The Best High Schools in New York City: What to Look For

Many parents become stressed over how to get their children into the best high schools in New York City. Before you send out a single application, knowing what the ‘best’ actually entails is important. 

For some parents, the best school could be one with the most trustworthy reputation for helping their students get into college. For other parents, the best school could mean an environment that prioritizes social and emotional support. 

At InAmerica, we believe a great school shouldn’t require you to choose between features. Our long history of helping parents and their K-12 students enroll in the top high schools in New York City has shaped our perspective on what the ‘best’ means. 

What the ‘Best’ Means (and How it Applies to Your Child’s Future)

A wonderful high school shouldn’t just prepare your K-12 students for entering college. Every year they spend there will significantly impact their worldview, life skills, and friendships. 

The following metrics are crucial details to consider when comparing and contrasting the best New York City high schools. 

Academic Performance Metrics

High schools routinely record and analyze their performance metrics to narrow down areas for improvement or help parents decide whether to enroll. When researching high schools, look for performance metrics such as graduation percentages, college placement statistics, and Regents exam pass rates. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average adjusted cohort graduation rate (or ACGR) in 2021-2022 was 87%. A high school that hits this average (or higher) is a great starting point for considering an application. 

Culture Fit Signals

There is no one-size-fits-all educational solution for your students. One school could be very compatible with a student’s lifestyle and personality, while the same school could be a poor fit for another.

As such, keep a close eye out for culture fit signals such as the school’s size, commute, extracurricular activities, and diversity. You can also compare and contrast the details of the best high schools in New York City with your children’s previous schools.

What features did they enjoy at their last schools? On a similar note, what were elements they didn’t enjoy?

What are the Best High Schools in New York City?

With hundreds of high schools to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choice fatigue. If you need a place to start looking, we have several standout options featuring metrics from Niche.com and U.S. News Report. 

#	School	Borough	Why It’s a Standout
1	Stuyvesant High School	Manhattan	#1 public high school in NY with an ultra-selective SHSAT entry. They’re nationally ranked for STEM and college prep.
2	Bronx High School of Science	Bronx	Nobel-laureate alumni, research culture, and ranked fourth in the state. It has a 99% graduation rate and 78.6% minority enrollment.
3	Staten Island Technical High School	Staten Island	99% math proficiency, state-of-the-art engineering labs, and ranked #3 in New York public high schools.
4	Brooklyn Technical High School	Brooklyn	Largest specialized high school that focuses on science, mathematics, engineering, and tech. Boasts 18 majors and state-of-the-art labs.
5	Townsend Harris High School	Queens	Humanities-centric curriculum. Has a smaller 15:1 ratio and is consistently in the top five best public high schools in New York.
6	Queens HS for the Sciences at York College	Queens	Averages 498 students and is ranked #25 nationally. STEM powerhouse and 100% graduation rate.
7	Brooklyn Latin School	Brooklyn	Only NYC specialized school with an IB Diploma Program. Offers a classical Quadrivium model of geometry, music, number, and cosmology.
8	Fiorello H. LaGuardia HS of Music & Art	Manhattan	Only specialized high school that admits students based on competitive auditions. Conservatory-level arts training plus AP academics.
9	Trinity School (private)	Manhattan	6:1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% four-year college matriculation rate.
10	Horace Mann School (private)	Bronx	#1 NY college-prep private and a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League. 7:1 ratio on a collegiate-style campus.

4 Things to Look For When Applying to a Top School 

Narrowing down the best high schools in New York City is easier when directly connecting certain features to benefits. We recommend looking at class sizes, student-to-counselor ratios, advisory systems, and tutoring. 

Average Class Size

The larger the class, the more difficult it is for your children to receive one-on-one support. While independent and self-directed students might thrive in a larger classroom, students who need more teacher interaction will benefit from a smaller size.

Larger classroom sizes tend to be 25 or 30 students, while smaller classes range from 10 to 15.

Student-To-Counselor Ratio 

Preparing your student for college is an involved process that includes applications, emotional guidance, and career counseling. Research your preferred high school’s student-to-counselor ratio to see how effectively they allocate their workers’ time. 

The best high schools in New York City should have around two hundred students for each counselor. This ratio makes sure counselors aren’t overwhelmed by their workload, so students can get valuable insight and a personalized experience.

Faculty Advisory Systems

Each student's progress needs to be monitored to spot issues quickly and provide solutions. When researching schools, look for details like weekly check-ins, progress monitoring, and course planning. 

Tutoring and Extra Help Periods

Tutoring resources are crucial to help your students if they struggle or give them an edge on their college applications. When researching a high school, you can ask about their tutoring programs and how they help each student excel outside of in-class studies and tests. 

3 Common Application Pitfalls for Parents

Increasing your children's chances of getting accepted into the best high schools in New York City isn’t just in your actions. Avoiding these pitfalls will go a long way in boosting your chances for success: 

• Focusing too much on test prep and not enough on grades, passions, or culture fit

• Overlooking the impact of your child’s personality and learning style 

• Applying to one school, but not having a backup plan if your application is rejected

Navigating so many details is tricky, but it’s a challenge you don’t have to face down alone. Our K-12 offer list is one of many examples of how InAmerica can help you set up your students for success.

Enroll Your Students at the Best High Schools in New York City

A prestigious high school today could mean a stable career tomorrow. Since 2013, we’ve been helping families with high school admission prep to ensure the next generation receives the education they need to succeed. 

Our consulting resources allow your student to navigate a competitive landscape, enter a compatible high school, and set themselves up for a rewarding career.

A winning application is the key to getting your child set up in one of the best New York City high schools. Take your first step by booking a free consultation with our admissions team today.