The Best U.S. Public High Schools by State

Consider sending your teenager to these best-of-the-best high schools in the country.

The Best U.S. Public High Schools by State

If you’re wondering what the best public high school in your state is to send your teenager, you’re in luck — because we’ve already done the research for you. Using the latest results from Niche.com’s annual rankings of the best public high schools and taking a look at U.S. News’ Best States rankings to determine how each state did in terms of education level overall, as well as K-12 education rankings, here is a well-rounded list of the country’s best of the best when it comes to education.

That said, there are a couple things to keep in mind about these findings. We decided to mention the school’s math and reading proficiency level when it was reported at less than 90 percent for either subject; otherwise, they are not mentioned. It’s also important to note that test scoring methodology varies from state to state.

Now, without further ado, here are the top 50 public high schools across the country.

Alabama: Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School

The Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School is an A+ rated, public, magnet school, located in the city of Montgomery. It has 497 students in grades 9-12 with just 14 students per teacher. Students report that the average SAT score is 1360 and the average ACT is 29. Loveless is also rated No. 1 for best high schools for STEM in the Cotton State — go Tigers!

U.S. News ranks Alabama 47th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 39th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Mt. Brook High School (Mt. Brook, Ala.)

3. Bob Jones High School (Madison, Ala.)

4. Spain Park High School (Hoover, Ala.)

5. James Clemens High School (Madison, Ala.)

Alaska: West High School

Anchorage’s West High School is the Anchorage School District’s oldest public high school. Alaska’s best-rated public high school has 1,880 students in grades 9-12. While most of the schools in this report have math and reading proficiency rates of over 90 percent, according to Niche.com, West’s proficiency rates are much lower. According to state test scores, only 24 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 30 percent in reading.

Of note: The school offers interesting academic programs for students, including a program for highly gifted students, International Baccalaureate (IB), Spanish and Russian immersion as well as a Medical and Process technology academy. The average student-reported SAT at West High School was 1240 and the average ACT score was reported at 29. Their mascot is an Eagle.

According to U.S. News, Alaska ranks 40th out of 50 states in terms of education, and 46th out of 50 in terms of K-12 education.

Runners-Up:

2. South Anchorage High School (Anchorage, Alaska)

3. Kenny Lake School (Copper Center, Alaska)

4. Polaris K-12 School (Anchorage, Alaska)

5. Unalaska Junior/Senior High School (Unalaska, Alaska)

Arizona: BASIS Scottsdale

BASIS is an A+ rated, public, charter school in Scottsdale that was opened by two economists who wanted a better education for their daughter. BASIS Scottsdale serves grades 5-12 and has only 739 students. As one of the top schools in this report (after Nevada’s Davidson Academy), BASIS’ student-reported average SAT score is 1470, and the average student-reported ACT score is 34. In 2017, "Business Insider" rated it the No. 1 public high school in America.

U.S. News ranks Arizona 43rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 48th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. BASIS Oro Valley (Oro Valley, Ariz.)

3. University High School (Tucson, Ariz.)

4. BASIS Tucson North (Tucson, Ariz.)

5. BASIS Chandler (Chandler, Ariz.)

Arkansas: Haas Hall Academy

Haas Hall Academy is Arkansas’ top public high school. The charter school, located in Fayetteville, has 352 students in grades 7-12. Haas Hall students report that their average SAT score is 1360, and the average ACT score is 30. U.S. News ranked it the No. 1 public school in the state of Arkansas in 2018 and 50th in the nation. In fact, it’s so popular that it opened a second campus in 2015 in Bentonville.

U.S. News ranks Arkansas 42nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 38th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Fayetteville High School East (Fayetteville, Ark.)

3. Southside High School (Fort Smith, Ark.)

4. Bentonville High School (Bentonville, Ark.)

5. Arkansas Arts Academy High School (Rogers, Ark.)

California: Canyon Crest Academy

Out of all the public high schools in the Golden State, Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) in San Diego is its top rated, and one of the newest. Opened in 2004, CCA has an A+ rating with more than 2,575 students in grades 9-12. The average reported SAT score is 1370.

CCA is a public “school of choice” in which any student in the district can select to attend the academy. A fun perk: The school principal offers “Coffee with Kileen” dates in which parents can take the opportunity to sit down with the school’s principal, Brett Kileen, to discuss any issues they may have.

U.S. News ranks the state of California 26th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 44th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto, Calif.)

3. Troy High School (Fullerton, Calif.)

4. Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto, Calif.)

5. Miramonte High School (Orinda, Calif.)

Colorado: Cherry Creek High School

Colorado’s Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, a suburb of Denver, is the Centennial State’s top-rated public school. It has 3,499 students in grades 9-12, with about 20 students per teacher. The average SAT score is reported to be 1340, and the average ACT score is reported to be 30. Cherry Creek or “Creek,” as it is known to Denverites, has competitive academics and sports teams.

U.S. News ranks Colorado 20th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 30th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (Denver)

3. Aspen High School (Aspen, Colo.)

4. Fairview High School (Boulder, Colo.)

5. DSST: Stapleton High School (Denver)

Connecticut: Staples High School

The Constitution State’s No. 1 rated public high school dates back to 1884, when it was founded by Horace Staples, a wealthy local businessman in the city of Westport. Staples High School gets an A+ rating and serves grades 9-12. Staples students report that the average SAT score is 1280, while the average ACT score is 30. Budding journalists will be interested to know that the school’s newspaper has won the Columbia Scholastic Press Association gold medal every year for the past 19 years.

U.S. News ranks Connecticut 14th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked fifth out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. New Canaan High School (New Canaan, Conn.)

3. Darien High School (Darien, Conn.)

4. Weston High School (Weston, Conn.)

5. Glastonbury High School (Glastonbury, Conn.)

Delaware: Charter School of Wilmington

Charter School of Wilmington is Delaware’s highest-rated public high school, serving 972 pupils. As one of the country’s first charter schools, the Charter School of Wilmington reports that students have an average SAT score of 1350 and an average ACT score of 31. The school places a heavy emphasis on STEM classes and came in at No. 119 on U.S. News’ 2018 Best High Schools rankings.

U.S. News ranks Delaware 32nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 18th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. CAB Calloway School of the Arts (Wilmington, Del.)

3. Newark Charter School (Newark, Del.)

4. Sussex Technical High School (Georgetown, Del.)

5. Conrad Schools of Science (Wilmington, Del.)

Florida: Pine View School

The best public school in the Sunshine State is Pine View School in Osprey, Fla. The A+ rated, magnet, public school focuses on intellectually gifted students for elementary through high school, and was the first school of its kind in Florida. The average SAT score is 1370, and the average ACT score is 31. In 2018, Pine View was ranked 19th in the country for U.S. News’ Best High Schools in America, and No. 6 for the Best Magnet Schools.

U.S. News ranks Florida seventh out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 40th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (Boca Raton, Fla.)

3. Suncoast Community High School (Palm Beach, Fla.)

4. School for Advanced Studies - South (Miami)

5. West Shore Junior/Senior High School (Melbourne, Fla.)

Georgia: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology is the top-rated public high school in the Peach State. It serves 966 students across grades 9-12, who reported that their average SAT score is 1360, and their average ACT score is 31. Gwinnett was ranked No. 31 in the U.S. News Best High School rankings and No. 12 in charter schools. In 2018, Gwinnett won the regional championships in the National Science Bowl.

U.S. News ranks Georgia 31st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 35th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Northview High School (Duluth, Ga.)

3. Walton High School (Marietta, Ga.)

4. Columbus High School (Columbus, Ga.)

5. Alpharetta High School (Alpharetta, Ga.)

Hawaii: Education Laboratory School

Education Laboratory School is the Aloha State’s No. 1 rated public high school and was founded in 1895 when a teacher training department was instituted at Honolulu High School. The Honolulu laboratory school is backed by the University of Hawaii and has 442 students in grades K-12, with approximately 11 students per teacher. The school is part of a string of laboratory schools that are supported by higher education institutions.

While educating students, laboratory schools also serve to further research for best practices in teaching and education by university researchers. According to reported state test scores from Niche.com, 46 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 70 percent, in reading. Students at Education Laboratory School report that their average SAT score is 1190, and the average ACT score is 26.

U.S. News ranks Hawaii 29th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 32nd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Mililani High School (Mililani, Hawaii)

3. Moanalua High School (Honolulu)

4. President Theodore Roosevelt High School (Honolulu)

5. Halani High School (Honolulu)

Idaho: Boise Senior High School

Boise Senior High School is Niche.com’s top-rated public high school in the Gem State. The school, which opened in 1902 in Boise, has 1,549 students. The average reported SAT score is 1260, and the average reported ACT score is 29. According to Niche.com, state test scores show 62 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 79 percent, in reading. Their colors are red and white, and the school still maintains the controversial mascot of the Indian brave.

U.S. News ranks Idaho 30th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 25th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (Meridian, Idaho)

3. Timberline High School (Boise, Idaho)

4. Renaissance High School (Meridian, Idaho)

5. Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Cour d'Alene, Idaho)

Illinois: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is one of the top-rated schools in the nation, and is one of the few public co-ed boarding schools in the country. The school is located in Aurora, in the Land of Lincoln, and has 649 students. There are 12 students to each teacher. Freshmen in high school go through a rigorous admissions process for a place in the three-year program (grades 10-12), but only students already enrolled in an Illinois school can apply. The average SAT score as reported by students at this school is 1450.

U.S. News ranks Illinois 24th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 14th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago)

3. Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)

4. Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, Ill.)

5. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School (Chicago)

Indiana: West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School

West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School is the Hoosier State’s top-rated public middle and high school. The A+ rated high school is located in West Lafayette, near Purdue University, and many Purdue faculty send their children here. It has 1,081 students in grades 7-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 students per teacher. The average student-reported SAT score is 1340, and the average ACT score at West Lafayette is reported at 32.

State test scores reported on Niche.com show that 80 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 83 percent in reading. The school also offers a gifted program for students and an extensive athletics program. Go Red Devils!

U.S. News ranks Indiana 35th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 17th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities (Muncie, Ind.)

3. Signature School (Evansville, Ind.)

4. Carmel High School (Carmel, Ind.)

5. Munster High School (Munster, Ind.)

Iowa: Ames High School

Ames High School is Iowa’s highest-rated public school, and it is also the only high school operating in Ames. It has 1,270 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to one. Ames students report that the average SAT score is 1400, and the average ACT score is 27. The school offers a program for gifted students and has an extensive music program. Some notable alumni include: Pulitzer Prize winner Robert L. Bartley and former Chicago Bulls Head Coach Fred Hoiberg.

U.S. News ranks Iowa fifth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked eighth out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. West Senior High School (Iowa City, Iowa)

3. Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf, Iowa)

4. Iowa City High School (Iowa City, Iowa)

5. Valley High School (Des Moines, Iowa)

Kansas: Blue Valley North High School

The highest-rated public high school in the Sunflower State, according to Niche.com, is Overland Park’s Blue Valley North High School. With 1,514 students, there are approximately 17 students per teacher. However, according to Niche.com, the state test scores show that only 56 percent of those students are at least proficient in math and 58 percent in reading. The average student reported SAT score at Blue Valley is 1400, with the average ACT score reported at 30.

Blue Valley also has a gifted program and a competitive robotics team. Their colors are navy, silver and white, and they root on the Mustangs at sporting events.

U.S. News ranks Kansas 21st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 27th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Blue Valley High School (Overland Park, Kan.)

3. Blue Valley Northwest High School (Overland Park, Kan.)

4. Blue Valley West High School (Overland Park, Kan.)

5. Shawnee Mission East High School (Prairie Village, Kan.)

Kentucky: DuPont Manual High School

The top-rated public high school in the Bluegrass State is DuPont Manual High School. The A+ rated, public, magnet school in Louisville sits in a three-story gothic building built in 1934 and has 1,895 students The average reported SAT score is 1390, and the average reported ACT score is 29. DuPont Manual also boasts a gifted program for students and was declared a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. News ranks Kentucky 34th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 24th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Highlands High School (Fort Thomas, Ky.)

3. Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell, Ky.)

4. Lafayette High School (Lexington, Ky.)

5. Henry Clay High School (Lexington, Ky.)

Louisiana: Benjamin Franklin High School

The best public high school in the Bayou State is Benjamin Franklin High School, located in New Orleans. The school was founded in 1957 as a school for the gifted and has 901 students, with about 16 students per teacher. The average student-reported SAT score is 1360, and the average student-reported ACT score is 29. Benjamin Franklin was ranked 81st in the nation in 2018 by U.S. News.

U S. News ranks Louisiana 49th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 45th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Louisiana School for Math, Science & The Arts (Natchitoches, La.)

3. Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie, La.)

4. Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson, La.)

5. Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)

Maine: Maine School of Science & Mathematics

The top public high school in the Pine Tree State is the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. It is one of the few public boarding schools in the U.S., and serves grades 9-12, with a co-ed summer program for grades 5-9.The school is located in the city of Limestone, has only 149 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of seven to one. The average reported SAT score is 1400, and the average reported ACT score is 30. According to U.S. News, the school has a 100 percent graduation rate — wow, impressive!

U.S. News ranks Maine 19th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked sixth out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Cape Elizabeth High School (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)

3. Falmouth High School (Falmouth, Maine)

4. Yarmouth High School (Yarmouth, Maine)

5. Greely High School (Cumberland, Maine)

Maryland: Poolesville High School

Poolesville High School, home of the Falcons, is Maryland’s top public high school. The A+ magnet school in the city of Poolesville has 1,205 students. The average reported SAT score is 1390, and the average reported ACT score is 31. Poolesville earned U.S. News’ Gold Medal ranking in its 2018 rankings. Its colors are black and Vegas gold.

U.S. News ranks Maryland 11th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 13th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Winston Churchill High School (Potomac, Md.)

3. Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda, Md.)

4. Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville, Md.)

5. River Hill High School (Clarksville, Md.)

Massachusetts: Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

The Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science (MAMS) is one of the top high schools in the country, and the top-rated public high school in the Codfish State. Many students graduating from this high school go on to attend Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two of the best universities in the nation, if not the world. The magnet school is located in the city of Worcester and only has 98 students in grades 11 and 12. MAMS students report that the average SAT score is 1470, and the average ACT score is 34 — arguably some of the top test scores for both public and private schools, nationally.

U.S. News ranks Massachusetts first out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked first out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Lexington High School (Lexington, Mass.)

3. Boston Latin School (Boston)

4. Brookline High School (Brookline, Mass.)

5. Wayland High School (Wayland, Mass.)

Michigan: International Academy

International Academy is Michigan’s highest-ranked public high school. International Academy, located in Bloomfield Hills, has 1,371 students. The average student-reported SAT score is 1390, and the average ACT score is 32. The International Academy has three campuses, is ranked No. 30 on U.S. News’ national ranking for the best high schools in the nation and has the No. 1 IB program for high schoolers in the nation.

U.S. News ranks Michigan 36th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 21st out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Troy High School (Troy, Mich.)

3. International Academy - Okma Campus (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)

4. Novi High School (Novi, Mich.)

5. Okemos High School (Okemos, Mich.)

Minnesota: Minnetonka Senior High School

Minnetonka Senior High School is Minnesota’s top public high school and is located in the city of Minnetonka. The school has more than 3,200 students and offers Chinese and Spanish immersion, advanced computer coding and other advanced programs for its students. Students report that the average SAT is score is 1360, and the average ACT is 29. The school’s colors are royal blue and white, and their mascot is the skipper.

U.S. News ranks Minnesota 13th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked seventh out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Wayzata High School (Plymouth, Minn.)

3. Edina Senior High School (Edina, Minn.)

4. Eden Prairie Senior High School (Eden Prairie, Minn.)

5. Mounds View Senior High School (Arden Hills, Minn.)

Mississippi: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

The top-rated public high school in the Magnolia State is the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). MSMS is one of the few residential, public high schools in the country, where some of the most gifted students in the Magnolia State spend their last two years in high school living and studying. Students report the average SAT score to be 1360, and the average ACT is 30.

U.S. News ranks Mississippi 46th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 47th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Oxford High School (Oxford, Miss.)

3. Lewisburg High School (Olive Branch, Miss.)

4. Ocean Springs High School (Ocean Springs, Miss.)

5. Madison Central High School (Madison, Miss.)

Missouri: Clayton High School

Clayton High School is Missouri’s top-rated public school. It is also the only high school in the school district of Clayton. The school has 870 students and approximately 11 students per teacher. Students report their average SAT score is 1330, and their average ACT score is 29. Their colors are blue and orange, so go Greyhounds!

U.S. News ranks Missouri 25th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 27th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Lafayette High School (Wildwood, Mo.)

3. Kirkwood Senior High School (Kirkwood, Mo.)

4. Ladue Horton Watkins High School (St. Louis)

5. Marquette Senior High School (Chesterfield, Mo.)

Montana: Bozeman High School

Bozeman High School is the top-rated public high school in Montana and the second oldest in the state. The school, named after the city it’s located in, has 1,989 students and 17 students per teacher. The average reported SAT score is 1290, and the average reported ACT score is 27. It’s also reported the best high school for sports in the state. Students cheer on the Hawks, proudly wearing the red and black school colors.

U.S. News ranks Montana 22nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 10th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Choteau High School (Choteau, Mont.)

3. Hellgate High School (Missoula, Mont.)

4. Whitefish High School (Whitefish, Mont.)

5. Lincoln County High School (Eureka, Mont.)

Nebraska: Millard North High School

Millard North High School is Nebraska’s top-rated public high school. It has 2,529 students, and according to state test scores, 79 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 88 percent, in reading. The average reported SAT score is 1360, and the average reported ACT score is 28. It is one of only three high schools in Nebraska that have been approved for the IB program. The school colors are blue and silver with a splash of green, and their mascot is the mustangs.

U.S. News ranks Nebraska ninth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 15th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Elkhorn South High School (Omaha, Neb.)

3. Elkhorn High School (Elkhorn, Neb.)

4. Lincoln East High School (Lincoln, Neb.)

5. Millard West High School (Omaha, Neb.)

Nevada: The Davidson Academy

The Davidson Academy is a one-of-a-kind public elementary and high school on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Not surprisingly, it’s Nevada’s top-rated public high school. It is the only public middle and high school for students who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ and achievement tests. Davidson also has an accredited, full-time online campus to serve profoundly gifted students living anywhere in the U.S.

The average reported SAT score is 1510, and the average reported ACT score is 34 — some of the top test scores in the nation for public or private schools. Students cheer on their beloved Bears in maroon, black and white colors.

U.S. News ranks Nevada 44th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 49th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Advanced Technologies Academy (Las Vegas)

3. West Career & Technical Academy (Las Vegas)

4. Academy of Art Careers & Technology (Reno, Nevada)

5. Reno High School (Reno, Nevada)

New Hampshire: Hanover High School

Hanover High School is New Hampshire’s highest-rated public high school. Hanover High, located in the city of Hanover, has 691 students and 11 students per teacher. Students report their average SAT score is 1340, and the average ACT score is 31. Hanover students have high levels of participation in different clubs and sports teams. Their colors are maroon and white, and the school mascot is the marauder (a raider or pirate).

U.S. News ranks New Hampshire fourth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked second out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Academy for Science & Design High School (Nashua, N.H.)

3. Bedford High School (Bedford, N.H.)

4. Oyster River High School (Durham, N.H.)

5. Hollis-Brookline High School (Hollis, N.H.)

New Jersey: Bergen County Academies

Bergen County Academies is New Jersey’s highest-rated public high school. The A+ rated magnet school in Hackensack has 1,059 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11 students per teacher. The average SAT score is 1450, and the average ACT score is reported to be 33. The Bergen County Academy Knights’ colors are black, Vegas gold and white, and the school belongs to the Big North Conference.

U.S. News ranks New Jersey second out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked third out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. High Technology High School (Lincroft, N.J.)

3. Union County Magnet High School (Scotch Plains, N.J.)

4. OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (Manahawkin, N.J.)

5. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School (Jersey City, N.J.)

New Mexico: Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science

Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science is New Mexico’s top-rated public high school. The charter school, located in Albuquerque, has 356 students spanning grades 6-12. According to state test scores, 77 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 83 percent, in reading. The average reported SAT score is 1320, and the average reported ACT score is 28. A whopping 100 percent of students are enrolled in Advanced Placement Math and Science classes.

U.S. News ranks New Mexico 50th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked 50th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Los Alamos High School (Los Alamos, N.M.)

3. La Cueva High School (Albuquerque, N.M.)

4. Academy for Technology & the Classics (Santa Fe, N.M.)

5. Cottonwood Classical Preparatory Academy (Albuquerque, N.M.)

New York: Stuyvesant High School

New York State’s Stuyvesant High School, located in lower Manhattan, is one of the top schools on this list and is the top-rated public high school in the Big Apple. Locals refer to the school as "Stuy." This college prep school has 3,328 students, with an average SAT score of 1470 and an average ACT score of 33. The school’s mascot is the Peglegs, and its colors are blue and red. Fun fact: Actors Tim Robbins and Lucy Liu went to school here.

U.S. News ranks New York 23rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 31st out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Staten Island Technical High School (Staten Island, N.Y.)

3. Bronx High School of Science (Bronx, N.Y.)

4. Townsend Harris High School (Flushing, N.Y.)

5. Great Neck South High School (Great Neck, N.Y.)

North Carolina: Raleigh Charter High School

Raleigh Charter High School is North Carolina’s top-rated public high school. The charter school in Raleigh has 561 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 13 students to one teacher. Raleigh Charter students report that their average SAT score is 1380, and the average ACT score is 31. Raleigh Charter’s mascot is the phoenix, which sports colors of lapis, lazuli and silver.

U.S. News ranks North Carolina 16th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 23rd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. The Early College at Guilford (Greensboro, N.C.)

3. East Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

4. Green Hope High School (Cary, N.C.)

5. Carrboro High School (Carrboro, N.C.)

North Dakota: Fargo Davies High School

Fargo Davies High School is North Dakota’s top-rated public school, located in the city of Fargo. Fargo Davies has 1,210 students in grades 9-12, and approximately 16 students per teacher. According to state test scores, 58 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 77 percent, in reading. Of importance, the school has high athletic participation rates — go Bald Eagles!

U.S. News ranks North Dakota 10th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 28th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. North High School (Fargo, N.D.)

3. Red River High School (Grand Forks, N.D.)

4. Park River High School (Park River, N.D.)

5. Century High School (Bismarck, N.D.)

Ohio: Dublin Jerome High School

Dublin Jerome High School is Ohio’s top-rated public high school. It has 1,563 students in grades 9-12. Fans of the school root on its mascot — the Celtic warrior — in the colors of forest green and Vegas gold.

U.S. News ranks Ohio 41st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 36th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Solon High School (Solon, Ohio)

3. Dublin Coffman High School (Dublin, Ohio)

4. Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati)

5. William Mason High School (Mason, Ohio)

Oklahoma: Booker T. Washington High School

Located in Tulsa, Booker T. Washington High School is Oklahoma’s best-ranking public high school. It has 1,325 students, and the average reported SAT score is 1250, with an average ACT score of 26. Booker T. has an active student body — go Hornets! — and the school’s colors are orange and black. Built in 1913, the school has a fascinating history, including leading the school district’s desegregation program in the 1970s.

U.S. News ranks Oklahoma 39th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 42nd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (Oklahoma City)

3. Classen School of Advanced Studies (Oklahoma City)

4. Memorial High School (Edmond, Okla.)

5. Harding Charter Preparatory High School (Oklahoma City)

Oregon: South Eugene High School

South Eugene High School is the top-rated public high school in the Beaver State and is located in the city of Eugene. It has 1,447 students, and state test scores show 79 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 87 percent, in reading. South Eugene students report that the average SAT score is 1310, and the average ACT score is 30. The school has both IB and gifted programs available for students, who wear purple and white to show school pride.

U.S. News ranks Oregon 33rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 37th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Lake Oswego Senior High School (Lake Oswego, Ore.)

3. School of Science & Technology (Beaverton, Ore.)

4. Riverdale High School (Portland, Ore.)

5. West Linn High School (West Linn, Ore.)

Pennsylvania: Conestoga Senior High School

Conestoga Senior High School is the best public high school in the Coal State. It has 2,062 students who report that the average SAT score is 1310, and the average ACT score is 30. Locals refer to the school as “Stoga”. The school’s mascot is the pioneer and its colors are maroon and grey.

U.S. News ranks Pennsylvania 38th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 11th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)

3. Radnor Senior High School (Radnor, Pa.)

4. Harriton Senior High School (Rosemont, Pa.)

5. Strath Haven High School (Wallingford, Pa.)

Rhode Island: Barrington High School

Barrington High School is the Ocean State’s top-rated public high school serving 1,028 students. State test scores show 54 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 76 percent, in reading. The average student-reported SAT score is 1280, and the average student-reported ACT score is 29. The school colors are blue and gold, and its mascot is the rather-patriotic eagle.

U.S. News ranks Rhode Island 27th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked ninth out of 50 states for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich, R.I.)

3. Classical High School (Providence, R.I.)

4. Narragansett High School (Narragansett, R.I.)

5. Portsmouth High School (Portsmouth, R.I.)

South Carolina: Academic Magnet High School

Academic Magnet High School is South Carolina’s top-rated public high school. The North Charleston magnet school has 647 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15 students per teacher. The average student-reported SAT score is 1370, and the average student-reported ACT score is 32. Romulus the raptor is the school mascot.

U.S. News ranks South Carolina 48th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 43rd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (Hartsville, S.C.)

3. Spring Hill High School (Chapin, S.C.)

4. Wando High School (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.)

5. Governor's School for Arts & Humanities (Greenville, S.C.)

South Dakota: Brandon Valley High School

Brandon Valley High School is South Dakota’s best public high school, and it serves 1,024 students. State test scores show that only 59 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 77 percent, in reading. Brandon Valley students report that the average SAT score is 1330, and the average ACT score is 27. Students rank musicals, talent shows and state games as their favorite school events. School colors are red and black, and the lynx is the school’s mascot.

U.S. News ranks South Dakota 17th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 22nd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls, S.D.)

3. Brookings High School (Brookings, S.D.)

4. Washington High School (Sioux Falls, S.D.)

5. Stevens High School (Rapid City, S.D.)

Tennessee: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School is the top-rated public high school in the Volunteer State. Located in Nashville, Hume-Fogg has 903 students, who have an average SAT score of 1330 and an average reported ACT score of 29. The school offers an IB program for students, and its mascot is the blue knight.

U.S. News ranks Tennessee 28th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 29th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

3. Brentwood High School (Brentwood, Tenn.)

4. Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, Tenn.)

5. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (Nashville, Tenn.)

Texas: Liberal Arts & Science Academy

The Liberal Arts & Science Academy is the Lone Star State’s highest-rated public high school. The Austin magnet school has 1,016 students in grades 9-12. Students report that their average SAT score is 1400, and their average ACT score is 32. Locally known as “LASA,” the school’s color is purple, and the nautilus is its mascot.

U.S. News ranks Texas 37th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 33rd out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. School of Science & Engineering (Dallas)

3. School for the Talented & Gifted (Dallas)

4. Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston)

5. Westlake High School (Austin, Texas)

Utah: Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy

Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy is the Beehive State’s highest-rated public high school. The charter school in the city of Lindon has 639 students in grades 7-12. State test scores show just 62 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 57 percent in reading. Students rank “Winterim,” spirit week and spirit bowl as their top three annual events. The school colors are navy, gold and white, and students cheer on the lions.

U.S. News ranks Utah third out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 20th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (Layton, Utah)

3. Beehive Science & Technology Academy (Sandy, Utah)

4. Park City High School (Park City, Utah)

5. Skyline High School (Salt Lake City))

Vermont: South Burlington High School

South Burlington High School is Vermont’s top-rated public high school, serving 881 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12 students per teacher. State test scores show 60 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 82 percent, in reading. South Burlington ranks No. 30 for athletics, statewide.

U.S. News ranks Vermont eighth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked fourth out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Champlain Valley Union High School (Hinesburg, Vt.)

3. Stowe Middle/High School (Stowe, Vt.)

4. Montpelier High School (Montpelier, Vt.)

5. Essex High School (Essex Junction, Vt.)

Virginia: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Another school at the top of our list is the Thomas Jefferson (TJ) High School for Science & Technology — the Old Dominion’s top-rated public school. The magnet school located in Alexandria has 1,823 students. TJ students report that their average SAT score is 1510, and the average ACT score is 34. The school colors are red, white and navy.

U.S. News ranks Virginia 12th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked 12th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Maggie Walker Governor's School (Richmond, Va.)

3. McLean High School (McLean, Va.)

4. Woodson High School (Fairfax, Va.)

5. Oakton High School (Vienna, Va.)

Washington: Tesla STEM High School

Tesla STEM High School is Washington’s top-rated public high school. The alternative magnet school is located in Redmond and has 561 students. Tesla students report that the average SAT score is 1340, and the average ACT is 33. Among many partnerships, Tesla receives support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, launched by the late co-founder of Microsoft. Tesla STEM’s school colors are blue, white and green.

U.S. News ranks Washington sixth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 26th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Interlake Senior High School (Bellevue, Wash.)

3. International Community School (Kirkland, Wash.)

4. Newport Senior High School (Bellevue, Wash.)

5. Bellevue High School (Bellevue, Wash.)

West Virginia: Morgantown High School

Morgantown High School is the best-rated public school in the Mountain State. The school, located in Morgantown, has 1,808 students. According to state test scores, 40 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 63 percent, in reading. Students report that the average SAT score is 1260, and the average ACT score is 26. The school’s colors are red and blue — go Mohigans!

U.S. News ranks West Virginia 45th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 41st out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. George Washington High School (Charleston, W.Va.)

3. Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport, W.Va.)

4. Wheeling Park High School (Wheeling, W.Va.)

5. University High School (Morgantown, W.Va.)

Wisconsin: Whitefish Bay High School

Whitefish Bay High School is the state’s best-rated public high school, serving 954 students. State test scores show that 76 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 80 percent, in reading. Whitefish Bay students report that the average SAT score is 1350, and the average ACT score is 28. The school’s mascot is the Blue Duke, and its colors are blue and grey.

U.S. News ranks Wisconsin 18th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 16th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Homestead High School (Mequon, Wis.)

3. Central High School (Brookfield, Wis.)

4. Shorewood High School (Shorewood, Wis.)

5. East High School (Brookfield, Wis.)

Wyoming: Big Horn High School

Big Horn High School is the Cowboy State’s top-rated public high school. It serves 146 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of just 11 students per teacher. According to state test scores, 75 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 65 percent, in reading. There is no reported data for the average SAT scores, and the average reported ACT score is 26. The school mascot is the rams, and the school’s colors are maroon and gold.

U.S. News ranks Wyoming 15th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 34th out of 50 for K-12.

Runners-Up:

2. Jackson Hole High School (Jackson, Wyo.)

3. Burlington High School (Burlington, Wyo.)

4. Shoshoni High School (Shoshoni, Wyo.)

5. Sheridan High School (Sheridan, Wyo.)