Best High Schools in New York (2025-26)

Page 1 · Page 2 (500 schools per page)

Page 1 · Page 2 (500 schools per page)

A: 705B: 54C: 7D: 3

99% of the 769 ranked high schools in New York earn an A or B (705 A grades, 54 B, 7 C, 3 D, 0 F), against 48% of high schools nationwide. 722 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (94% here, 75% nationally), and 521 exceed it. On average 81% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 73% (national averages: 42% actual, 40% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Buffalo Academy Of Science Charter School (96% against 25%, A+), Kipp Academy Charter School (98% against 30%, A+), Harlem Childrens Zone Promise Academy Charter School (95% against 28%, A+), Harlem Childrens Zone Promise Academy Ii Charter School (95% against 29%, A+), John W Lavelle Preparatory Charter School (95% against 29%, A+).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 193): Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (3), Williamsville Central School District (3), Great Neck Union Free School District (2), Pittsford Central School District (2).

Cities with the most ranked high schools: Rochester (20, 20 at A or B), Bronx (17, 17 at A or B), Brooklyn (17, 17 at A or B), Buffalo (17, 15 at A or B), New York (14, 13 at A or B).

The largest ranked high schools: Brentwood High School (4,641 students, A+, #383), Newburgh Free Academy (3,433 students, A, #496), New Rochelle High School (3,076 students, A+, #377).

Of the top 25, 1 is a magnet school and 0 are charters. Selective and specialised schools tend to post high actual scores; the projection column is the fairer comparison for a neighborhood school.

What is the best high school in New York?

Amherst Central High School in Amherst ranks first among the 769 ranked high schools in New York with a SchoolGrade of A+, 100% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 84%.

How are high schools in New York ranked?

By SchoolGrade, the 2025-26 model that scores each school's actual test proficiency against the level projected for its student context, then by actual proficiency to break ties. Regular public schools that are open, not fully online and have at least 30 students are ranked; the rest are listed below the table with the reason.

How many high schools does New York have?

SchoolGrade grades 846 public high schools in New York; 769 are ranked here and 77 are listed as not ranked.