me to take AP classes that allowed me to receive credits for courses. The rich selection of classes in the high school also opened up my mind to explore different interests and fields which started a curiosity and boldness to seek out courses that not only build upon a future career but also special interests.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,222

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Jericho Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  196 reviews

Junior: During my three years of attending this school, I've encountered a variety of ups and downs regarding the faculty as well as the students around me. One thing in particular that I have noticed is that each school year I am met with a teacher who does not meet my expectations (in terms of learning the material before an exam.) Despite these few, the teachers are qualified and go beyond the printed curriculum to explain ideas in depth. I believe that one of the most important factors in making a school feel inclusive is allowing students to incorporate and explore different cultures, which Jericho does very well. They dedicate full school days to a multicultural night, diversity show, etc.... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,205

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: My experience at AAHS has been nothing but enjoyable and inclusive. Even as an incoming freshman, the small student body size and welcoming community made me feel like I was where I belonged. The challenging academic environment and diverse community truly helped me thrive in my high school years.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  261 reviews

Sophomore: I started this school as a high school freshman. So far, my experience has been extremely positive. All of my teachers care a lot about their students and will provide help if you need it. The coursework is definitely challenging, but this keeps me from getting bored in class. The school has excellent resources, owning everything from CPR dummies to 3D printers. UCTECH even has its own greenhouse! In addition, I have taken joint Rutgers courses and have earned Rutgers credits through the school. In the future, I think the school could benefit by coordinating test dates a little better. Often the teachers plan their tests all on the same day, so I've had instances where I had 6 tests in 3 days. Overall, the school is amazing and I would definitely recommend.... Read 261 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 22

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  382 reviews

Senior: Overall, I love my experience at Syosset High School, it was a great 4 years, and I made a ton of friends. I also interacted and learned a lot with great teachers that fostered my growth and allowed me to find my passions. All of the teachers in Syosset High School are very active and engaged in student learning and overall that is something the school does perfectly. I would like to see the food in the school improve though.... Read 382 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,237

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York City Geographic District # 1, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  311 reviews

Senior: Bard High School's early college was an interesting experience. The teachers provide help when asked for but Bard has so many geniuses on their team also means they have a lot of eccentric characters. While this creates a fun learning environment the abnormalities that come with this can make learning difficult sometimes. There is also a clear division in performance when it comes to how good the humanities classes are and how sometimes poor the STEM classes can be especially in the freshman and sophomore years. The sports are lacking with they're being few options besides main contenders like baseball track and basketball. Are resources for college application are amazing however and have been extremely helpful to my college application process. The safety of the school is almost guaranteed, I've seen one fight out of all my years here but the culture is almost too sensitive. It is also very clique-ordinated orientated and rumors will spread like wildfire.... Read 311 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• New Canaan Public Schools, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 reviews

Senior: New Canaan High School will forever have a significant impact on the way I see the world. They offered me countless opportunities and put me in a safe place where I could thrive. I was able to successfully prosper at NCHS with academics, friends, and friendly relations with the teachers. It was an overall great experience and little change is needed.... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,286

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westport School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  240 reviews

Senior: Staples High School is a unique school, with a variety of cultures, clubs, classes, and experiences. There are multiple electives that students are able to take based on their interests, as well as an organized and thought-out plan for post-high school life, and counseling throughout your experience. The best parts of Staples would most likely be the diversity in classes and how much I was able to learn, varying from Middle East Studies to film and literature critique. These miniscule yet vital classes have helped grow my horizons and keep me curious. Despite this, I would like to see more diversity in the school, as well as an emphasis on different cultures and the importance of them. I feel there is a lack of communication regarding the backgrounds and lifestyles most students in Staples have, and would like to see more of that.... Read 240 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,714

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1