The US News’ 2025-2026 Best U.S. High School Rankings
The annual U.S. News & World Report high school rankings 2025-2026 analyzed nearly 24,000 public high schools nationwide, with approximately 18,000 schools ultimately ranked based on a comprehensive methodology that assesses six key performance indicators. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 public high schools in New York City, highlighting what sets each school apart and why they consistently rank among the best in the nation.
1. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
#25 National Ranking | #1 NY
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSSYC) is a nationally recognized specialized public high school located in Jamaica, Queens. Founded in 2002, the school serves academically advanced students in grades 9–12, particularly those proficient in mathematics and science. Admission is highly selective and performance-based on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).
QHSSYC’s outstanding reputation is built on its rigorous STEM curriculum and stable integration of college-level academics:
- College Partnership with York College: Students’ access to college facilities, resources, and enrichment opportunities creates an early exposure to university-level learning and expectations.
- Exceptional College Readiness: Students consistently demonstrate high academic achievement. In recent years, the school has reported a 100% AP participation rate and exceptional standardized test performance, with frequently reported SAT scores averaging in the high 1400s to 1500 range. Graduates regularly matriculate to top-tier universities, including Ivy League and other highly selective institutions.
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2. High School Math, Science & Engineering at CCNY
#26 National Rankings | #2 NY
The High School for Mathematics, Science & Engineering at City College is another highly selective public school catering to grades 9–12 on the City College campus in Manhattan. Founded in 2002, it is one of NYC’s most competitive public high schools.
HSMSE at CCNY’s academic caliber is rooted in rigorous coursework in math, science, and engineering, complemented by small class sizes and accessible college-level resources. Serving grades 9–12, HSMSE is the smallest of NYC’s specialized high schools, with 555 students admitted, which creates a uniquely close-knit and supportive academic environment. Admission is based on SHSAT performance, with recent cutoff scores of 526 (9th grade) and 556 (10th grade) for the 2024–25 admissions cycle.
3. Stuyvesant High School
#33 National Rankings | #3 NY
Stuyvesant is consistently ranked among NYC’s top public high schools. With a strong track record of producing Nobel laureates, tech founders, leading researchers, and public figures, Stuyvesant maintains the strongest overall academic reputation among NYC’s specialized high schools. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the school is well-positioned near universities, cultural institutions, and professional opportunities.
4. Staten Island Technical High School
#47 National Rankings | #4 NY
Staten Island Technical High School (SITHS) is one of New York City’s top-performing specialized high schools, consistently ranked within the top five public high schools in New York State. Despite its impressive academic outcomes, the school is often overlooked due to its location on Staten Island, making it a hidden gem among NYC’s specialized schools.
Staten Island Technical High School offers specialized-school-level academics, along with a more balanced and supportive environment. For students who live on Staten Island or are willing to commute, it represents outstanding value: elite outcomes, strong college preparation, and potentially easier admission compared to the most competitive Manhattan schools.
5. Bronx High School of Science
#50 National Rankings | #5 NY
The Bronx High School of Science, commonly known as Bronx Science, is one of the most prestigious STEM-focused public high schools in the United States. Located in the Bronx, it has produced 8 Nobel laureates, which is more than any other secondary school in America.
Bronx Science combines rigorous academics with unparalleled research opportunities, particularly for students focused on STEM:
- World-Class Science Programs: Students can participate in competitive Intel/Regeneron science research competitions and join an extensive research program that often leads to published scientific papers.
- Exceptional Math & STEM Teams: Strong performance in math competitions and science olympiads, with students competing nationally.
- Active Alumni Network: Graduates remain engaged in STEM fields, offering mentorship and professional opportunities.
- Strong Community: With nearly 3,000 students, Bronx Science maintains a supportive environment and connects students with shared interests in STEM.
6. High School of American Studies at Lehman College
#61 National Rankings | #6 NY
The High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) is a specialized public high school in the Bronx, focused on social studies and humanities. With just 404 students, the school creates an intimate environment where students receive personalized attention and can thrive academically alongside equally talented peers.
- Intimate Learning Environment: The concentrated size ensures everyone knows your name, and students are encouraged to participate actively in every class.
- Humanities Excellence: Emphasis on history, social studies, and writing, with opportunities for advanced coursework and research.
- Collaborative Culture: The school fosters cooperation rather than competition, supporting a nurturing academic environment.
- College Campus Resources: Students benefit from access to Lehman College’s library, facilities, and college-level courses, providing a glimpse of higher education.
- Strong Teacher Accessibility: Close-knit faculty–student relationships allow for personalized guidance, mentorship, and support.
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7. Brooklyn Latin School
#67 National Rankings | #7 NY
Brooklyn Latin School (BLS) is a small, academically rigorous public high school in Brooklyn, known for its classical education approach and unique integration of Humanities and STEM. Founded in 2006, BLS serves students in grades 9–12 with an emphasis on writing, critical thinking, and language study, to prepare students for top colleges and universities.
What makes Brooklyn Latin unique:
- Classical Curriculum: Students engage in a “Classical Liberal Arts” curriculum, including Latin, philosophy, history, and literature, alongside rigorous STEM courses.
- Small & Supportive Community: With under 500 students, BLS offers an intimate environment where teachers know students personally, fostering strong mentorship and participation.
- College Readiness: Students benefit from rigorous AP courses and strong academic preparation, consistently performing well on standardized tests.
- Urban Access with Neighborhood Feel: Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the school strategically offers city opportunities with a tight-knit school community.
8. Brooklyn Technical High School
#71 National Rankings | #8 NY
Brooklyn Technical High School, commonly known as Brooklyn Tech, is a STEM-focused specialized high school in Brooklyn, renowned for its unique “major” system. Unlike other specialized schools, students at Brooklyn Tech must select one of 19 majors (ranging from Architecture to Biomedical Engineering) and complete a series of 10 courses in their chosen field, providing a level of specialization rarely seen at the high school level.
What makes Brooklyn Tech unique:
- Specialized Major System: Students gain in-depth, college-level experience in their chosen major, preparing them for careers in STEM, the arts, and technology.
- Industry Certifications: Many programs offer certifications in tools such as AutoCAD, Adobe, and other industry-standard tools, providing students with tangible credentials.
- Largest AP Program: With 40+ AP courses, Brooklyn Tech provides the nation’s most extensive advanced coursework offerings.
- Strong Alumni Network: Graduates frequently pursue top universities and careers in engineering, technology, and related fields, leveraging an extensive alumni network.
9. Jericho Senior High School
#108 National Rankings | #9 NY
Jericho Senior High School, located in Jericho, NY (Nassau County), is widely regarded as one of Long Island’s and New York State’s most reputable public high schools, consistently earning top rankings for academics, college preparation, and statewide performance.
What makes the school stand out:
- Strong College Preparation: Most students take AP courses, achieve high SAT/ACT scores (e.g., average SAT ~1430 reported on Niche), and matriculate to highly selective colleges.
- High Graduation & College Readiness: With a ≥99% commencement rate and a high level of post‑secondary readiness, Jericho effectively prepares students for college and beyond.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Jericho offers a broad selection of courses across STEM, humanities, and arts, with opportunities for advanced study and engagement.
- Balanced Environment: As a large, non–specialized school, Jericho balances rigorous academics with diverse extracurriculars, athletics, and community involvement.
10. Edgemont Junior-Senior High School
#115 National Rankings | #10 NY
Edgemont Junior‑Senior High School, located in Scarsdale/Greenburgh, NY, is a highly regarded suburban public school serving grades 7 through 12 with a strong reputation for academic excellence. It combines meticulous preparation with a more traditional and balanced public school experience.
What makes it unique:
- Small & Supportive Environment: With a population under 1,000, Edgemont offers closer student–teacher connections than many larger high schools, enabling individualized support in classes and extracurriculars.
- Strong College Readiness: Many students take AP courses, score highly on standardized tests (reported average SAT around 1420), and go on to selective colleges.
- Balanced Curriculum: While academics are rigorous, the school also supports a wide range of activities, encouraging students’ well‑rounded development.
- Community Focus: The school’s size and culture foster a tight‑knit, collaborative atmosphere where students often know one another across grade levels.
Beyond School Names in the College Admissions
While specialized high schools often grab headlines, top-ranking colleges accept students from all NYC public high schools, not just the “famous” ones. What matters most is being strategic with your resources and opportunities, not just the name reflected on your transcript. Here are some key factors that matter more than school prestige:
- GPA & Course Rigor: Consistently challenging yourself academically matters more than the school’s reputation.
- Standardized Test Scores: SAT and ACT scores provide a common measure of readiness for colleges.
- Extracurriculars & Leadership: The depth, impact, and initiative of your activities make you stand out.
- Essays & Recommendations: Thoughtful essays and strong endorsements encapsulate your character, wisdom, and potential.
- Achievements with Available Opportunities: Colleges value what you’ve accomplished relative to your resources and environment.
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