There are many high schools in the United States, and all of them claim to be the best. So how do you determine which one is the best? It can be a difficult task, but there are ways to do it. One way to determine the best high schools is to look at standardized test scores. The best high schools have students who consistently score well on these tests.

Another way to measure the quality of a high school is by looking at the graduation rate. The best high schools have a high graduation rate, meaning that most students graduate. Another factor to consider when determining the best high schools is how well they prepare their students for college.

Again, the best high schools have a good track record of sending their students to top colleges and universities. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Public High Schools in America 2019

10. Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

The Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science (MAMS) in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a public high school. It is the only high school in the United States that exclusively serves gifted students in mathematics and science. In 2019, MAMS was ranked as the best high school in America by U.S. News & World Report.

MAMS has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, and 90% of its teachers have advanced degrees. The curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for mathematics and science, which are among the most rigorous in the country. In addition, all MAMS students must complete an intensive research project during their senior year.

MAMS has a 100% graduation rate, and 97% of its graduates pursue higher education. Alumni of MAMS include two Nobel Prize laureates and several astronauts.

9. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Stevenson High School deserves a spot on the list. This top-performing public school is located in Lincolnshire, Illinois, known for its rigorous curriculum and excellent faculty. Stevenson has been named one of the best high schools in the country by both U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek.

Founded in 1965, Stevenson is a relatively new school compared to some of the other institutions that made our 2019 list of the best high schools in America. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. With a student body of over 2,400, Stevenson offers dozens of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and an extensive

8. Northside College Preparatory High School

Northside College Preparatory High School has been included in the 2019 edition of “The Best High Schools In America” rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The school is ranked #2 in Illinois and #233 nationally. Northside College Preparatory High School has a student population of 1,948 and a graduation rate of 100%.

7. BASIS Scottsdale

Basis Scottsdale is one of the best high schools in America. Basis Scottsdale was founded in 2004, and it has quickly become one of the best high schools in America. The school has a student population of just over 1,000, and it offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college. Basis Scottsdale is also known for its solid extracurricular program, including a wide range of clubs and activities.

6. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) is a public, residential high school in Columbus, Mississippi. It is the only state-funded high school in Mississippi that offers a mathematics and science curriculum. The school has been named one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News & World Report for 2019, ranking 9th in the nation and first in Mississippi.

Founded in 1987, MSMS is a selective school with an acceptance rate of about 25%. The school admits students based on their academic achievement and potential to succeed in a rigorous math and science curriculum. MSMS offers a challenging curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus AB/BC, statistics, and English literature.

5. Staten Island Technical High School

Staten Island Technical High School is one of the best high schools in America. It has consistently been ranked in the top 100 schools and named a National Blue Ribbon School. The school offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and beyond. In addition, Staten Island Technical High School provides students with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and engage in community service.

4. Stuyvesant High School

Stuyvesant High School is the best high school in America, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. Out of 22,000 public high schools in the country, Stuyvesant ranks first.

The Manhattan high school has a 97% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate. However, admission is based on an entrance exam that only Stuyvesant students can take – there is no other way to get in.

The rigorous academic program at Stuyvesant includes 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a range of extracurricular activities, from Model UN to the robotics club. As a result, Stuyvesant consistently outperforms their peers on state tests; in 2018, 96% of students scored proficient or better in math, and 95% scored proficient or better in English Language Arts.

3. Walter Payton College Prep

Walter Payton College Prep is one of the best high schools in America, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. The school ranks No. 107 in the nation and No. 2 in Illinois.

Located in the North Center neighbourhood of Chicago, Walter Payton College Prep is a public charter school that serves students in grades 9-12. The school has a population of 1,521, and 100 percent of its seniors graduated in 2018.

Walter Payton College Prep scored an 88 out of 100 on U.S. News’ national ranking scale and received gold medals for college readiness and math and science proficiency. The school also earned silver medals for reading and writing proficiency, college counselling and AP enrollment rates.

2. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology is a public magnet school located in Alexandria, Virginia. It was founded in 1965 as Thomas Jefferson High School and became a magnet school in 1988. The school offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. TJHSST is one of the best high schools in America and has been ranked #1 by Newsweek magazine six times. In 2019, it was ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report.

1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a public, selective enrollment high school in Aurora, Illinois. IMSA was founded in 1985 as a statewide initiative to improve science and mathematics education. The academy enrolls students from across Illinois in grades 10-12.

IMSA operates on a trimester calendar and offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked IMSA as the best high school in America.

Critics argue that the selective admissions process at IMSA favours students from wealthier families. However, the academy has made strides to become more accessible to low-income students, offering free tuition for qualifying families in 2018.