The most prestigious high schools in the U.S. stand out because of their impressive academic practices, top-notch faculty, and abundant resources that create a high-achieving environment. These schools offer advanced classes like AP and IB courses and provide students with a higher chance to dive into subjects and gain college-level knowledge.
The teachers are often experts in their fields, bringing a wealth of experience to the classroom. You’ll also find state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technology, and a wide range of extracurricular activities from sports to the arts providing a well-rounded education.
In this blog, we list down and describe the most prestigious high school in America and identify why it is considered a prestigious school.
The Most Prestigious High Schools in America
- Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
- Founded: 1781
- Annual Tuition: $50,604 – $64,789
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Average SAT Score: 1450
- Average ACT Score: 33
Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most prestigious high schools in the U.S., has led secondary education since 1781. Known for its intensive academics and esteemed faculty, Exeter boasts an impressive alumni network that includes U.S. Presidents, senators, Nobel laureates, and industry leaders. The academy often ranks among the top high schools in publications like Forbes and Niche.
Exeter’s teaching approach centres on the Harkness method, which emphasizes discussion-based learning and critical thinking. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 5:1, students get personalized attention in a supportive academic environment. Nearly 50% of students receive financial aid, making Exeter accessible to a diverse group. The average financial aid provided by the school is around $51,000.
The academy’s average SAT scores exceed 1450, and ACT scores are above 33. This high academic standard shows why Exeter is the most prestigious high school in America. With a history of over two centuries and a commitment to excellence, Phillips Exeter Academy continues to prepare students for college and future success.
- Location: Andover, Massachusetts
- Founded: 1778
- Annual Tuition: $53,950 – $69,600
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Average SAT Score: 1490
- Average ACT Score: 33
Phillips Academy Andover, founded in 1778, is one of the most prestigious high schools in the U.S. due to its academic excellence. The school also produced influential alumni through its comprehensive programs. Consistently ranked among the top high schools by Forbes, Niche, and The Wall Street Journal, Andover is known worldwide for its curriculum, faculty, and holistic approach to education.
Andover’s alumni network includes Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, senators, and leaders in business, science, and the arts. The school offers many AP courses and a unique Independent Projects Program for in-depth studies. With a student-to-teacher ratio of about 5:1, students receive personalized attention in an environment where they are supported and encouraged.
The average SAT score is around 1490, and ACT scores exceed 33, which reflects its high academic performance. Around 45% of students receive financial aid with an average of $43,000 grant. This provides more students from different walks of life a chance to be a part of the Andover experience.
3. Harvard-Westlake School
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded: 1900
- Annual Tuition: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Average SAT Score: 1450
- Average ACT Score: 33
Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, California, is a prestigious high school in the U.S. Known for its exceptional academics, and alumni with wide-ranging influence, it consistently ranks among private top high schools in the US, according to Niche and The Washington Post. Formed in 1991 by merging Harvard School and Westlake School for Girls, Harvard-Westlake is known for its curriculum with a broad selection of AP courses and extensive extracurricular activities. Despite what its name may suggest, the prestigious school is not affiliated with Harvard University.
The school’s alumni include leaders in entertainment, business, and politics, such as actor Jake Gyllenhaal, producer Jason Blum, and NBA player Jason Collins. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 8:1, Harvard-Westlake students are expected to be independent and curious but still fully supported by its world-class faculty.
The Average SAT scores exceed 1450, and ACT scores are above 33. Nearly 20% of students receive financial aid at Harvard-Westlake with an average of $31,000 in financial aid.
4. Bishop Gorman High School
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Founded: 1954
- Annual Tuition: $15,700
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Average SAT Score: 1230
- Average ACT Score: 26
Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a prestigious private Catholic high school in the U.S. Established in 1954, it is known for academic excellence and a strong athletic program. It consistently ranks highly among private high schools, especially within the Catholic community, and is recognized for its intense academic practices and state-of-the-art facilities.
Notable alumni include NFL players DeMarco Murray and Ronnie Stanley, and MLB player Joey Gallo. The school’s athletic program is especially renowned, with the football team winning multiple state and national championships. Academically, Bishop Gorman offers many AP courses and has a high college acceptance rate, with graduates attending top universities nationwide, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. In fact, upon graduation, 98% of students from this school proceed to enroll in a four-year college.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 14:1, Bishop Gorman provides personalized attention and support. The school promotes a strong sense of community and faith as it is a Catholic school. Average SAT scores are around 1230, and ACT scores are 26.
5. De La Salle High School
- Location: Concord, California
- Founded: 1965
- Annual Tuition: $23,500
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Average SAT Score: 1260
- Average ACT Score: 27
De La Salle High School in Concord, California, is a prestigious all-boys Catholic high school in the U.S. Founded in 1965, it is known for academic excellence, faith-based education, and an exceptional athletic program. Highly ranked among the top high schools in the US, especially in the Catholic system, De La Salle offers a world-class curriculum implemented by dedicated faculty.
The school’s athletic program, particularly in football, is a major contributor to its prestige. The football team gained national fame with a 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2004, the longest in high school sports history. This achievement has been featured in books and films, earning the school widespread recognition. Notable alumni include NFL players Maurice Jones-Drew and T.J. Ward.
Academically, De La Salle offers numerous AP courses and a strong college preparatory program, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school’s average graduation rate is 100%. The student-to-faculty ratio here is about 15:1. The average SAT scores are around 1260, and ACT scores are 27, which reflects the school’s high academic standards.
6. Mater Dei High School
- Location: Santa Ana, California
- Annual Tuition: $18,200 – $19,650
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Average SAT Score: 1300
- Average ACT Score: 28
Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, is another prestigious Catholic high schools in the U.S. Established in 1950, Mater Dei is known for academic excellence and a strong athletic tradition. It consistently ranks among the top private high schools in the US and offers a top-notch curriculum with extensive extracurricular programs.
The school’s notable alumni include professional athletes like Matt Leinart, Reggie Geary, Stanley Johnson, and Olympic swimmer Jessica Hardy. Mater Dei’s football and basketball programs are nationally renowned, with multiple state and national championships. The football team has been ranked #1 in the nation multiple times, and the basketball team regularly competes at the highest levels.
Mater Dei offers many AP courses and a strong college preparatory program, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 15:1 for personalized attention. Average SAT scores are around 1300, and ACT scores are 28. Mater Dei also offers extensive financial aid, ensuring access for a diverse range of students. The school’s average financial aid is around $5,000.
- Location: Bronx, New York
- Founded: 1887
- Annual Tuition: $61,900
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Average SAT Score: 1400
- Average ACT Score: 32
Horace Mann School in the Bronx, New York, is one of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. It was founded in 1887 and is mostly renowned for academic excellence and holistic education. Consistently ranked among the top private high schools by publications like Forbes and Niche, Horace Mann offers a wide range of AP and honors courses to prepare students for higher education.
The school boasts a rather influential alumni network, including Attorney General William Barr, author and screenwriter Noah Baumbach, and former U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power. Horace Mann emphasizes intellectual curiosity and academic achievement, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and diverse extracurricular programs in robotics, debate, athletics, and performing arts.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 8:1, Horace Mann ensures personalized attention in a supportive environment. The school’s strong financial aid program promotes a diverse and inclusive community with 17% of those who get accepted receiving financial aid. Recent average SAT scores exceed 1400, and ACT scores are above 32, reflecting the high academic standards. With an average of 100% graduation rate, its graduates frequently attend top-tier universities such as Cornell and Brown University.
8. Dalton School
- Location: New York, New York
- Founded: 1919
- Annual Tuition: $61,120
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Average SAT Score: 1450
- Average ACT Score: 33
The Dalton School in New York City was founded in 1919 by Helen Parkhurst. It is known for its innovative educational approach, the Dalton Plan, which emphasizes individualized learning, independent study, and collaboration. Consistently ranked among the top private schools by Forbes and Niche, Dalton has a strong academic performance and an influential alumni roster.
Its alumni include journalist Anderson Cooper, actress Claire Danes, and former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Dalton offers a curriculum with many AP and honors courses, along with unique electives. Recent average SAT scores exceed 1450, and ACT scores are above 33.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 7:1, it makes sure that the Dalton Plan is efficiently implemented. The school features state-of-the-art facilities and extensive extracurricular programs in robotics, debate, athletics, and performing arts.
9. DeMatha Catholic High School
- Location: Hyattsville, Maryland
- Founded: 1946
- Annual Tuition: $21,950
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Average SAT Score: 1450
- Average ACT Score: 33
DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, is one of the most prestigious Catholic high schools in the U.S., known for its strong academics, faith-based extra-curriculars and exceptional athletics. Founded in 1946 by the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, DeMatha consistently ranks among the top Catholic high schools, as noted by Niche and The Washington Post.
DeMatha’s athletic program, especially basketball, is nationally renowned, producing NBA players like Adrian Dantley, Victor Oladipo, and Markelle Fultz. The school has won numerous state and national championships in basketball and has a successful football program with many alumni playing in college and professional leagues.
Academically, DeMatha offers a competitive college preparatory curriculum with many AP courses. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1, students receive personalized attention. Recent average SAT scores are around 1250, and ACT scores are 27. The school emphasizes the arts, community service, and spiritual development as part of a holistic education.
DeMatha’s financial aid program ensures diverse students can access its top-tier education. The school has a high college acceptance rate of 82%, with graduates attending universities nationwide.
10. Notre Dame Senior High
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded: 1947
- Annual Tuition: $21,950 – $22,450
- Student-to-faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Average SAT Score: 1250
- Average ACT Score: 28
Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles was established in 1947 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame is known for its academics and strong extracurricular programs. It consistently ranks highly among California private schools.
The school has produced distinguished alumni like actress Kirsten Dunst, musician Dave Grohl, and NBA player Arron Afflalo. Notre Dame’s strong performing arts program has produced many successful actors, musicians, and artists. Its athletic program is also highly competitive, with several teams winning league and state championships.
Academically, Notre Dame offers many AP and honors courses, preparing students well for college. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of about 14:1 with an average SAT score of 1250, and ACT scores of 28, reflecting high academic standards. Notre Dame’s holistic education emphasizes community service, leadership development, and spiritual growth, which are important parts of the school experience. Many of its graduates go on to study at prestigious schools such as USC, UCLA, and UC Berkeley.
What are the advantages of getting into top high schools in the US?
Attending these top high schools in the United States offers a lot of advantages that will significantly enhance a student’s educational experience and future opportunities. Here are five specific benefits:
1. Academic Excellence and Advanced Coursework
Top high schools provide intensive academic programs, including a wide range of AP and IB courses. For instance, Phillips Exeter Academy offers over 450 courses, many at an advanced level, to prepare high school students for college. Students from top high schools score significantly higher on standardized tests, with Phillips Exeter’s average SAT score above 1450 compared to the national average of about 1060.
2. Exceptional Faculty and Resources
The most prestigious high school in America can attract highly qualified teachers, many with advanced degrees. For example, at Horace Mann School, over 70% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. These schools offer cutting-edge science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities, which ensure high-quality education.
3. College Admissions Advantage
Graduates from top high schools have a higher acceptance rate to prestigious colleges and universities. Harvard-Westlake School reports that over 90% of its graduates attend colleges ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report. Intensive academic preparation and strong college counseling services provided by these top schools give students a significant edge in college admissions.
4. Networking Opportunities
Top high schools offer extensive networking opportunities through their alumni networks, which include leaders in various fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. For example, Phillips Academy Andover’s alumni network includes former U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies which provided valuable mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.
5. Holistic Development and Extracurricular Activities
The most prestigious high schools emphasize well-rounded development by offering a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service programs. For example, De La Salle High School’s football program is nationally recognized, and its students engage in various leadership and service initiatives.
Participation in these activities helps students develop essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for success in college and beyond.
These advantages ensure that students at top high schools are well-prepared for higher education and future careers, making these institutions highly sought after by families seeking the best educational opportunities for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in the US?
Determining the “best” high school in the US can be subjective and depends on criteria like academic rigor, college placement rates, faculty qualifications, facilities, and extracurricular offerings. However, based on consistent rankings and reputation, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, is often considered one of the top and most prestigious high schools in the country.
What is the richest high school in America?
The richest high school in America, in terms of endowment and financial resources, is Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. It has an endowment exceeding $1.3 billion. This financial strength supports extensive investments in facilities, programs, and financial aid. The annual tuition is approximately $61,000 for boarding students and $48,000 for day students, but nearly 50% of students receive financial aid. The school is able to grant such financial support because of its massive endowment.
What is the oldest private school in the US?
The oldest private school in the United States is Collegiate School, located in New York City. Collegiate School was founded in 1628, making it the oldest independent school in the country. It was established by the Dutch West India Company and the Classis of Amsterdam, initially serving the children of Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam, which is present-day New York City.
What is the oldest public high school in the US?
The oldest public high school in the United States is Boston Latin School, located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded on April 23, 1635, making it the oldest public school in America. Established to provide classical education similar to that of English grammar schools, Boston Latin originally aimed to prepare students for admission to Harvard College. The school’s curriculum focused heavily on the study of Latin and Greek, along with classical literature and philosophy.
What is the most prestigious public high school in America?
Determining the “most prestigious” public high school in America can be subjective, but one school that is frequently cited as among the most prestigious is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria, Virginia.
TJHSST consistently ranks at the top of national high school rankings by publications such as U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. It is often recognized as the best public high school in the nation due to its academic achievements and student performance.
