Best Public High Schools in New York 2025

New York is renowned for its exceptional public high schools, offering rigorous academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and unique learning environments. This article explores the top 10 public high schools in New York for 2025, each distinguished by its own strengths and characteristics.

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, commonly known as LaGuardia Arts, is a specialized high school located in New York City. Founded in 1936, it is renowned for its exceptional programs in music, art, and performing arts, attracting talented students from across the city and beyond.

History and Background

LaGuardia Arts was named after Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former mayor of New York City who was instrumental in its establishment. The school was formed by the merger of the High School of Music & Art and the School of Performing Arts in 1984. Since then, it has been a beacon for aspiring artists, musicians, dancers, and actors.

Programs and Departments

LaGuardia Arts offers rigorous academic programs alongside intensive arts training. Students can major in various disciplines, including:

Music: Instrumental and vocal music, with courses in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Art: Fine arts, including painting, sculpture, and digital art.
Dance: Ballet, modern, and contemporary dance.
Drama: Acting, theater production, and playwriting.
Technical Theater: Stage design, lighting, and sound engineering.

Notable Alumni

LaGuardia Arts boasts an impressive list of alumni who have achieved significant success in their respective fields. Some notable graduates include:

Jennifer Aniston: Actress known for her role in the television series "Friends."
Al Pacino: Academy Award-winning actor famous for his work in "The Godfather" and "Scarface."
Nicki Minaj: Grammy-nominated rapper and singer.

Admissions and Extracurriculars

Admission to LaGuardia Arts is highly competitive, requiring both an academic review and an audition or portfolio submission. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, such as:

Student Government
Art Exhibitions
Music Ensembles
Theater Productions
Dance Performances

Conclusion

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts continues to nurture the next generation of artists and performers. Its blend of academic excellence and artistic innovation makes it a unique and prestigious institution in New York City's educational landscape.

Bard High School Early College

Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) NYC is a public high school located in New York City. Established as a collaboration between Bard College and the New York City Department of Education, BHSEC offers students the unique opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree within four years.

Academic Program

BHSEC NYC is known for its rigorous academic program that combines high school and college-level coursework. The curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for the demands of higher education. Key features of the academic program include:

Early College Model: Students can earn up to 60 college credits by the time they graduate.
Seminar-Style Classes: Emphasis on discussion-based learning and critical thinking.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Courses integrate multiple fields of study, encouraging a broad understanding of subjects.

Student Life

BHSEC NYC fosters a vibrant student community with a wide range of extracurricular activities and support services. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, focusing on the development of both academic and personal skills. Some highlights include:

Clubs and Organizations: From academic clubs to cultural groups, students have numerous opportunities to engage with their peers.
Advisory System: Each student is paired with a faculty advisor who provides guidance and support throughout their high school journey.
College Counseling: Dedicated staff assist students with the college application process, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

Admissions

Admissions to BHSEC NYC are competitive, with a selective process that includes an application, entrance exam, and interview. The school seeks students who demonstrate strong academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of an accelerated program.

Conclusion

Bard High School Early College NYC offers a unique and enriching educational experience for motivated students. With its blend of high school and college coursework, supportive community, and emphasis on critical thinking, BHSEC NYC prepares its graduates for success in higher education and beyond.

Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

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Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSSYC) is one of New York City's specialized high schools, recognized for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established in 2002, QHSSYC offers a rigorous academic environment designed to prepare students for college and careers in scientific fields.

Academic Excellence

QHSSYC is known for its challenging curriculum and high academic standards. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and specialized programs, including:

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Calculus AB and BC

Student Life

Students at QHSSYC benefit from a rich array of extracurricular activities and clubs. Some popular options include:

Robotics Club
Science Olympiad
Math Team
Environmental Club

Admission Process

Admission to QHSSYC is highly competitive and is based on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Students who score well on this exam and express a strong interest in STEM subjects are considered for admission.

Location and Facilities

Located on the York College campus in Jamaica, Queens, QHSSYC provides students with access to college-level resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. This unique setting allows students to engage in advanced scientific research and learning opportunities.

Notable Achievements

QHSSYC students frequently earn recognition in various academic competitions and have a strong record of acceptance into prestigious universities. The school's commitment to academic excellence and student development is reflected in its consistently high performance on state and national assessments.

In summary, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College offers an exceptional education for students passionate about STEM, supported by a challenging curriculum, robust extracurricular programs, and access to advanced resources.

High School of American Studies at Lehman College

The High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) is a specialized high school located in the Bronx, New York City. Established in 2002, it is one of the nine specialized high schools in NYC that require an entrance exam, the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), for admission.

HSAS is known for its rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on American history. The school partners with Lehman College, providing students access to college-level resources and facilities.

Academics

The curriculum at HSAS is designed to challenge students and prepare them for higher education. Key features include:

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Students can take AP courses in subjects like U.S. History, English Literature, and Calculus.
College-Level Classes: Through its partnership with Lehman College, students can enroll in college-level courses.
Research Opportunities: Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects, often mentored by college faculty.

Extracurricular Activities

HSAS offers a variety of extracurricular activities to enhance students' high school experience:

Clubs and Organizations: There are numerous clubs, including Model United Nations, Debate Team, and Robotics Club.
Athletics: The school has competitive sports teams, such as basketball, soccer, and track and field.
Cultural Events: Students participate in events that celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding.

Admissions

Admission to HSAS is highly competitive. Prospective students must:

Take the SHSAT: The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test is the sole criterion for admission.
Achieve High Scores: Only the top-scoring students are offered a place at HSAS.

HSAS is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Its unique blend of rigorous academics and enriching extracurricular activities make it a standout option among New York City's specialized high schools.

Hunter College High School

Hunter College High School (HCHS), located in New York City, is one of the nation's top public schools, renowned for its rigorous academic standards and impressive student outcomes. Founded in 1869, the school has a long history of academic excellence and a strong tradition of nurturing talented young individuals.

Academics

HCHS offers a challenging curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. Key features of the academic program include:

Advanced Courses: A wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in subjects such as Math, Science, English, and History.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Emphasis on integrating knowledge across different subjects to foster a well-rounded education.
Research Opportunities: Encouragement for students to engage in independent research projects, often leading to presentations at national and international conferences.

Student Life

Hunter College High School provides a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement:

Clubs and Organizations: Over 100 clubs ranging from academic societies to cultural groups and special interest clubs.
Sports: Competitive sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including basketball, soccer, and track and field.
Arts and Performance: Strong programs in visual arts, music, theater, and dance, with regular performances and exhibitions.

Admissions

The admission process at HCHS is highly competitive, involving a rigorous examination and an interview process. Prospective students must demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a commitment to learning.