The Best High Schools for Arts in Every State
Art schools are known for cultivating talent, but they're also home to some of the most rigorous academic programs in the country. If you or your child is considering a career in the arts, then you'll want to find a high school that is known for having programs specializing in their craft.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best high schools for arts to consider. Using the latest results from Niche.com’s annual rankings, these are the top art high schools across the country for those budding actors, musicians, artists and writers.
Note: This list includes both public and private schools. Since Niche.com didn’t have some schools ranked for arts in certain states, we chose the one we consider to be the best option based on other Niche.com reports and marked it accordingly.
Alabama: Alabama School of Fine Arts
The Alabama School of Fine Arts (AFSA) is a one-of-a-kind place, as it’s the only free school for the arts and sciences in the state.
Located in downtown Birmingham, it serves students in grades 7 through 12. In addition to the core academic classes that are needed for high school diplomas, ASFA students spend three (or more) hours a day focusing on their specialty. Kids can major in creative writing, dance, math and science, music, theater and visual arts. About 330 kids attend ASFA. Dorms are also available for students who attend from cities across the state.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Alaska: West Anchorage High School
West Anchorage High School is the oldest of eight high schools in the Anchorage School District and has an enrollment of 1,842 students. It is also home to the School Through the Arts (STTA) program, which introduces arts studies into high school courses.
That includes STTA history and English courses for freshmen and sophomores, while juniors and seniors advance their art education in other classes.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Arizona: Arizona School for the Arts
The Arizona School for the Arts is a public charter school in Phoenix with 852 students in grades 5 through 12. It has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Students can major in the following performing arts disciplines: music, theater and dance.
"Students learn from professional teaching artists, and classes are organized by skill rather than grade level," according to the school's website. "The curriculum focuses on performance, collaboration, self-discipline, risk-taking and training in the feedback cycle, and creates talented young adults culturally in tune with the world around them."
Niche reports that 63 percent of students at Arizona School for the Arts are at least proficient in math, and 85 percent in reading.
Arkansas: Arkansas Arts Academy High School
The Arkansas Arts Academy High School is a public charter school in Rogers with 221 students in grades 9 through 12. It has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. Students can major in the following disciplines: choral music, dance, theater, instrumental music, visual arts and creative writing. And in 2019, the school is adding culinary arts to its offering of specialty classes.
Niche reports that 42 percent of students at Arkansas Arts Academy High School are at least proficient in math, and 77 percent in reading.
California: L.A. County High School for the Arts
Los Angeles is filled with expensive private art schools, which are great but don't serve all of society. But then there's Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), a public school that serves diverse communities.
LACHSA one of the most well-recognized arts schools in the country. It's won numerous awards, including California Distinguished School for Academic Excellence, Golden Bell Award, Grammy Signature School, Bravo Award for excellence in arts education and the Exemplary School Designation by the Arts Schools Network.
The school has about 600 students and offers classes that combine college-preparatory academic instruction and conservatory-style training in cinematic arts, dance, music (vocal and instrumental), theater and visual arts. Notable graduates include Josh Groban, Taran Killam, Finn Wittrock, Michael Fitzpatrick (lead vocalist of Fitz and the Tantrums) and the Haim sisters.
Colorado: Denver School of the Arts
Denver School of the Arts is a public, magnet school in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver. It has 1,088 students in grades 6 through 12 and a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. Students focus their artistic studies in one of the following categories: creative writing, dance, music, stagecraft and design, theater, video cinema arts and visual arts.
"DSA is committed to fostering a lifelong love of the arts in a culturally diverse, academically challenging environment," according to the school's website.
Niche reports that 64 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 83 percent in reading.
Connecticut: Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts
Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts is a public, magnet school with 469 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 21 to 1.
Students can focus on creative writing, music, dance, media production, graphic design, film, music production and game design. Students also have the option to be part of "The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day" program or "The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day" program. With the latter, students study at their home schools for the first half of the day then transfer to The Academy for an afternoon focused on art courses.
Niche reports that 22 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 57 percent in reading.
Delaware: CAB Calloway School of the Arts
CAB Calloway School of the Arts is a public, magnet and alternative school in Wilmington. It was named after the American jazz icon Cab Calloway. There are 942 students in grades 6 through 12, and the student-teacher ratio is 19 to 1. There is also a middle school associated with the high school for budding artists.
High school students can major in vocal, strings, theater, piano, instrumental, tech theater, visual arts, dance and communication arts. Niche reports that 58 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 86 percent in reading.
Florida: Design and Architecture Senior High
With a long list of famous performers and dazzling art deco architecture, Miami seems like it would be home to a great art school. Design and Architecture Senior High, aka DASH, has programs for budding artists in fashion, visual communications, entertainment tech, fine art, architecture and industrial design.
U.S. News & World Report does annual rankings of 23,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. DASH earned the No. 7 spot for best Florida high schools and the No. 51 place for best high schools in the nation for 2019.
Like many competitive art high schools, DASH combines art classes from students' chosen programs with the traditional high school work in math, science and humanities. The school also offers the option of honors and AP classes. And with only 504 students, the school is proud to provide a ratio of 16 to 1 when it comes to students per teacher. Plus, it is located in Miami's Design District, which translates to endless inspiration for students.
Georgia: DeKalb School of the Arts
DeKalb School of the Arts is a public, magnet school in Avondale Estates, which is east of Atlanta. The school serves 408 students in grades 8 through 12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
Students can take classes in drama, dance, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, video technology, creative writing, multimedia, and design and production. The school also offers advanced, gifted and advanced placement classes. Niche reports that 57 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 87 percent in reading.
Hawaii: Parker School
Parker School is a private, co-educational school for students in grades K through 12. It's located on the Big Island of Hawaii in the small ranching town of Kamuela. Tuition is $17,200 a year, and the student-teacher ratio is 10 to 1.
"We recognize and value our students as artists first and foremost," according to the school's website. "Our philosophy allows students to flourish in an environment of free thinking, unrestricted innovative expression and ingenuity, allowing artists to develop their individual voices."
The school's visual arts program helps painters, sculptors, photographers, animators, potters, fashion designers and conceptual installation artists perfect their crafts. The school's performing arts program provides classes and after-school programs for dancers, singers, writers, actors, poets, comedians, songwriters, musicians, choreographers, set designers, costume creators, make-up artists and directors.
Idaho: Idaho Fine Arts Academy
Idaho Fine Arts Academy, formerly Fresco Arts Academy, joined the West Ada School District in 2014. The former private school merged with the school district after financial losses, but it still operates from its campus in Eagle.
The campus is currently undergoing an addition that would double the school’s capacity from about 200 students to 400. Students must apply and audition to be placed in the academy.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Illinois: The Chicago Academy for the Arts
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a private school located in the River West neighborhood of Chicago. The school serves 150 students, and yearly tuition is $27,990.
In addition to academic classes, students are provided what the school calls "professional-level arts training" in music, dance, film, visual art, creative writing, theater or musical theater. The school also offers advanced placement classes and has a 100 percent graduation rate.
Indiana: International School of Indiana
International School of Indiana (ISI) is a private school in Indianapolis that serves 575 students in grades K through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 9 to 1 for high school students, and yearly tuition is $20,430.
High school students "select courses in music (including band and choir), the visual arts and theater arts," according to the school's website. "ISI offers many extra-curricular enrichment classes to complement students’ work in the arts. These include acting, chorus, dance, music and movement, private music lessons, pottery, scrapbooking and sewing."
Iowa: Ames High School
Ames High School is considered to be the best public high school in Iowa, according to Niche, and that includes excellence in art education. It has 1,277 students in grades 9 to 12.
The school’s wide range of art classes include printmaking, graphic design, photography, 3D art, ceramics and jewelry, to name a few.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Kansas: Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
Sumner Academy Academy of Arts & Science is a public, magnet school in Kansas City. The school serves 917 students in grades 8 to 12. The school has a 100 percent graduation rate and is known for preparing students for high-level academic and creative pursuits.
It offers a wide range of arts opportunities, including clubs in anime, band, comic books, orchestra, theater and vocal music.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Kentucky: Walden School
Walden School is a private school in Louisville with 305 students in grades K through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 5 to 1, and yearly tuition costs $18,400.
"Walden School recognizes the potential for each student to excel in the fine arts: visual arts, music and drama," according to the school's website. "The developmentally appropriate curriculum is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills, techniques and knowledge to participate in the arts."
Louisiana: New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, or NOCCA, is a public school that serves 243 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 12 to 1.
In addition to regular high school classes, NOCCA students are also offered instruction in culinary arts, dance, media arts (filmmaking and audio production), music (classical, jazz, vocal), theater arts (drama, musical theater and theater design), visual arts and creative writing.
Maine: Baxter Academy for Tech & Sciences
Baxter Academy for Tech & Sciences is a public, charter school in Portland. The school serves 343 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 11 to 1.
"Students at Baxter Academy follow a standards-based curriculum for English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts," according to the school's website. "Upon graduation, students will have 21st century skills and will be able to continue their education and be successful at America’s best universities."
Niche reports that 47 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 77 percent in reading.
Maryland: Baltimore School for the Arts
Baltimore School for the Arts is a public, magnet, alternative school with 394 students in grades 9 through 12 and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. Students focus on dance, film, music, stage design and production, theater and visual arts.
"Our students spend four hours a day in art classes, taught by working professionals, and four hours a day in academics," according to the school's website. "Our high school graduation rate is close to 100 percent, and our six-year college graduation rate is 81 percent."
Niche reports that 95 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 95 percent in reading.
Massachusetts: Walnut Hill School for the Arts
Walnut Hill School for the Arts is an independent boarding and day high school for students in grades 9 through 12. Yearly tuition to attend is a whopping $47,030. Students can choose from the following disciplines: dance, music, theater, visual arts, writing, and film and media arts.
"Students from across the country and around the globe come together to form a dynamic community on our scenic campus located in Natick, Massachusetts, just west of Boston," states the school's website.
Walnut Hill also offers summer arts programs in dance and theater.
Michigan: Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen Arts Academy is a private, fine art boarding high school in northern Michigan. The school serves 500 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 6 to 1, and the yearly tuition is $59,500.
Students can major in music, theater, comparative arts, creative writing, motion picture arts, dance and visual arts.
Minnesota: Perpich Center for Arts Education
Perpich Center for Arts Education is a public school in Golden Valley. The school serves 179 students in grades 11 and 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
Students choose one art major during their time at Perpich from the following disciplines: dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater and visual arts. "Each area offers a unique program that fully prepares its students to improve in skill, technique and deep understanding of their art," according to the school's website.
Perpich students also have the chance to travel to and study their art in China and Ghana.
Mississippi: Mississippi School of the Arts
Mississippi School of the Arts is a public school in Brookhaven that serves 139 students in grades 11 and 12. Its student-teacher ratio is 13 to 1.
The advanced art classes focus on the following disciplines: music, theater, visual arts, dance, literary arts and media arts. Students must pass a rigorous application process that includes a minimum of 12 Carnegie units of study upon the completion of 10th grade; demonstrated artistic achievement in the visual, performing or literary arts; an online application; on-site interview; and an audition and/or portfolio presentation. Students must also have a high school grade point average of 2.5 and prove that they've taken the ACT to complete the enrollment process.
Missouri: Crossroads College Preparatory School
Crossroads College Preparatory School is a private school in St. Louis with 223 students in grades 7 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 10 to 1, and the yearly tuition is $23,300.
The school offers several art classes that focus on theater, music and visual arts. Students are encouraged to engage in the community and use the “city as its campus,” visiting nearby museums and universities to further advance their art education.
Montana: Bozeman High School
Ranking No. 1 as the best public high school in Montana on Niche’s list, Bozeman High School offers quite the extensive arts program. It has 2,106 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Students can choose from a wide range of art classes, including AP Art, which helps them develop portfolios that can be used for national requirements for Advanced Placement Art or further education use. Other art classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry and graphic design, to name a few.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Nebraska: Millard North High School
Similar to Montana, Nebraska didn’t have a school ranked for arts, so Niche’s list of best public high schools was the next closest. Millard North High School tops that list for the numerous activities and opportunities it provides its 2,522 students in grades 9-12.
In regard to the arts, this Omaha school offers everything from pottery to sculpture and visual art to commercial graphic design.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Nevada: Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has experienced the Las Vegas scene that the city might have a great art school. The town thrives on the work artists and performers create daily. "Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA) is known valley-wide as the premiere arts-focused high school in Vegas," says Shaan Patel, who prepares high school students to take the SAT and ACT through his company, Prep Expert. "LVA's campus is located on the site of Las Vegas' first high school. Established officially in 1992, LVA is now home to approximately 1,700 students pursuing their interests in both performance and visual arts.”
Looking for proof? Some pretty cool folks attended LVA. Notable alumni include R&B Artist Ne-Yo, “Dancing With the Stars” Performer Julianne Hough and Actress Rutina Westley, who is known for her role in HBO's “True Blood.”
New Hampshire: High Mowing School
High Mowing School is a private, boarding school in Wilton that serves 250 students in grades PK through 12. Yearly tuition is $35,400.
"We value each student’s artistic development as a fundamental element of a healthy physical, emotional and spiritual life," according to the school's website. "Our artistic education — performance arts, music, movement, fine arts and practical arts — is woven into our educational experience to enhance our students’ physical and emotional well-being, their intellectual capacities and performance, and their moral and spiritual development."
New Jersey: Academy for Performing Arts
The Academy for Performing Arts is a public, magnet school in Scotch Plains that serves 209 students in grades 9 through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. Here, students can major in theater, dance or technical theater. Students are also permitted to take college-level courses in their senior year at Kean University.
"The Academy fosters the discipline, integrity and passion necessary for students to succeed at the post-secondary level and as members of the performing arts community," according to the school's website.
New Mexico: New Mexico School for the Arts
New Mexico School for the Arts is a public, charter school in Santa Fe, which actually has the third-largest art market in the country after New York and Los Angeles. The school serves 221 students in grades 9 through 12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
"New Mexico School for the Arts helps students cultivate their own artistic voice, fostering broad intellectual development so that, in addition to developing strong technique, students will begin to refine their personal artistic vision and purpose, and the means to communicate that vision through their art," according to the school's website.
Students can major in dance, creative writing, theater, music and visual arts. The school also has plans to launch a cinema arts program soon.
New York: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
With famous past students like Jennifer Aniston, Isaac Mizrahi and Timothée Chalamet, the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts barely needs mentioning as everyone seems to know of it. If you haven't, though, allow us to catch you up. In 1936, the High School of Music & Art was founded, and a little over a decade later the School of Performing Arts opened. Two became one in 1984 when it was named the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
LaGuardia High School is also famously known as the "Fame" school. A movie, TV series and off-Broadway play have all focused on this iconic school of the arts. It is also worth noting that LaGuardia was the first school in the nation to provide a free, publicly funded program for students with unique talents in the arts. Its model proved to be so successful that most major cities have replicated it.
But with so much glory also comes a lot of competition. The art educators of New York have responded to the increasing demand by opening at least 21 new art schools since 2002 alone, according to a Department of Education spokesperson.
North Carolina: Philip J. Weaver Education Center
Philip J. Weaver Education Center is a public school in Greensboro that serves 258 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 6 to 1. Students can choose from the following tracks: dance, drama, guitar, music production, piano, strings, visual arts and vocal music.
"Performing and visual arts students are involved in a rigorous curriculum comprised of Honors and Advanced Placement courses designed to prepare them for higher education opportunities," according to the school's website. "Students follow a specified course of study in their performing and visual arts area of concentration that will prepare them for collegiate and/or professional development."
North Dakota: Fargo Davies High School
Topping out Niche’s list of best public high schools, Fargo Davies High School has a student population of 1,216 in grades 9 to 12.
Fargo Public Schools considers activity programs to be an integral part of its curriculum. For the arts, that includes choir, band, orchestra, drama and creative writing among just a few of its offerings.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Ohio: School for Creative & Performing Arts High School
The School for Creative and Performing Arts is a public school in Cincinnati that serves 1,373 students in grades K through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 18 to 1.
The school is housed in the Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education in downtown. Students pick two artistic majors out of the following programs: dance, creative writing, drama, instrumental music, technical theater, visual arts and vocal music. And each semester students take Arts Proficiency Board Exam Reviews to ensure they meet high artistic standards.
Oklahoma: Classen School of Advanced Studies
Classen School of Advanced Studies is a public, magnet school in Oklahoma City. The school serves 531 students in grades 6 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1.
Students can major in the visual and performing arts programs, which require they take at least two art classes a year. They can major in visual art, dance, vocal music, piano, guitar, band, strings and theater arts. Seniors must also complete a final recital, performance or exhibition.
Oregon: Northwest Academy
Northwest Academy is a private school in Portland that serves 221 students in grades 6 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, and yearly tuition is $22,300.
"The Arts Program teaches students skills and methods — such as critical thinking, attention to detail, craftsmanship, self-awareness and responsibility — that help them succeed in both their academic and art classes," according to the school's website. "Students learn by working with professional artists and performers who are passionate about their fields and committed to helping students find their individual artistic voices."
Pennsylvania: The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts is an audition-based public, charter school in Bethlehem. The school serves 600 students in grades 9 through 12, and its student-teacher ratio is 10 to 1.
According to Niche, The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts is the No. 1 charter school in Pennsylvania, and 82 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 95 percent in reading. Students recently moved into a new facility in August 2015, which created more space for incoming classes.
Rhode Island: Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts
The Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts is a public school in Pawtucket that serves 166 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 14 to 1.
Here, students can major in visual arts, dance, music, theater, or video and film production. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Walsh School is ranked 18th within Rhode Island.
South Carolina: South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, also known as the Governor's School, is considered the No. 9 best arts high school in the country, according to Niche. "It’s a great place for young adults to grow in their art and grow as a person. Everyone is so accepting of all kinds of people with different ideas and opinions. It’s a place where teachers, students and parents all have positive experiences," one senior shared. "I love this place!"
The school is located in downtown Greenville, and the campus was created to emulate a Tuscan village, so it is gorgeous. Students can focus on creative writing, drama, music, visual arts and dance. The school "gives young emerging artists the opportunity to explore and refine their talents in a one-of-a-kind, master-apprentice, arts-centered community," according to the school’s website.
The school is run more like a college, and all of the teachers are also practicing artists, so they're able to provide crucial real-world guidance for their students.
South Dakota: Brandon Valley High School
The No. 1 public high school is Brandon Valley High School, located in Brandon, South Dakota. It offers some of the best college prep opportunities in the state, and that includes arts programming.
Students can participate in choir, orchestra, theater and a wide range of arts classes.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Tennessee: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts is a public, magnet school in Chattanooga. The school serves 587 students in grades 6 through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Students can major in communications, music, dance, theater or visual arts. The school hosts more than 70 student-led events every year, including art exhibits, plays, literary galas, vocal concerts, musical theater productions, orchestra, band, choir, piano, dance ensemble and guitar concert performances.
Texas: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Not be outdone by Austin, Dallas has its own award-winning arts high school: the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA). It has won numerous recognitions, including the Exemplary Arts Education Award from the Rockefeller Foundation, and it was also named one of the Top 8 Magnet Schools in the country by the Department of Education.
BTWHSPVA's location alone would inspire a budding artist. The school is in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, which is considered the country's largest contiguous arts district. Plus, class sizes are small with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, according to U.S. News & World Report.
More than 600 BTWHSPVA students have won recognition through the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts in various fields, including music, theater, dance, visual arts and creative writing. Famous alums include Norah Jones, Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, Elizabeth Mitchell, Christian Schumann, Chris Arnold and Dylis Croman.
Utah: Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts
Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts (SLSPA) is a public, charter, magnet school in Salt Lake City with 305 students in grades 9 through 12, and its student-teacher ratio is 22 to 1. Here, students can major in music, dance, theater, or media and film making. SLSPA was voted Utah's Best Charter School in 2013, 2014 and 2015 by Best of State.
"Of course, because our teachers are also professional artists themselves, the programs of the school are designed to motivate future artists and those who love to perform," according to the school's website. "Our desire is to create a positive learning and performing experience for all students and to provide the knowledge and inspiration to take their art to the next level."
Vermont: Long Trail School
Long Trail School is a private school in Dorset with 194 students in grades 6 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is 7 to 1, and yearly tuition is $17,986.
The school has a state-of-the-art performing arts center, and students can take classes in music, theater, and studio and digital art. Long Trail also offers a variety of extracurricular art programs.
Virginia: Renaissance School
Renaissance School is a private school in Charlottesville with 43 students in grades 9 through 12. Its student-teacher ratio is 5 to 1, and early tuition is $19,500.
The Renaissance School offers art classes in the afternoon during the fall semester. Then in the spring, students participate in courses at local organizations like Light House Studio, The Music Resource Center and The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative.
Washington: Tacoma School of the Arts
Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA) is a public school in Tacoma with 629 students in grades 9 through 12, with a student-teacher ratio is 20 to 1. There are two departments for art students: performing and visual.
The Performing Arts Department at SOTA is committed to providing pre-professional training, which imaginatively balances theory and practice, and is based on a quality liberal arts foundation. Dance, instrumental music, songwriting and audio recording, theater and vocal music fall under performing arts. Drawing, painting, graphic design, photography and filmmaking fall under the visual arts. Niche reports that 32 percent of students are at least proficient in math, and 95 percent in reading.
West Virginia: West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts
Founded in 1994, this summer program was a mecca for 63 Governor’s Schools of West Virginia students to focus on studies in the areas of dance, instrumental music, theater and the visual arts. Since then, classes in vocal music, creative writing and digital media have been incorporated into the curriculum, and now about 125 students can enroll.
Auditions are held each year to attend the school.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.
Wisconsin: Youth Initiative High School
Youth Initiative High School is a private, boarding, alternative school located in Viroqua. The school serves 71 students in grades 9 through 12. The student-teacher ratio is an impressive 4 to 1, and the yearly tuition is $7,250.
This school is unique in that it’s a collaboration between students, teachers and parents, with students getting one-third of the decision-making power. The school’s senior projects are the pinnacle of the school’s experience, allowing students to pursue their passions, whether it be making animated movies, writing original plays, building furniture or creating websites for businesses.
Wyoming: Big Horn High School
The No. 1 public high school in the state, according to Niche, is located in Big Horn. About 145 students attend in grades 9 to 12, and the school has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
Its Fine Arts curriculum is quite extensive, with classes in 2D and 3D art, painting, band, choir, guitar class and advanced music.
* This school was chosen based on our own criteria.