2015-2016 Photos of 25 Best Public High Schools in America

   Stuyvesant High School in New York City 

 A company that researches and compiles information on schools just released its 2016 rankings of the best public high schools in the country.
The ranking looked at over 100,000 schools based on 27 million reviews from more than 300,000 students and parents. They rated schools in areas like academics, teachers, student culture and diversity, and resources and facilities.
Many are charter or magnet schools, meaning they pull in qualified students from around their districts.
Here are the top 25 public high schools in America.

25. Townsend Harris High School — Queens, NY

"There are extracurricular activities that everyone can enjoy from sports clubs, to coding, to community service, or even religious clubs," one recent alum said. The extracurricular s "are what give a sense of community and belonging in a school."

  Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B+

24. Bronx High School of Science — Bronx, NY   

"The student body is diverse as well as the range of extracurriculars, there are many AP classes, and most importantly, there isn't the sense that everyone is competing with each other," one senior said. " 

Although it's assumed the Bronx Science student body is ambitious and competitive, we don't seem to show it." Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B

23. William A. Shine Great Neck South High School — Great Neck, NY 

"There are some teachers who know to make the material engaging and are willing to help you no matter what," one student said.

 "The teachers prepare the students for exams and they also prepare them for college. They make the students take more responsibility over their work and grades." Academics: A+Student culture & diversity: A- Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+ 

22. Hinsdale Central High School — Hinsdale, IL

"The drive to work hard and succeed is very infectious," a recent alum said. "It pushes you to do your best and try a multitude of new things. Everyone is celebrated at Central and there will always be people you can relate to."

There's plenty going on outside the classroom as well. "If the school doesn't have something you like, you are definitely encouraged to start your own club,"

Academics: A+ Student culture &diversity: B Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+

21. Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities — Muncie, IN

The academic experience is one of complete uniqueness to most public schools," one senior explained.  

"The classes are set up so that you get used to how a college class would be and you have the option to go to your teacher's office hours, which most schools do not offer."

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A- Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+

20. Bergen County Technical High School — Teterboro, NJ

"The senior internships force students to be engaged in real work to understand more about what they possibly might want to do in their futures," 

 It's a technical school, students are encouraged to pursue what interests them personally. "We are very encouraging of students who want to pursue careers in STEM, and we have very strong support for music and the arts as well as athletics,"

 Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

19. Rye High School — Rye, NY

"Very challenging. More then 85% of students take one or more AP exams before graduation and over 70% get 4 or 5s."
 "Lots of work, but most teachers are good and it's usually enjoyable."
 Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: C+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

18. Academy for Allied Health Science — Scotch Plains, NJ

"We have an amazing diversity of teachers and although the coursework is hard, it really prepares us for college," one freshman said.
"The school offers a rigorous and challenging course load," another student noted. "All students are required to complete special medical related classes, and complete an EMT class in their senior year."
 Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+
  

17. School for the Talented & Gifted — Dallas, TX

A student said teachers are "just as passionate and nerdy as the students, very easy to interact with, and helped [the school] feel more close-knit."
TAG scatters events, known as Forum, throughout the school year in which students take a day off from classes to hear from professionals across a variety of occupations. "We get to choose who we want to hear talk," another said. "I've heard dentists, architects, pilots, computer scientists, and many other professionals speak."
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B+

16. Walter Payton College Prep — Chicago, IL

"While the workload could be overwhelming at times, a lot of the classes are interesting. The school does their best to give each student the schedule they want," one student said. They also touted the school's many study-abroad options.
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A-

15. The Science Academy of South Texas — Mercedes, TX

"The things I learned in high school have served me well for the past two years of college and will continue to do so," a recent graduate said. "This school is excellent in preparing students for not only engineering (its specialty), but all fields from sciences to arts."
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+

14. Academy for Information Technology — Scotch Plains, NJ

"The extracurriculars at AIT are superb," one junior said. "Since you are at a smaller school, each student is able to take full advantage of the clubs and organizations."

Rigorous academics define AIT as well. "The development of a positive work ethic and strong time management skills (which are crucial for college) are positive results of such a rigorous education," one student noted. "AIT is unique because, while the academic environment is focused, the students still take the time to know, accept, and support one another."
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

13. Jericho High School — Jericho, NY

"Students are offered a variety of AP courses to study, and are provided with help in any area of study in which they struggle," one alum said. Another recent grad also noted that "extra help is available for the strongest students to the weakest. Each teacher offers before or after classes for review and extra help. The dedication to student success is impressive."

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+

 

12. High Tech High School — North Bergen, NJ

 

"One of the things that makes this school unique is its research facilities," a senior explained. "BCA has state of the art equipment that students can use for their research projects."
The school offers an extensive list of extracurricular activities as well. "Currently, there are over 80 student run morning clubs at this school, and as long as you can find a teacher willing to be there in the morning to lend you a room, you can start your own club over something you are passionate about," one sophomore said.
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A- Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

11. Bergen County Academies — Hackensack, NJ

"One of the things that makes this school unique is its research facilities," a senior explained. "BCA has state of the art equipment that students can use for their research projects."
The school offers an extensive list of extracurricular activities as well. "Currently, there are over 80 student run morning clubs at this school, and as long as you can find a teacher willing to be there in the morning to lend you a room, you can start your own club over something you are passionate about," one sophomore said.
Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A- Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

10. Liberal Arts & Science Academy — Austin, TX

 

"The community and atmosphere of LASA is amazing," one senior said. "The mandatory signature courses forced me to explore things I didn't think I enjoyed, and helped me decide on a career path at an early age."
Parents agree. "It is by far the best high school in Austin," one commented. "The depth of material covered is impressive, and kids are totally prepared when they go to college. Signature course are excellent. Atmosphere is very accepting. It's okay to be different."

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B+

9. Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts — Natchitoches, LA

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts/ Facebook

One senior said, "These teachers are the best in the state, I can't imagine going back to a school without certified professors." Another noted that "students here have the opportunity to be who they really are and interact with different people."

 Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A+

8. Northside College Preparatory High School — Chicago, IL

"This school is great at pushing people to the limit and beyond it," one sophomore noted. "Personally, it has helped me a lot to improve on myself. Your performance depends on how much effort you put into what you do," they added.
"Northside also has a variety of activities, sports, and clubs for everyon
e," another student said. "Teachers encourage a lot of independent studying and always make sure the students come first."

 Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

7. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School — Chicago, IL

"Young High School is a melting pot of creative and intelligent individuals," one senior said. "You never feel out of place going to school here because you will always find someone with similar interests as you. The teachers inspire you to do your best and well help anyone they see is struggling." 

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A-

6. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology — Lawrenceville, GA

"Our variety of classes and club cohesion come together to help cultivate your passions in whatever field your heart is set to, and our community is more than open and willing to push you toward achieving your goals," one recent grad said of their experience

 . 

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: A+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School — Lincolnshire, IL

"Our variety of classes and club cohesion come together to help cultivate your passions in whatever field your heart is set to, and our community is more than open and willing to push you toward achieving your goals," one recent grad said of their experience. 

"The opportunities Stevenson gives its students are tremendous," one senior said. "The state of the art technology gives students like myself a great hands-on experience with equipment some colleges don't even possess."

"This school is big, but that's not a bad thing," another sophomore commented. "Because of its size, there are a LOT of opportunities and ways for students to get involved. The students have a lot of options and always have someone to help them if they're struggling."

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: B Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A

4. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology — Alexandria, VA

"One of the best reasons to attend TJ is the rigorous curriculum and competitive environment it fosters," one senior said. "The school offers a plethora of college-level courses, especially in math and sciences. In addition to the regular courses, the school offers 15 specialized research labs covering a broad range, from astrophysics to neuroscience." Outside of the classroom, the school also offers more than 200 extracurricular clubs and activities.

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B

3. Staten Island Technical High School — Staten Island, NY

"This school is not only an exciting and stimulating environment, but is full of many opportunities, which lead the students closer to preparing for college and the future," one sophomore explained. "Classes are interactive and exciting, and the supply of iPads helps to increase the efficiency and comfort of note taking."

Academics: A Student culture & diversity: A Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: B+

2. High Technology High School — Lincroft, NJ

"HTHS has given me a once in a lifetime experience," one senior said. "The competitive environment of the school makes me want to strive for the best and to work hard."

Academics: A+ Student culture & diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ Resources & facilities: A-

1. Stuyvesant High School — New York, NY