These 6 public high schools in New York are worth considering for students in the US
New York City, with its diverse student population and longstanding investment in gifted education, is home to some of the most prestigious public high schools in the country. These institutions do more than prepare students for college, they foster communities that value innovation, student voice, and academic intensity.
According to
Niche
, an independent platform that ranks schools based on academics, student life, and college readiness, several public high schools in New York stand out for their exceptional performance and well-rounded student experience.
Here are six public high schools in New York that are worth considering for students across the US.
Stuyvesant High School
Location:
Manhattan
Student-Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Often regarded as the crown jewel of New York's specialised high schools, Stuyvesant High School consistently ranks at number 1 among public high schools in the state. With math and reading proficiency levels at 99% and 98% respectively, it's no surprise that the academic reputation is formidable.
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But what makes Stuyvesant stand out is its dynamic student culture. 94% of students report feeling safe, and nearly 80% say they feel happy at school.
Signature events like SING! and Club Pub Fair foster a sense of belonging in a high-pressure academic environment. With over 100 clubs and one of the most advanced STEM curricula in the public school system, Stuyvesant is a compelling option for high-achieving students nationwide.
Bronx High School of Science
Location:
Bronx
Student-Teacher Ratio:
20:1
A longtime rival to Stuyvesant, Bronx Science is another elite institution that merges academic rigor with a tradition of excellence. Known for its Nobel Prize-winning alumni and research-focused programs, the school ranks number 2 in New York and number 1 for public high school teachers across the state. Students here are both intellectually driven and community-oriented, with annual events like Spirit Week and Spork Wars adding balance to a packed academic schedule.
While 86% of students say they feel safe and 74% feel happy, it's the competitive atmosphere and strong college prep support that attract families from all over the US.
Staten Island Technical High School
Location:
Staten Island
Student-Teacher Ratio:
19:1
For students interested in engineering, design, and computer science, Staten Island Tech offers one of the most well-rounded technical education experiences in the public system. The school maintains a near-perfect graduation rate and places high in both college prep and teaching quality.
An impressive 97% of students say they feel safe at school, and 89% report feeling happy. Students often cite Senior Dress-Up Week and Field Day as key highlights of the year. With highly engaged teachers, 94% of students say their teachers care. This school offers both structure and support for teens exploring STEM-focused futures.
Townsend Harris High School
Location:
Queens
Student-Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Ranked among the top five public high schools in New York, Townsend Harris is known for its blend of humanities excellence and multicultural student engagement.
It's one of the few schools where creative and competitive energies co-exist. 90% of students describe the school as competitive, while 84% also see it as creative and artsy.
Annual events like the Festival of Nations and Founder's Day reflect the school's inclusive ethos. With a 99% graduation rate and a student body that genuinely values collaboration, Townsend Harris appeals to US students looking for a balanced academic and social experience.
Scarsdale Senior High School
Location:
Scarsdale, Westchester County
Student-Teacher Ratio:
11:1
Located just outside New York City, Scarsdale Senior High offers a suburban alternative with metropolitan-level academic standards. With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school has long been known for its commitment to instructional quality.
While only half of surveyed students reported feeling happy, a figure worth examining, the school's academic outcomes are indisputable.
Both math and reading proficiency are at 99%, and the average SAT score is 1440. For US students seeking a rigorous curriculum in a quieter setting, Scarsdale stands out.
High School of American Studies at Lehman College
Location:
Bronx
Student-Teacher Ratio:
15:1
With its intimate size and college-campus setting, the High School of American Studies (HSAS) offers a different kind of experience. Situated on the Lehman College campus, HSAS blends high school academics with college-level inquiry, especially in the humanities and social sciences.
Clubs and activities may be limited compared to larger schools, but the sense of community runs deep. Spirit Week and Homecoming events remain popular, and 95% of students say their teachers are both engaging and caring. For students in the US who value small class sizes and historical inquiry, HSAS is a distinctive option.
What makes these schools nationally relevant?
While these schools are based in New York, their reputations are national. Students from across the United States often apply through specialised admissions processes or move to nearby districts for access.
These schools are magnets not just for talent but for ambition.
In 2025, public education in the US is facing a critical transformation. Districts are under pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, yet schools like these are setting standards through innovation, teacher investment, and academic focus. For students considering high school as more than just a four-year academic stopover, these six institutions offer pathways to leadership, creativity, and college readiness.
If you're a student or parent exploring public school options beyond your ZIP code, New York's top-performing public high schools make a strong case for going the extra mile, both literally and figuratively.
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