The Top 10 Public High Schools in New York State for 2026

New York families are fortunate to access amazing public school options that stimulate students’ intellect and empower young leaders. With nearly 700 public school districts statewide investing over $25,000 per pupil, New York has one of largest and best-funded public education systems in the U.S.

This guide showcases the 10 highest-performing public high schools based on recent expert rankings, test scores, college admissions rates and graduate success.

As education reform experts advising policymakers nationwide, we provide an inside look at factors driving excellence at leading New York schools. Whether you live in Westchester or Long Island, New York City or elsewhere statewide, exceptional school options exist to launch your child toward college and career success.

What Factors Define New York’s Top Public High Schools?

Many elements converge to shape standout student experiences at New York’s highest-performing high schools, including:

Unparalleled Academic Opportunities

New York invests heavily in education, enabling exceptional curriculum quality. Top schools offer abundant advanced courses plus specialized programs catering to student talents and interests:

• Advanced Placement (AP): Most top schools provide over 25 AP classes spanning math, science, languages, arts and more
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Rigorous IB Diploma Programs accelerate top students as equivalent to 1+ years of college studies
• Dual Enrollment: Schools partner with local colleges so students earn free undergraduate credits
• STEM Programs: Specialized engineering, biomedical science, or IT course sequences preparing students for tech careers
• Humanities & Languages: Some schools have 10+ language options and deep humanities/writing electives
• Arts: Concentrations in performing arts, music production, photography offered after school

New York’s educational investments empower such expansive offerings at top-tier schools.

Exceptional Teachers & Low Student-Teacher Ratios

While course variety excites students, teachers motivate true growth. Top schools attract highly qualified educators who mentor students towards success:

• Advanced Degrees: Up to 89% of teachers hold Masters and above
• Low Ratios: Average around 12:1 students per teacher
• Teaching Excellence: Over 65% rated “Highly Effective” on teacher evaluations

Smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships enable more personalized instruction.

As President Obama said, “The most important factor in a student’s success is the quality of teachers and principals that student has.” Top New York schools heed that lesson.

Standout Standardized Test Scores

New York’s exceptional schools produce top-tier testing outcomes driving college admissions:

Test	State Average	Top NY Schools
SAT Score	1068	1350-1500
ACT Score	25	29-33

These results demonstrate schools delivering first-class preparation for higher academic challenges ahead.

Impressive College Admissions Rates

With standout testing outcomes and vigorous course loads, graduates earn admissions to globally elite universities:

• Up to 92% attend four-year colleges
• Over 50% matriculate to "Most Competitive" institutions like the Ivy League
• Top destinations include: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Stanford

Such college acceptances reveal the fruits of New York’s educational investments in these schools.

Diving Into New York‘s 10 Best Public High Schools

The public schools highlighted below particularly spark students’ potential across both academic and personal dimensions.

#1: Jericho High School – A Pinnacle of Excellence

Overall Niche Grade: A+
Average ACT Score: 30
Matriculation Rate: Over 92% attend four-year universities

Jericho High School on Long Island thrives by enabling students to explore every interest while maintaining high achievement expectations. A niche school living up to its name, Jericho fosters young leaders through 150+ course offerings from28 AP classes to Zoology and Greek Mythology electives.

Signature programs like Science Research mentors students designing their own experiments – leading to Intel STS finalists and international Genius Olympiad winners. Jericho also fields exceptional Model UN, Science Olympiad and Mock Trial teams taking county and state trophies.

An abundance of 350+ clubs and activities ensures students bond through shared interests – whether drama club, ultimate frisbee or volunteering initiatives. With close student-faculty connections nurturing growth, Jericho launches graduates towards top universities and purposeful lives beyond.

Jericho High School Academics Snapshot
* 150+ courses from Mandarin to Macroeconomics 
* 28 AP class options
* IB Diploma Programme 
* 100% graduation rate

#2: Great Neck North High School – Whole Child Education

Niche Grade: A+
Average SAT: 1410 out of 1600
Matriculation Rate: Over 95% attend four-year universities

Great Neck North High School excels across all metrics – from its 95% graduation rate to 31 average ACT score. Located in affluent Nassau County, Great Neck North fosters excellence through academic rigor blended with real-world experiences.

A standout Creativity, Action and Service program connects students with 80+ nonprofit and community partners for service learning. Engineering classes empower students constructing underwater robots. Budding scientists access specialized labs studying biomechanics or genetics. Students also manage an on-campus store as a hands-on business education.

Along with a full suite of over 25 AP and IB courses, Great Neck North provides specialized academic tracks in Technology/Engineering, Math/Science and Humanities catering to student talents. No wonder U.S. News ranks Great Neck North among America’s top 100 STEM high schools.

Great Neck North High Signature Programs 
* Engineering track with underwater robotics
* On-site genetics and biomechanics research labs  
* Humanities track blending history, writing and languages   

#3: Bronx High School of Science – Pinnacle of NYC Public Education

Average SAT Score: 1465 out of 1600
Matriculation Rate: Over 85% attend “Most Competitive” national universities

The Bronx High School of Science demonstrates how New York City public schools can compete with top private institutions. Admission is highly selective, with only about 475 incoming freshmen chosen from 14,000 applicants citywide.

Students thrive among intensive STEM offerings like aerospace engineering, multitudes of AP classes and award-winning Model UN/debate programs. Many conduct sophisticated research – leading to victories at the Intel Science Talent Search.

The school also partners with local universities for dual credit courses and hosts prestigious science symposiums. Ranked #63 nationally by U.S. News and #28 in STEM by Niche, Bronx Science propels graduates towards honors at schools like Harvard and MIT.

Bronx High School of Science Signature Programs
* Aerospace engineering courses with wind tunnel lab 
* Award-winning Model UN and debate teams
* Partnerships with Columbia University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and others for advanced research

#4: Scarsdale High School – Blending Rigor with Community

Niche Grade: A+
Graduation Rate: 100%
Average SAT Score: 1398 out of 1600

Scarsdale High School, located in the affluent Westchester County suburb, delivers outstanding student outcomes. Boasting a 100% graduation rate and 95% college matriculation rate, Scarsdale empowers students through academic quality.

A wealth of advanced courses spans multivariate calculus and astrophysics to U.S. foreign policy, abstract algebra and neuroscience. Students also build leadership through 100+ clubs and 25 Division I sports teams. Scarsdale develops talent across the board – with exceptional orchestra, theater productions and AP Studio Art.

Community service initiatives like peer tutoring and sustainable gardening give back. With such strong academics and engagement, Scarsdale makes regular appearances in national best high school rankings.

Scarsdale High School Signature Programs
* 100+ student clubs/activities, 25 sports teams  
* Award-winning Model UN and Science Olympiad
* Hands-on classes like Engineering Design, Organic Chemistry lab, Sports Analytics 

#5: Pittsford Mendon High School – Personalized Learning, Individual Achievement

Average ACT Score: 28 out of 36
Graduation Rate: Over 98%
Matriculation Rate: 92% attend four-year universities

Pittsford Mendon High School excels at enabling students to pursue individual passions while delivering overall excellence. Located in suburban Rochester, Pittsford Mendon provides 34 AP courses and 16 language options reaching Arabic, Russian and Chinese.

Extensive science offerings stretch across astrophysics, organic chemistry and bioscience topics. Students deep-dive favorite subjects through research opportunities, internships and partnerships with local universities like the University of Rochester.

First-class music/arts programs inspire creativity with seven bands/choruses, theater productions and photography concentrations. Academics empower, while activities from lacrosse to chess club give students an emotional home. This blend of comprehensive curriculum and community makes Pittsford Mendon a standout.

Pittsford Mendon High School Signature Programs  
* 34 AP courses, including seven world languages 
* Prestigious Humanities Institute selective program  
* Math/Science Scholars teams placing Top 5 nationally   
* Award-winning Model UN and Mock Trial teams

#6: Byram Hills High School – Community Connectedness, Global Readiness

Average SAT Score: 1325 out of 1600
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Matriculation Rate: Over 90% attend four-year universities

Byram Hills High School prides itself on close community and global readiness. Located north of New York City, Byram Hills provides a personalized approach with just 400 students across grades 9-12. Despite the small size, Byram Hills delivers a stimulating International Baccalaureate curriculum enabling independent critical thinking.

An array of 26 AP course options ensures students stretch their skills, while peer tutoring/review sessions give extra support. Students gain global and environmental awareness through Model UN, an International Symposium and partnerships with UNICEF plus Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots initiative.

Numerous overseas community service trips also inspire cultural empathy. Graduates praise Byram Hills’ supportive environment where students, educators and parents unite to nurture personal growth.

Byram Hills High School Signature Programs
* Renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme  
* Annual International Symposium with global speakers   
* Extensive community service/cultural exchange student trips abroad

#7: Stuyvesant High School – Elite NYC College Prep High School

Average SAT Score: 1510 out of 1600
Acceptance rate: 3% from 30,000+ applicants
US News national ranking: #34

Stuyvesant High School represents the pinnacle for public education in New York City and beyond. Located near the World Trade Center site, students gain learning inspiration from the innovative landscape.

Admission is intensely competitive with only 895 freshmen admitted from over 30,000 applicants citywide. This ultra-selective environment spurs students to excel across unique academics and research.

Stuyvesant truly offers an unrivaled array of advanced courses, from 29 AP classes to multivariable calculus, advanced cryptography and electronics engineering labs. Extensive programming empowers students to win United States Physics/Informatics/Computer Science competitions.

Debate, theater and even Quidditch give creative outlets. Given the nonstop intellectual intensity, perhaps it’s no wonder Stuyvesant doesn’t field typical sports teams! Graduates do continue winning at top universities like Harvard, Yale, MIT and more.

Stuyvesant High School Signature Programs  
* Electronics engineering and advanced research labs
* 29 AP course options  
* Award-winning competitive math, physics, computer science and debate teams  
* Partnerships with Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering and others advancing student science research 

#8: Hastings High School – Personalized Learning, Community Values

Average SAT Score: 1310 out of 1600
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Matriculation rate: Over 85% attend four-year universities

Hastings High School proves small size can enable great outcomes through personalized rigor and relationships. With just 400 students total, Hastings provides the benefits of a private school within public education.

An impressive range of advanced science and math prepares students to excel – including multivariable calculus, astrophysics, organic chemistry and biotechnology. Varied humanities like Political Theory, Criminal Law and Abnormal Psychology ensure diverse thinking.

Despite the challenging curriculum, Hastings fosters a tightknit community where teachers, staff and peers support holistic growth. With scenic Hudson River views, Hastings inspires students towards environmental ethics. By blending high expectations with personal compassion, Hastings delivers standout graduates.

Hastings High School Signature Programs
* Award-Winning Science Olympiad teams  
* Columbia Science Honors Program advanced courses  
* Hastings Sustainability Institute integrating environmentalism schoolwide

#9: Harborfields High School – Independent Critical Thinking, Individualized Paths

Average SAT Score: 1290 out of 1600
Graduation Rate: Over 98%
Matriculation Rate: Over 90% attend four-year universities

Harborfields High School distinguishes itself through student independence and intellectual curiosity. Located in Greenlawn on Long Island, Harborfields provides an unbounded learning environment without traditional confines.

Harborfields has no bells scheduling student movements. Instead students manage their days while exploring favorite subjects among 160+ course options. College-level classes like Multivariable Calculus, Java Programming and Organic Chemistry Lab challenge students to stretch their skills.

Extensive arts and music programs – including Photography major concentrations – give creative outlets. Paired with varsity sports from football to fencing, Harborfields breeds critical thinkers equipped for college and career success.

Harborfields High School Signature Programs  
* Diverse exclusive academies: STEM Engineering, Legal Studies, Visual/Performing Arts  
* Over 160 total course options
* Flexible schedule with no bells between classes  
* Award-winning Science Olympiad, Girls Golf and Wrestling teams

#10: Blair Academy – Elite College Preparatory Boarding School

Average SAT Score: 1325 out of 1600
Average Class Size: 12 students
Matriculation Rate: 100% attend four-year universities

While not a public school, Blair Academy offers exceptional educational opportunities on par with top New York institutions. Blair is an elite private boarding academy drawing high-achieving youth from 26 states and 38 countries to its charming campus in New Jersey.

Blair delivers outstanding results through small class sizes, with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio enabling highly personalized mentoring. This blend of academic intensity and faculty guidance leads to profound self-discovery and skill building.

An innovative STEM program inspires future scientists and engineers through hands-on learning, including award-winning robotics teams. Beyond core college prep, Blair empowers student entrepreneurs managing the campus coffee shop. With such comprehensive experiences, Blair builds leaders equipped to excel at top universities like UCLA, UPenn, Northwestern and more.

Blair Academy Signature Programs
* Nationally ranked Robotics Team  
* Selective Business Leadership Academy  
* Student-run Campus Coffee Shop
* Over 200 courses across six academic departments   

The exceptional public schools profiled demonstrate that New York offers globally competitive preparation launching students toward bright futures. While every child has unique needs, these programs deliver positive learning communities where youth can thrive.

As education leaders advising policymakers, our advice to families researching high schools includes:

• Seek schools enabling “personalized learning” with data-driven instruction catering to each child
• Look beyond test scores alone; ask about wraparound student health/counseling services
• Evaluate variety of classes/activities for diverse interests, plus inclusion support
• Consider class and school size to find optimal fit
• Connect with administrators, educators, parents, and students to experience school culture

New York invests heavily in education, with spending topping $25,000 per pupil at the best public high schools. This funding fuels amazing opportunities. By selecting the right learning environment for their child, New York families can leverage world-class curriculum preparing the next generation for college and career success.