The 10 Best Public High Schools in the United States: 2026 Report

The american best high schools rankings are a comprehensive list of the top performing public high schools in the United States the rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia the rankings Encompass Traditional High Schools as well as Charter magnet and science technology engineering and math focused schools so in this article we are going to discuss us news 10 best public high schools in USA the article is going to be amazing make sure to stick till’.

Top 10 -Ranked Schools in America 2026: The Definitive List

1.The Early College at Guilford

Detail	Information
Address	5608 W Friendly Ave, Greensboro, NC 27410, United States
National Ranking	16 Overall; 4 in STEM (U.S.)
Founded	2002
Schedule	9:20 AM – 4:20 PM
Mascot	Phoenix
Enrollment (2023–2024)	192 students
Colors	Black, Maroon
Coordinates	36°05′43″N 79°53′24″W / 36.0953°N 79.8901°W
CEEB Code	341594
Phone	+1 336-316-2860
Student-to-Teacher Ratio	22.59

College at Guilford The Early College at Guilford is a tuition-free public high school and Community College in Greensboro North Carolina it is a partnership between Guilford College and the Gil County Schools the school offers a rigorous academic program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associates degree in 2 years the Early College at Guilford is a nationally recognized School.

Signature School

Signature school is a public Magnet School located in Evanston Illinois it was founded in 2005 and is one of the top ranked high schools in the state the school offers a rigorous academic program as well as a variety of extracurricular activities signature school is known for its strong focus on stem education and its students have consistently been accepted to top colleges and universities.

School for Advanced Studies

Detail	Information
Located In	Miami Dade College Kendall Campus
Address	11011 SW 104th St T-301, Miami, FL 33176, United States
Campus	Urban
Founded	1988
Mascot	White Tiger
Colors	White, Blue
School Type	High School
Principal	Omar Monteagudo
School District	Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Phone	+1 305-237-0510

Studies a school for advanced studies is a type of school that offers specialized courses and programs for students who have already completed their undergraduate education these schools typically offer Master’s and doctoral degrees as well as professional degrees such as law.

Payton College Prep

Attribute	Details
Address	1034 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
Principal	Fareeda J. Shabazz
National Ranking	Top USA Magnet High School (4th)
Mascot	Grizzlies
Founded	2000
Grades	9–12
Colors	Navy Blue, Orange
School Types	Secondary School, State School, Magnet School
Number of Students	1,226 (2022–2023)
Motto	“Courage, Character, Curiosity, Compassion”
Phone	+1 773-534-0034

Preparatory High School pton College Preparatory High School also known as pton prep is a public Magnet High School located in the near north side of Chicago Illinois it is a part of the Chicago Public School System Payton prep was founded in 1886 and is one of the oldest public high schools in Chicago.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science Technology.

Attribute	Details
Address	6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312, United States
Founded	1985
Colors	White, Navy Blue, Red
School Types	High School, Magnet School
Phone	+1 703-750-8300

School for Science and Technology Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is a magnet school located in Fairfax County Virginia it is one of the most selective public high schools in the United States with an acceptance rate only 1% the school is known for its rigorous academics and its graduates have gone on to attend top universities such as Harvard Stanford.

The School for the Talented and Gifted

Talented and gifted the school for the talented and gifted is a fictional School in the book A Wrinkle In Time by Matt Leenlingle it is a boarded School for Children who are gifted in science math and the Arts the school is located on a planet called chot which is ruled by the evil it the children at the school are forced to study under its control and they are not allowed to leave the planet.

Tesla Stem High School

Attribute	Details
Address	4301 228th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98053, United States
Enrollment	609 (2022–23)
Founded	2012
Color	Green
Motto	Inspire, Educate, Innovate
Phone	+1 425-936-2770
Student-to-Teacher Ratio	20.51

Tesla stem High School is a public Magnet High School in Austin Texas United States it is a part of the Austin Independent School District and opened in August 2018 the school is named after Nicola Tesla a Serbian American inventor electrical engineer mechanical engineer.

Academic Magnet High School

Academic Magnet High School ranking is a magnet high school in Charleston South Carolina it is one of the highest rated high schools in the state and is known for its rigorous academic program the school offers a variety of advanced placement courses as well as honors and college level courses academic Magnet High School also has a strong focus on stem education it offers a variety of courses in science technology engineering and math the school students have a strong track record of success in college.

Oxford Academy

Oxford Academy is a co-educational secondary school with Academy status located in headington Oxford England it was formed in September 2011 by the merger of Oxford school and the trell school the school has approximately 1,800 students aged 11 to 18. oxford academy fees for pre-school and pre-primary at ₹5000, and for grades I–II at ₹4625. For the 2025–2026 academic year, another American institution costs between $\$45,000$ and $\$78,000$. You must be specific about the school you are interested in in order to receive accurate fee information.

The Davidson Academy of Nevada

Attribute	Details
Address	1164 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, United States
Mascot	Phoenix
Enrollment	182 (2024–25)
Founded	2006
School Type	State school
Colors	Grey, Maroon
Phone	+1 775-446-7778

Academy of Nevada the Davidson Academy of Nevada is a tuition-free public Magnet School in Reno Nevada United States it is a part of the Washo County School District and was founded in 2006 the school is named after Dr James Davidson a philanthropist who donated $10 million to the school’s construction the Davidson Academy of Nevada is a college preparatory school that offers a rigorous academic program. There are no tuition Fees at Reno, Nevada’s Davidson Academy, a free public school for exceptionally talented students in grades 6–12. Any university courses that students take beyond the requirements for graduation, however, are their responsibility and are covered by a need-based scholarship fund. There are expenses associated with other programs, such as the Davidson Explore online courses, which cost $1,200 for a full-year course in 2024–2025 and required a $100 application fee for non-Young Scholars.

Conclusion

The 2026 U.S. News Rankings highlight how America’s public education system continues to nurture brilliance, innovation, and leadership across diverse fields. From The Early College at Guilford to Payton College Prep, these top-performing schools have set exceptional standards in academics, extracurriculars, and college readiness.

Each institution stands as a model of excellence — whether through advanced STEM programs, dual-degree opportunities, or a commitment to holistic education. These schools not only shape the future of their students but also redefine what quality public education means in the United States.

As the education landscape evolves, the best high schools in America 2026 continue to prove that passion, perseverance, and purpose remain the true cornerstones of success.

FAQ – Top 10 Ranked Schools in America 2026

Q1: What is the basis for the 2026 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings?
The rankings evaluate nearly 25,000 public high schools across the United States, including traditional, charter, magnet, and STEM-focused schools. Criteria include academic performance, STEM programs, graduation rates, and college readiness.

Q2: Which schools are in the top 10 for 2026?
The top 10 ranked schools in 2026 are:

The Early College at Guilford, NC
Signature School, IL
School for Advanced Studies, FL
Payton College Prep, IL
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, VA
The School for the Talented and Gifted (fictional)
Tesla STEM High School, WA
Academic Magnet High School, SC
Oxford Academy, UK (included for reference)
The Davidson Academy of Nevada, NV

Q3: Are these schools public or private?
Most schools on the list are tuition-free public schools, including magnet schools and early colleges. Oxford Academy is an exception as a UK-based institution included for comparison.

Q4: Which schools focus on STEM education?
Schools with a strong STEM focus include:

The Early College at Guilford (STEM ranking 4th nationally)
Signature School, IL
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, VA
Tesla STEM High School, WA
Academic Magnet High School, SC

Q5: Which schools offer dual-degree or college credit programs?
The Early College at Guilford allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in 2 years. The Davidson Academy of Nevada offers advanced college-level courses for talented students.

Q6: What are some notable features of Payton College Prep?
Located in Chicago, IL, Payton Prep is a top-ranked Magnet High School known for its rigorous academics, strong STEM programs, and holistic student development. Its motto is “Courage, Character, Curiosity, Compassion.”

Q7: How selective are these schools?
Some schools are extremely competitive:

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, VA has an acceptance rate of only 1%.
Other magnet and STEM-focused schools also have rigorous admission criteria based on academic performance and entrance exams.

Q8: Are these schools tuition-free?
Yes, all listed public schools, including The Early College at Guilford, Tesla STEM High School, and Davidson Academy, are tuition-free. Some optional programs, like Davidson Explore online courses, may have additional costs.

Q9: How can I contact these schools?
Here are some key contacts:

The Early College at Guilford, NC: +1 336-316-2860
Signature School, IL: Check local district website
School for Advanced Studies, FL: +1 305-237-0510
Payton College Prep, IL: +1 773-534-0034
Thomas Jefferson HS, VA: +1 703-750-8300
Tesla STEM HS, WA: +1 425-936-2770
Davidson Academy, NV: +1 775-446-7778

Q10: Why are these schools ranked among the best in America?
These schools excel in academics, STEM education, extracurricular programs, college readiness, and student success. They serve as models of excellence, nurturing innovation, leadership, and holistic growth for students nationwide.