As an education consultant who has spent over a decade advising New York City families on school selection, one question I receive more than any other is: “What are the ‘best’ high schools we should be applying to?”
It’s an excellent question. New York City’s public and private schools include some of the most prestigious institutions nationwide. The city’s exceptional high schools offer rigorous curriculums, stellar college admissions rates, world-class facilities led by top instructors, and unique programs tailored to every intellectual passion imaginable.
But with over 100 viable options meeting the definition of “elite,” the school selection process can still feel overwhelming. Especially when aiming to match specialized academic priorities, extracurricular interests, location preferences, and culture fit along with financial realities.
As your guide through this decision journey, I’ve advised thousands of students over the years on discovering their perfect school community. In this comprehensive expertise-driven guide designed specifically for NYC parents, I’ll define exactly what distinguishes the “best” schools, profile stellar examples in detail, and equip you with insider strategies for discerning the right fit for your teen.
What Specific Attributes Define New York City’s "Best" High Schools?
Elite NYC high schools check every box when it comes to delivering educational excellence:
Rigorous Academics: Top-tier schools offer abundant Advanced Placement (AP), honors, enrichment and accelerated courses letting students dive deep into diverse subjects, especially core areas like:
- Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM)
- English Literature/Composition
- Social Sciences
- Languages
Faculty credentials are impeccable in these schools, hailing from esteemed universities and bringing 10-15+ years instructional experience.
Teachers also receive strong professional development, so instruction utilizes cutting-edge ed tech tools and progressive methods like experiential projects.
Competitive Admissions: Acceptance is no easy feat, with pressure on par with premier colleges. Academic requirements typically include:
- Middle school GPA of 90+
- Standardized test scores in 90th+ percentile
- Complex entrance exams and essays
- Letters of recommendation
Once accepted, students are immersed in an environment with driven, intellectually curious peers pushing each other towards excellence.
College Matriculation Success: NYC’s elite imbue students with skills leading to continued academic achievement, with most graduates going on to attend Ivy League or similarly selective universities, well above national matriculation rates:
| College Category | National Avg | NYC Elite School Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Plus Schools | 5% | 37% |
| Top 50 National Universities | 10% | 57% |
| Out-of-State Schools | 15% | 63% |
Dynamic Course Catalog: Diverse electives, concentrations and specializations supplement core subjects:
- Humanities intensives focused on global citizenship and leadership
- Cutting-edge STEM research and engineering
- Accelerated pre-medical/health tracks
- Media, visual and performing arts
- Inclusive support services
Engaging Extracurriculars: These schools realize learning happens beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to:
- Compete on state-championship sports teams
- Lead student government boards
- Participate in community service initiatives
- Build robots, apps, websites
- Perform theatre, music and dance
- Publish newspaper and literary magazines
The complete academic and extracurricular experience challenges students to uncover their intellectual passions and talents.
While every elite school demonstrates these traits in some capacity, there are still important distinctions families should note between public and private high schools when identifying options.
Public Schools Offer Tuition-Free Excellence
New York City public schools must admit all academically qualified students free of tuition and use entrance exams or academic records to assess applicants objectively. Many public schools achieve excellence via targeted magnet programs and focused curriculums tailored around specific areas like science, technology and mathematics.
One of my strongest recommendations is to seriously consider NYC’s “Specialized High Schools.”
NYC’s Specialized High Schools
New York City specifically designates nine public high schools as “Specialized.” These schools utilize the SHSAT, an extremely challenging standardized exam testing math, verbal and reasoning abilities, for admissions.
The primary benefit of specialized school status? Greater funding, resources and facilities enabling delivery of exceptional STEM education, plus enriching opportunities like:
- University-caliber labs
- Technology accelerators
- Robotics teams
- TED Talk-style lectures
- Internships at research hospitals, investment banks and engineering firms
Here are two standout specialized schools driving student outcomes:
Stuyvesant High School
The pinnacle of public education, Stuyvesant is #1 in national rankings for STEM-focused schools. Beyond the 33 AP courses available, students intern at MIT, NASA and CERN particle accelerator labs. Unique offerings include:
- Neuroscience research
- Cryptocurrency investment building
- Sewer infrastructure design workshops
90% of seniors take the SAT exam with averages 100 points above the national composite score. Graduates populate ranks of research scientists and Silicon Valley tech leaders.
As a consultant who has walked the bustling, electric halls of Stuyvesant and spoken with faculty, I’ve witnessed firsthand why it tops so many lists. The administration leverages abundant public funding, support from world-class educational partners, and the immense drive of NYC’s best students to deliver breathtaking excellence.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
For students desiring a more balanced liberal arts education, Eleanor Roosevelt leads Manhattan public schools combining accelerated academics and performing arts. Unique elements include:
- Constitutional law/cultural history of NYC Honors courses
- Award-winning Model UN, speech/debate and robotics teams
- Theatrical productions staged at an on-campus 500 seat Performing Arts Center
To nurture creativity, students pick a “major” in Drama, Fine Arts, Vocal or Instrumental music. Facilities rival many Ivy League universities with control rooms, editing bays and concert halls containing millions in equipment.
Such vibrant arts integration keeps students deeply engaged. Eleanor Roosevelt maintains stellar graduation rates above 95% alongside top-ranked English and History assessment pass rates.
Specialized public schools allow families access to world-class opportunities and instruction completely tuition-free. The tradeoff? Your student must demonstrate the capability to keep pace with NYC’s top academic performers in cutthroat environments.
But families who feel daunted by hyper-competitive public schools still have incredible private school alternatives delivering more personalized, nurturing educational experiences.
Private Schools Offer Enriching Niche Environments
Many New York City private high schools focus on specific niches, from expansive arts programs to progressive teaching methods to STEM excellence. These schools control their admissions plus offer smaller classes led by counselors closely tracking individual student growth.
Such intimacy comes at a steep cost, however, with tuitions ranging from $45,000 to nearly $60,000 annually. Thankfully, many elite privates provide abundant financial assistance. Over 20% of students receive aid averaging above $46,000.
Here are two particular standout private schools I often direct families towards:
Trinity School
Trinity prioritizes shaping students into thoughtful, intellectually curious leaders via a rich liberal arts education coupled withWeekly speakers drive discussion of ethics, problem-solving plus community service initiatives teach empathy while enhancing society.
A series of interdisciplinary courses called “Achievements” pushes students to analyze topics like biology, history and literature through an integrated lens. Students complete self-directed theses synthesizing learning from throughout high school.
Such breadth, plus emphasis on disciplined thinking and communication, lead Trinity graduates to flourish at establishments like Harvard and Stanford. The school touts amazing outcomes:
- 100% four-year college matriculation, 75% at Most Competitive universities
- 1550 SAT score average – 94th national percentile
- 3:1 student/faculty ratio
For families seeking to prioritize critical thinking and creativity over test scores, Trinity’s $53,000 tuition provides access and support driving Ivy League outcomes.
LaGuardia High School
Within NYC’s landscape of elite performance arts schools, LaGuardia stands alone. As the inspiration for movie/television classic Fame, LaGuardia still today functions as NYC’s de facto arts academy.
To gain acceptance, students audition in Drama, Fine Arts, Vocal or Dance alongside demonstrating academic capability. Roughly 14% make the cut to train alongside the city’s most gifted young artists.
That level of talent creates an electric, inspiring campus culture. Facilities astound, with professional amphitheaters, galleries and studios spread across Lincoln Center-esque buildings.
LaGuardia goes far beyond conservatory-style training though, offering full Humanities, STEM and 17 AP courses ensuring students receive proper foundation for university study. Such well-rounded education shows in graduation statistics:
- 98% graduation rate
- 91% matriculate to four-year colleges
- 1550 SAT score average
For only an $8,000 annual tuition, no school better unlocks artistic talents. LaGuardia remains New York’s undisputed public or private leader.
While more intimate environments and specialized offerings distinguish private schools, families trade away the disciplined rigor and meritocratic spirit public institutions instill. Prioritizing the proper balance leads to ideal outcomes.
How Can Families Discern the Ideal School Match?
With so many incredible options on the table, take a step back as a family to consider full needs and goals when weighing high school choices.
Set Achievable Academic Expectations
Beyond baseline GPAs and test score requirements, assess honestly whether your child will thrive in extremely competitive cutthroat environments like Stuyvesant and Trinity or prefer a more balanced, nurturing academic experience.
Be realistic about capabilities and college ambitions. An Ivy League dream school may require a private school boost. State colleges emphasize public school grades/activities more. This determines if ultra elite privates are necessity or overkill.
Identify Extracurricular Interests
Explore which creative, athletic and intellectual pursuits your child adores currently as predictors of what may inspire them in high school.
A passionate saxophone player leaning towards majoring in Jazz Studies needs an artistic outlet like LaGuardia or Eleanor Roosevelt’s performing arts program versus pure STEM curriculums. Help uncover and facilitate their true passions.
Ask Candid Questions About Culture
The student body, campus diversity, size and general atmosphere profoundly impact experience. Assess which environment aligns best.
Does your extroverted child with a wildly creative spirit need the vibrant, bustling social conduit a large public school provides? Or will a progressive, tight-knit private academy nurture personal growth more effectively for an introspective child?
There’s no universally “right” answer. But reflect carefully on personality, motivations and vulnerabilities when determining optimal culture fit.
Have an Open Conversation About Finances
Top private schools now cost over $55,000 annually and even public schools carry indirect fees. Significant financial assistance brings elite privates back into play for budget-conscious families, but run net price calculators to discuss tradeoffs transparently upfront.
Going into sophomore year, families suddenly unable to foot full tuition bills places enormous stress onto students. Have candid conversations about financial realities so students can focus on continued academic and personal growth in environments you can sustain together.
While finances, test scores and addresses capture headlines, choosing an optimal high school depends most on finding the environment allowing your unique child to unlock their capabilities and passions most fully to chart the brightest future course ahead.
The Incredible NYC Choices Await
New York City families seeking outstanding college preparation through high-caliber academic programs, standout extracurricular activities and access to world-class instructors find themselves awash in incredible K-12 education options, both public and private. Hopefully this guide has equipped you to decode marketing buzzwords, recognize true excellent outcomes and consider your child’s specific needs to discern the exceptional high school where your student will thrive best over the pivotal four years ahead.