The kind of education students receive in high school has a direct impact on their academic performance when they move on to tertiary institutions and transition to working professionals. This is why every child should have access to quality education, and as a parent, looking for the best high schools nearby is crucial. One can choose from leading public schools in the country that offer students the opportunity to thrive in a diverse environment.

Thomas Jefferson High School
Virginia
Established through the partnership of Fairfax County public schools and the business community, this educational institute is known for its emphasis on enhancing STEM education.

Carnegie Vanguard High School
Texas

A community-oriented magnet high school, Carnegie Vanguard’s curriculum includes AP and pre-AP courses with honors electives. Every year, 100% of the enrolled students pass the AP exams, and 98% gain admission to four-year courses in top colleges.

Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)

Florida

This is a magnet school that helps students build a strong foundation in visual communication, fine arts, architecture, and entertainment. However, students can also enroll in conventional science, math, and language arts courses. Apart from AP and honors classes, students can opt for dual enrollment courses with the local colleges. As one of the best public high schools in the world, DASH allows students to gain real-world experiences through internships with local firms. It has also received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status from the Department of Education.

Gilbert Classical Academy

Arizona

Offering an integrated and rigorous curriculum through the Socratic method of instruction, Gilbert Classical is considered one of the best public high schools. All students take AP courses. Adding to its prestige, the academy offers fine arts courses, clubs, and athletics. Students also have to complete 80 hours of community service and defend a senior thesis project to graduate.

Liberal Arts and Science Academy

Texas
One of the best high schools in the country, the Liberal Arts and Science Academy accepts academically advanced middle school students in the state. The curriculum focuses on project-based learning through discussions, seminars, and research. It also offers Signature Courses, and students can participate in sports and extracurricular clubs like Future Teachers of America, philosophy, chess, and debate.

University High School

Arizona

As a college preparatory school, University High features coursework in English, science, mathematics, and modern languages. Its curriculum focuses on honors and AP classes, and the institute caters to academically gifted and focused students. Chinese, French, and German are among the foreign languages taught here. The educational institute has partnered with the University of Arizona to offer students parallel enrollment in engineering courses. Chess, Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, and Mock Trial are some of the club activities available.

International Academy

Michigan

One of the greatest appeals of International Academy is that students can earn up to one year of college credit before graduating from high school. The school requires students to attend all IB courses and exams. The curriculum focuses on the arts, humanities, science, technology, and English, among other subjects, and offers a blend of thorough academic and career-oriented learning. One of the best high schools in the country, this institute has three campuses. Students can also choose chess, dance, film, and robotics as club activities.

Bergen County Academies

New Jersey

A leading public magnet school, Bergen County Academies offers free courses for Bergen County residents. It provides advanced programs in math, science, engineering, design, medical science, and more. It offers 16 AP classes; however, students engage in coursework that surpasses these courses in creativity and technical knowledge. Enrollment is highly competitive, and only 270 of 1,600+ applicants are accepted each year. This Blue Ribbon School is a member National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools.

Staten Island Technical High School

New York

This educational institute has a Specialized High School status. It offers challenging college prep courses that focus on science, math, computer science, humanities, and engineering, among other subjects. The institute has 100% AP class participation, and it also provides a college dual enrollment program and an Early College Initiative.

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

Illinois

Walter Payton College Prep offers foreign language courses in French, Japanese, Chinese, Latin, and Spanish, along with AP and honors classes. Students can also participate in global exchange and study programs in China, France, Brazil, and South Africa. The school provides competitive sports programs and various clubs like astronomy, chess, debate, and photography. Like others in this list of top 10 public high schools, this educational institute also has a strong dedication to community service.