Before naming the top 10 schools, it is important to define what makes a public high school truly among the “best” nationally. Key criteria include:
- Academic excellence based on standardized test scores, challenging curriculum and college admissions
- Abundant learning resources such as science labs, computers, libraries and athletic facilities
- Breadth and depth of extracurricular activities offered
- Notable achievements of alumni after graduating
- Selectivity and competitiveness of admissions process
These elements demonstrate that a public high school provides rich academic opportunities for talented students to thrive and realize their potential.
Now let’s reveal America’s 10 best public high schools for 2023! As we count down, you’ll see why these schools rank at the top.
#10 Maggie L. Walker Governor‘s School – Richmond, VA
Academics: Average SAT 2110-2290; AP Pass rate 88-98%; 100% graduation
College Admissions (2022): University of Virginia, William & Mary, UNC, UCLA
Maggie L. Walker Governor‘s School serves academically gifted students in central Virginia. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills and intellectual curiosity across a range of AP and college dual enrollment courses.
Students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA with all grades B+ or higher to remain enrolled. Over 75% take 6-8 AP courses before graduating. Impressively, Maggie Walker’s 2022 AP Chemistry students earned the top exam scores globally.
The class of 2022 was offered over $18 million in scholarship and their 97% college application acceptance rate highlights the school’s future-ready preparation. As the #1 ranked Virginia public high school three years running per US News, Maggie Walker challenges students reach new academic heights.
#9 Oxford Academy – Cypress, CA
SAT Average: 1320-1410; AP Pass Rate: 80-90%
College Admissions (2022): UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, NYU
If you live in Southern California and want your teen to attend an elite college, Oxford Academy is likely on your radar. This Cypress public school focuses intensely on academics, with 98% enrolling in AP courses across math, sciences, English, history and foreign language.
Students can also conduct scientific research through partnerships with California State Fullerton and Chapman University. Over 75 student-led clubs round out Oxford’s offerings with award winning Visual/Performing Arts and competitive Robotics, Speech/Debate and Model UN teams.
Oxford’s hard-working students reap results, securing admissions to top universities along with $7 million in scholarships annually. U.S. News and Niche both rank Oxford as one of America’s best public schools for college preparation.
#8 Pine View School – Osprey, FL
SAT Average: 1390-1500; AP Pass Rate: 88-98%
College Admissions (2022): MIT, Cornell, U Florida (Honors Program)
Districted in Sarasota county, Pine View School caters to high achievers with a math/science/technology focus. You’ll find abundant AP Calculus, Chemistry, Programming and specialty science electives on Pine View’s course list along with early University enrollments.
Intimate class sizes, close student bonds and exceptional teachers all characterize the Pine View experience. Beyond the labs and lectures, students stay active in extracurriculars like Speech/Debate, Model UN and Programming where they’ve gained national recognition.
Pine View graduates secure admissions into America‘s top colleges year after year. Per Niche’s 2023 rankings, it stands as Florida’s #2 public high school and #16 nationwide. If your teen has an analytical mind, Pine View delivers the rich STEM programming they crave.
#7 School of Science & Engineering – Dallas, TX
SAT Average: 1410-1520; AP Pass Rate: 75-85%; Top 10 Public School in Texas (US News)
College Admissions (2022): UT Austin, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Rice University
The Dallas Independent School District designed The School of Science and Engineering (SEM) to nurture future technology leaders. SEM students dive deep into math, science and computer programming fundamentals including AP Physics C, Multivariable Calculus, Data Structures, Bioinformatics and more during their studies.
Students also flex their intellectual muscle through Robotics team competitions and applied research projects while enjoying SEM’s collaborative community. Notable alumni who’ve graduated since 1988 includes candidates and alumni of Harvard, Yale, MIT, Caltech and other elite universities.
SEM proves that with Texas-sized ambition and focus, remarkable academic achievements happen. It stands among America’s best public high schools preparing students in STEM fields.
#6 BASIS Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ
SAT Average: 1350-1480; AP Pass Rate: 91-98%
College Admissions (2022): UC Berkeley, UCLA, Cornell, Brown, Johns Hopkins
BASIS Charter Schools operate some of America’s top-performing public schools like BASIS Scottsdale. Their accelerated curriculum gives students ages 5-18 access to advanced coursework with high academic demands.
Available APs cover Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus AB/BC, Microeconomics, Computer Science and more. Dual college credit offerings also abound in English, History and Statistics through BASIS’s partnership with Scottsdale Community College.
Beyond the labs and lectures, awarded extracurriculars like Speech/Debate, Math Team and Programming enable students to pursue passions. Since opening in 2003, BASIS Scottsdale has stamped students as prime college admissions candidates with $13.6 million scholarships earned by the 2022 senior class alone!
#5 Payton College Prep HS – Chicago, IL
SAT Average: 1310-1450; AP Pass Rate: 60-80%
College Admissions (2022): Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, UCLA, Rice
Payton College Prep is a Chicago public school exclusively serving academically advanced students. Its prestigious curriculum revolves around 15+ AP course offerings spanning English Literature, Physics, Comparative Government and beyond. Nearly 90% of students enroll in AP classes.
But Payton’s appeal goes beyond high academics to include 100+ sponsored extracurricular clubs and activities. From athletics teams to drama, speech squad to robotics, Payton students gain valuable skills and friendships for college and career success.
Payton College Prep’s graduates matriculate yearly into America‘s top private and public university programs. With $25 million in college merit scholarship offers, the Class of 2021 proved Payton among Illinois’ elite public school options.
#4 Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Technology – Alexandria, VA
SAT Average: 1400-1560; AP Pass Rate: 95-98%; US News Best US Public School (2021, 2022)
College Admissions (2022): Princeton, Cornell, Rice, UVA, Georgia Tech
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Public Charter School stands as America’s most prestigious STEM-focused public high school currently. Recognized as a perennial US News #1 public school, over 1800 talented students access TJHSST’s rigorous offerings annually across Northern Virginia.
TJHSST students tackle college-level curriculum starting freshman year through 19 available APs, including multi-variable calculus, physics, chemistry and various computer sciences. Under expert teacher mentors, they also pursue complex research investigations with applications in fields like neuroscience, aerospace engineering, genetics and more.
100% of each TJHSST graduating class pursues STEM-related majors at top US programs thanks to this intensive preparation. TJHSST alumni positively shape fields from public health to renewable energy at organizations like NASA, Apple, and the CDC. Backed by outcomes, Thomas Jefferson HS leads as America’s gold standard STEM public high school currently.
#3 Academy for Advanced Academics – Carrollton, TX
SAT Average: 1340-1430; 96% AP Enrollment; US News Best State Public School
College Admissions (2022): UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, Tulane, Boston University
The Academy for Advanced Academics (AAA) public magnet high school invites motivated students to push intellectual boundaries. By cultivating skills in research, critical thinking and problem solving, students thrive in AAA’s challenging curriculum.
Virtually all students tackles 10+ APs covering Biology, Calculus, English Literature and beyond or dual credit courses via University of Texas Dallas partnership. Successful graduates master self-discipline, time management and subject mastery.
As extracurricular participation rounds out the student experience, AAA consistently earns “Best US Public High School” accolades from US News and Niche for its balanced approach. 100% of seniors gain college admission yearly, securing millions in combined scholarship totals.
#2 School for Advanced Studies – Miami, FL
SAT Average: 1370-1470; AP Pass Rate: 60-89%
College Admissions (2022): UPenn, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, NYU, Northwestern
Miami-Dade Public School’s School for Advanced Studies (SAS) immerses students in a personalized, supportive environment with humanities specialization. SAS students tackle rhetoric, legal debate, philosophy and advanced linguistic coursework to graduate as critical thinkers and communicators.
Over 75% enroll in available AP English Literature, US History and World Language courses while campus extracurriculars like Speech/Debate and Mock Trial hone public speaking talents. Universities value this proficiency – SAS graduates secure admissions into top programs locally and nationwide year after year.
Between strong academics and close mentoring, SAS nurtures maturity needed for college success. That’s why SAS stands among Florida’s best public school options.
#1 Payton College Preparatory HS – Chicago, IL
SAT Average: 1340-1480; AP Pass Rate: 80-100%; US News Best Illinois Public HS
College Admissions (2022): UChicago, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WashU, Johns Hopkins
Our #1 public high school is Payton College Prep located downtown Chicago. This selective enrollment magnet school challenges students with advanced curriculum across liberal arts and sciences. Payton’s offerings include 15+ AP course options from Physics to Comparative Government.
Payton further engages students through 100+ sponsored extracurricular clubs plus athletics teams. Standouts include the Congressional Debate Team and Science Olympiad frequently taking national titles.
These enriching academics and activities cultivate independent critical thinkers bound for college success. Payton’s graduation rate nears 100% yearly with 90%+ pursuing bachelor‘s degrees, largely at selective universities. Top alumni matriculation schools include Northwestern, UChicago, WashU and UPenn among other elite institutions.
Payton College Prep continues to lead Illinois as a demanding, dynamic public school breeding greatness. Graduates positively impact fields from journalism to astronomy thanks to foundations built here.
I hope touring the top 10 public high schools across America gives you a taste of the impressive options our nation offers. While these schools represent prime academic environments for gifted students, keep your child’s specific skills and interests central when selecting any high school.
Here are key evaluation criteria to consider in your decision process:
College Admissions Rates and Scholarships Earned
Research statistics on where graduates ultimately enroll along with scholarship totals earned. This data indicates how well schools prepare students for admissions success. Also connect with current students and alumni to hear personal experiences.
Variety of Academic Programs Available
Scan the course guide and AP offerings to gauge curriculum breadth and rigor. Look for specialty tracks if your teen has defined interests in STEM, humanities or other concentration areas. Understand graduation requirements too – more demanding ones validate academic intensity.
Extracurricular Options
Investigate what clubs, organizations, teams and events are accessible outside class time. Varied offerings enrich your teen’s experience while revealing school values. For example, some schools emphasize athletics over arts or don’t allow freshmen participation. Assess culture fit here.
Student Body Diversity
Request demographic information on gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and home location distribution across the current student population. Greater diversity exposes students to varying life experiences and viewpoints, enhancing learning.
Campus Culture & Safety
Get first-hand perspectives on school atmosphere through tours and shadow days alongside reviewing publicly posted climate surveys. Factors like bullying prevalence, student happiness levels and support resources impact quality of life. Prioritize environment alongside academics in decisions.
Rankings offer a starting point, but no formula or rating determines the optimal school. Carefully weigh options against your child’s needs and goals to make the public high school choice that helps them thrive!
Still have questions about America’s best public high schools and navigating decisions? Here I’ll address common topics that arise:
How do public schools compare to private schools academically?
Public and private schools both offer high-caliber academics with advanced courses, passionate teachers and abundant resources in many cases. Where they differ is public schools deliver this education freely to local students while meeting state standards. Private schools are independently run so set their own (often steep) tuition rates and admissions criteria. Many public schools now offer curricula personalized learning, creative electives and programming comparable to privates. When researching, judge each individually on merits aligning to your student’s strengths and goals. Outcomes for graduates look similar across top options regardless of designation.
What are magnet high schools?
Magnet schools constitute a specialized public high school model attracting talented, motivated students to focus on signature areas like STEM, fine arts or humanities. They typically have very selective admissions based on grades, test scores, interviews and demonstrated interest in the theme. Magnet schools empower students to follow academic passions with like-minded peers, highly-qualified teachers and abundant resources. Successful applicants commit to a rigorous curriculum prepared to immerse themselves in enriching subject matter.
Can we apply to public schools outside our district?
Open enrollment policies govern student eligibility to attend public schools beyond one’s home district. Many districts restrict high school options to geographic residents funding schools through local taxes. However some allow applications from nearby communities and conduct blind lotteries for excess capacity spots. First investigate your state and county guidelines to understand opportunities. When open enrollment is available, top-ranked public schools see high demand and low acceptance rates comparable to elite college admissions. Meet deadlines and cast a wide net to enhance odds when vying for coveted seats.
Is there an advantage to starting public school in 9th over 10th grade?
Absolutely. The 9th grade transition marks a pivotal moment developmentally and academically as teens shift into young adulthood. Students acclimate more smoothly by beginning freshmen year at a new public high school. They gain time to adjust to its academic rigor, befriend classmates and acquaint with resources. Waiting until sophomore or junior year to transfer can prove socially and academically challenging. Counselors actually discourage mid-high school transfers unless absolutely necessary. Additionally some public schools prohibit new enrollments beyond 9th grade completely. Start your child’s public school experience on the right foot by securing a 9th grade seat.
I hope these insights help you make informed decisions in finding the best public high school fit! Please reach out if any other questions arise. Wishing your student much success in their secondary school studies this year and beyond.