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U.S. News Announces 2025-2026 Best High Schools Rankings

U.S. News & World Report, renowned for its educational rankings, has unveiled its 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings, assessing nearly 24,000 public high schools across several criteria. This year, an impressive number of almost 18,000 schools received rankings, providing students and families critical insights needed for planning academic journeys.

This latest evaluation offers a multi-faceted view, featuring both traditional rankings by state and district as well as specialized categories for STEM and charter schools. LaMont Jones, Ed.D., the managing editor of education at U.S. News, emphasizes the importance of accessible data: “Students and families need data to help them make one of the most important decisions of their academic journey. Our rankings provide the insights to help identify schools that will prepare students for college success.”

According to the rankings, Massachusetts leads the nation with 43% of its schools in the top quartile, followed closely by Connecticut with 41% and New Jersey at 40%. In metropolitan evaluations, California’s San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area boasts the highest percentage (59%) of schools within the top 25%, making it a significant hub for educational excellence.

Highlights from the Rankings

The rankings are based on six key performance indicators, including:

• - Student achievement on state-required assessments.
• - Graduation rates and college readiness measures.
• - Effectiveness in serving all students, particularly underserved populations.

Particularly noteworthy are schools' performances on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, which are pivotal in measuring college readiness. Additionally, the breadth of the curriculum and overall student outcomes are also key factors in these rankings. U.S. News collaborated with RTI International, a global research firm, to apply a comprehensive methodology backed by the most current data from the 2022-2023 academic year.

Top Schools Nationally

The top ten public high schools this year include:
1. BASIS Tucson North (AZ)
2. Signature School (IN)
3. Central Magnet School (TN)
4. Davidson Academy (NV)
5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (VA)
6. Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (NM)
7. Hass Hall Bentonville (AR)
8. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (PA)
9. The School for the Talented and Gifted (TX)
10. Aiken Scholars Academy (SC)

In the Best Charter Schools category, BASIS Tucson North once again takes the lead, followed by Signature School and Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science. Notably, STEM high schools have been ranked separately, with High Technology High School (NJ) leading this category.

Importance of Rankings

For many families, these rankings provide more than just a numerical assessment; they are a vital tool in planning for future educational paths. With societal shifts and increasing expectations for educational quality, being informed has never been more critical. The full state-by-state breakdown and demographic insights can further assist families in aligning their choices with their educational objectives. For further details, visit the U.S. News Best High Schools website and engage with the ongoing conversation using #BestHighSchools across social media platforms.

This year’s educated consumer approach reinforces U.S. News’ commitment to teacher and student success by empowering informed decisions. As these rankings highlight, excellence in education is achievable and necessary for societal progress. The trusted presence of U.S. News in educational discourse for over 90 years continues to enhance its reputation as a vital resource for families nation-wide.