The best high schools in America are under constant pressure to stay ahead of the curve. In 2022, some top high schools will continue to focus on innovative teaching methods and personalized learning approaches. Technology will play a critical role in the success of these schools, as administrators leverage platforms like Google Classroom and AI-enabled tutoring programs to help students achieve their full potential.
According to the US News, approximately 24,000 public high schools in the United States. However, only 650 received an 8 out of 10 or higher when evaluated by college readiness assessments of these schools. Many factors determine the success of a high school – size, demographics, school system and more.
The Best High Schools in America 2022
10. Signature School
Signature School is ranked #10 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Signature School offers Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, and its students consistently outscore state.
- City: Evansville, IN
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 100
- Enrollment: 390
9. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is ranked #9 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests graduation and how well they prepare students for college. —Gwinnett Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is 100%.
- City: Lawrenceville, GA
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 98.4
- Enrollment: 1,098
8. BASIS Chandler
BASIS Chandler is ranked #8 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. BASIS students must start taking Advanced Placement classes and exams in ninth grade. Then, students can participate in the AP Capstone program or the charter school network’s senior program by senior year.
- City: Chandler, AZ
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- College Readiness: 100
- Enrollment: 291
7. Merrol Hyde Magnet School
Merrol Hyde Magnet School is ranked #7 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests graduation. In addition, MHM Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Merrol Hyde Magnet School is 98%.
- City: Hendersonville, TN
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- College Readiness: 94.3
- Enrollment: 232
6. Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
Sumner Academy of Arts and Science is ranked #6 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests. In addition, Sumner Students can take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The IB participation rate at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science is 100%.
- City: Kansas City, KS
- Graduation Rate: 95.4
- College Readiness: 95.4
- Enrollment: 846
5. School for Advanced Studies
School for Advanced Studies is ranked #5 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests graduation. In addition, SAS Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) is 96%.
- City: Miami, FL
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 95.8
- Enrollment: 247
4. Payton College Preparatory High School
Payton College Preparatory High School is ranked #4 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests. Payton is centred on honours and Advanced Placement courses in math, science, language and the humanities, among other subjects. In addition, Payton can supplement their classroom learning by participating in global exchange and study programs in France, Belize and South Africa.
- City: Chicago, IL
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- College Readiness: 99.3
- Enrollment: 1,153
3. The Davidson Academy of Nevada
The Davidson Academy of Nevada is ranked #3 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests. In addition, Davidson Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at The Davidson Academy of Nevada is 100%.
- City: Reno, NV
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 100
- Enrollment: 125
2. Academic Magnet High School
Academic Magnet High School is ranked #2 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Academic Magnet challenges each student, teacher and parent with high academic expectations.” Almost all courses offered at Academic Magnet High School are either honours or Advanced Placement courses, and every student completes an independent research project over their junior and senior years.
- City: North Charleston, SC
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 100
- Enrollment: 655
1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is ranked #1 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. The School is a STEM-focused curriculum that culminates with a technical lab project for seniors. In addition, the school offers DNA science, advanced marine biology, automation and robotics, architectural drawing and design, research statistics and AP calculus.
- City: Alexandria, VA
- Graduation Rate: 100
- College Readiness: 100
- Enrollment: 1,781
The Best High Schools in America 2022
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
- Academic Magnet High School
- The Davidson Academy of Nevada
- Payton College Preparatory High School
- School for Advanced Studies
- Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Merrol Hyde Magnet School
- BASIS Chandler
- Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology
- Signature School