How Many High Schools Are in the US in 2024?

In 2024, the United States has 26,727 high schools, covering both public and private institutions.

This article will explore the details behind this number, highlighting some of the top high schools in the country and what sets them apart.

Number of High Schools in Different States

It’s no surprise that states with the most high schools are those with the biggest population.

• California: 3,892 high schools
• Texas: Approximately 3,240 high schools
• Florida: Around 2,200 high schools
• New York: Approximately 1,700 high schools
• Illinois: About 1,650 high schools
• Pennsylvania: Roughly 1,620 high schools
• Ohio: Around 1,500 high schools
• Michigan: Close to 1,450 high schools
• Georgia: Approximately 1,350 high schools
• North Carolina: Around 1,300 high schools

On the other end, states with the fewest high schools include:

• Delaware: 80 high schools
• Vermont: 90 high schools
• Wyoming: 100 high schools
• Montana: 110 high schools
• Alaska: 120 high schools

Best High Schools in the United States

The best high schools in the United States for 2024 are ranked based on their academic performance, student-teacher ratios, and overall quality.

Also, check out the education ranking by country in 2024.

1. The Davidson Academy (Reno, Nevada) – A public school known for its specialized program for profoundly gifted students. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, offering a curriculum that challenges and nurtures high achievers, particularly in STEM fields.
2. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham, North Carolina – This public high school is a leader in STEM education, providing rigorous courses in science and mathematics. The student-teacher ratio here is 6:1, ensuring personalized attention and support.
3. MA Academy for Math & Science School (Worcester, Massachusetts) – Another public school with a strong focus on STEM education. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, offering advanced coursework and preparing students for careers in technology and science.
4. Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire) – A prestigious private school known for its rigorous academic programs and history of producing successful alumni. The student-teacher ratio is 5:1, with a focus on liberal arts and college preparation.
5. Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago, Illinois) – A public high school recognized for its strong academic performance and diverse extracurricular offerings. The student-teacher ratio is 9:1, with strengths in both STEM and humanities.
6. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – This public school is dedicated to advanced education in science and mathematics, with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. It offers a challenging curriculum designed for students with a strong interest in STEM.
7. Phillips Academy Andover (Andover, Massachusetts) – A private school with a reputation for academic excellence and a broad range of programs in arts and sciences. The student-teacher ratio is 6:1, focusing on college prep and holistic education.
8. Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City, California) – A top private school with strong programs in academics and athletics. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1, providing students with a balanced education that prepares them for college and beyond.
9. Stanford Online High School (Redwood City, California) – A private online school that offers flexible, rigorous education for students across the globe. The student-teacher ratio is 12:1, with a curriculum designed to cater to independent, motivated learners.
10. The Nueva School (Hillsborough, California) – A private school focused on gifted education, with a student-teacher ratio of 6:1. The school is known for its nurturing environment and commitment to developing the unique talents of each student.

Safest High Schools In the United States

When it comes to safety, certain high schools in the United States stand out due to their low crime rates, strong security measures, and supportive environments.

Here are some of the safest high schools in 2024.

Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, Illinois)

Adlai E. Stevenson High School, located in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is well-known for its strong emphasis on student safety and security. The school has an extremely low crime rate of just 0.5 incidents per 1,000 students, making it one of the safest in the nation.

The school employs on-site police officers and utilizes advanced surveillance systems to monitor the premises, ensuring a secure environment for all students. Additionally, Stevenson High offers robust student support services, including counseling and mental health resources, contributing to a positive and safe atmosphere.

New Trier High School (Winnetka, Illinois)

New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, is recognized for its rigorous safety protocols and low crime rate of 0.7 incidents per 1,000 students. The school has implemented strict access controls to manage who enters and exits the campus, alongside regular safety drills to prepare students and staff for potential emergencies. That is one of the main reason why it is listed as one of the best high schools in Chicago.

New Trier also benefits from high levels of parent and community involvement, which fosters a supportive and vigilant school environment. This involvement is key to maintaining its reputation as one of the safest high schools in the United States.

Pine-Richland High School (Gibsonia, Pennsylvania)

Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, stands out for its comprehensive approach to student safety. With a crime rate of 0.6 incidents per 1,000 students, the school employs security personnel and offers extensive mental health programs.

According to a recent poll, 77% of students said they feel safe in this school.

These initiatives help prevent violence and bullying, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The school’s proactive approach to safety, combined with its strong academic performance, makes it a model for others to follow.

Stuyvesant High School (New York, New York)

Located in New York City, Stuyvesant High School is known not only for its academic excellence but also for its strong safety record. The school has a crime rate of just 0.4 incidents per 1,000 students, the lowest among the schools listed. Stuyvesant uses metal detectors and conducts active shooter drills regularly to ensure the safety of its students.

94% of students agree that they feel safe at their school.

Additionally, the school places a strong focus on student well-being, offering various support services that help maintain a secure and supportive environment.

Walton High School (Marietta, Georgia)

Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, is another institution with a solid commitment to safety. The school has a slightly higher crime rate of 0.8 incidents per 1,000 students, but it makes up for this with a range of safety measures, including visitor management systems and the presence of school resource officers.

There were some isolated incidents, like a student being drunk during the class.

Walton High is also known for its high student satisfaction and safety ratings, which reflect the school’s dedication to creating a secure and positive learning environment.

Most Dangerous High Schools in the US

The issue of school safety in the United States has reached alarming levels, with certain high schools becoming infamous for their dangerous environments.

Strawberry Mansion High School (Philadelphia, PA)

Located in one of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion High School faces significant safety challenges. The neighborhood’s overall crime rate is 50.26 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime being 512% higher than the national average. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are 1 in 45, and the area has a high incidence of robbery, assault, and property crime​.

North Division High School (Milwaukee, WI)

North Division High School is situated in a Milwaukee neighborhood known for urban crime and socio-economic difficulties. The area consistently reports high rates of gun violence and assaults. Although exact crime statistics vary, the school remains one of the most challenged environments in terms of student safety.

East St. Louis Senior High School (East St. Louis, IL)

East St. Louis, frequently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the U.S., has one of the highest crime rates, heavily impacting this school. Gang activity, assaults, and frequent violent incidents characterize this environment, with violent crime rates well above national averages. However, there are initiatives to lower the crime rate in this neighborhood.

Harper High School (Chicago, IL)

Located in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Harper High School is in an area plagued by gang violence and gun-related incidents. Chicago’s south side is known for high crime rates, and Harper students regularly face dangers from their surrounding community, including a high prevalence of shootings and drug activity.

Balboa High School (San Francisco, CA)

Balboa High School struggles with safety due to its location in a neighborhood with considerable urban crime. Issues such as drug-related incidents, theft, and assaults have been ongoing challenges. The local environment contributes to the unsafe conditions, despite ongoing efforts to improve school security.

Public vs. Private High Schools

Academic Specializations and Strengths

• Public High Schools: Schools like The Davidson Academy in Reno, NV, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) are known for their strong STEM programs. These schools prioritize specialized education for gifted students, offering focused curricula with low student-teacher ratios (8:1 and 6:1, respectively).
• Private High Schools: Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, and Phillips Academy Andover in Massachusetts emphasize a more holistic liberal arts education. They cater to students seeking a broad academic foundation, with small class sizes and extensive extracurricular offerings. Student-teacher ratios are exceptionally low, such as 5:1 at Phillips Exeter.

Student-Teacher Ratios

• Public Schools: The average student-teacher ratio in top public high schools like Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (7:1) and Payton College Preparatory in Chicago (9:1) allows for personalized attention while maintaining accessibility for more students.
• Private Schools: Private institutions tend to offer even lower student-teacher ratios, such as the 5:1 at Phillips Exeter or the 6:1 at Phillips Andover. This setting fosters individualized learning experiences and close mentorship opportunities.

Cost and Accessibility

• Public Schools: Public high schools are funded by the government, making them accessible to a broad demographic. Schools like MA Academy for Math & Science and The Davidson Academy are often selective but remain tuition-free, focusing on merit and academic achievement.
• Private Schools: Private institutions, such as Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City, CA, require substantial tuition fees, often reaching upwards of $50,000 annually. While offering unparalleled resources, the cost creates a barrier to entry, limiting access to families who can afford it or qualify for scholarships.

The Bottom Line

The United States has a diverse range of high schools, with a total of 26,727 institutions spread across both public and private sectors in 2024. States like California, Texas, and Florida have the most high schools, driven by large populations and expansive educational needs.

On the other hand, smaller states like Delaware and Vermont have significantly fewer high schools due to their lower population densities.