Sam SmithWhen discussing the “smartest” schools in America, definitions vary—some emphasize test scores, others highlight rigorous curricula, gifted student concentrations, or prestigious academic awards. What unites the schools most often labeled this way is their reputation for producing exceptionally high‑achieving graduates. Many are selective public magnets or exam schools, while a few elite private institutions also stand out. The following list spotlights 50 public high schools across the U.S. that consistently demonstrate extraordinary academic intensity, innovation, and student success.
Top 50 Smartest Schools In The US
1. BASIS Scottsdale (Arizona)
BASIS Scottsdale is a charter powerhouse consistently ranked among the nation’s top schools. Known for its demanding STEM curriculum, students complete AP courses early and achieve some of the highest test scores in the country. With a culture of academic intensity, BASIS emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, and college readiness. Its graduates routinely attend elite universities, reflecting the school’s reputation for producing exceptionally high‑achieving students prepared to excel in competitive academic and professional environments.
2. BASIS Tucson North (Arizona)
BASIS Tucson North mirrors the Scottsdale model, offering a rigorous, accelerated curriculum focused on STEM and humanities. Students tackle AP courses earlier than peers nationwide, achieving outstanding SAT and ACT scores. The school emphasizes mastery of content, problem‑solving, and global awareness, preparing graduates for top universities. With selective admissions and a culture of excellence, BASIS Tucson North consistently ranks among Arizona’s best, producing students recognized for their academic achievements and readiness to thrive in higher education.
3. Gretchen Whitney High School (California)
Located in Cerritos, Gretchen Whitney High School is a selective magnet program renowned for its academic rigor. Unlike many schools, Whitney does not rely heavily on AP courses, instead offering a challenging curriculum that drives near‑perfect SAT averages. Students excel in STEM, humanities, and arts, with high National Merit Scholar counts. The school fosters a culture of achievement and leadership, preparing graduates for elite universities. Whitney’s reputation as one of California’s smartest schools is well‑earned and enduring.
4. Oxford Academy (California)
Oxford Academy in Cypress is a selective public school consistently ranked among California’s top performers. With a 100% graduation rate and nearly universal college readiness, Oxford emphasizes rigorous academics across STEM and humanities. Admission is competitive, ensuring a high‑achieving student body. Students excel in AP courses, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. Oxford’s commitment to excellence and equity makes it a model of academic intensity and one of the smartest schools in the country.
5. California Academy of Mathematics and Science (California)
The California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS), located in Carson, is a STEM‑focused magnet affiliated with CSU Dominguez Hills. Students engage in advanced coursework, research, and project‑based learning, developing innovation and problem‑solving skills. CAMS emphasizes collaboration and hands‑on experiences, preparing graduates for technical fields and elite universities. With consistently high test scores and college readiness metrics, CAMS is recognized as one of California’s premier public schools for science and mathematics, producing exceptionally high‑achieving students.
6. Preuss School UCSD (California)
The Preuss School UCSD in La Jolla is a charter school serving low‑income, first‑generation college‑bound students. Partnered with UC San Diego, it offers a rigorous college‑preparatory curriculum and extensive support services. Despite its mission‑driven focus, Preuss achieves exceptional academic outcomes, with graduates attending Ivy League and top universities. The school emphasizes equity, access, and achievement, proving that excellence and opportunity can coexist. Preuss is widely recognized as one of California’s smartest schools, combining academic rigor with social impact.
7. Henry M. Gunn High School (California)
Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto is a comprehensive public school located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Known for its exceptional academics, Gunn offers extensive AP courses, STEM programs, and extracurricular opportunities. Students consistently achieve high SAT and ACT scores, with large numbers of National Merit Scholars. The school fosters innovation, leadership, and community engagement, preparing graduates for top universities. Gunn’s reputation as an academic powerhouse reflects the culture of achievement in its high‑performing student body.
8. Lynbrook High School (California)
Lynbrook High School in San Jose is a top‑performing public school recognized for its strong academics and STEM focus. With high SAT averages and significant National Merit Scholar counts, Lynbrook rivals nearby Silicon Valley schools in achievement. Students benefit from rigorous coursework, AP offerings, and a culture of excellence. The school emphasizes both academic success and personal growth, preparing graduates for elite universities. Lynbrook’s consistent performance places it among California’s smartest schools, celebrated for its high‑achieving student body.
9. Monta Vista High School (California)
Monta Vista High School in Cupertino is a suburban academic powerhouse, consistently ranked among California’s best. Known for its rigorous STEM programs and high SAT averages, Monta Vista produces large numbers of National Merit Scholars. Students excel in AP courses, competitions, and extracurriculars, reflecting a culture of achievement. The school’s graduates attend top universities nationwide, particularly in technical and scientific fields. Monta Vista’s reputation as one of the smartest schools stems from its high‑achieving student body and academic intensity.
10. University High School (California – Irvine)
University High School in Irvine is a comprehensive public school consistently ranked among California’s top performers. With outstanding SAT and ACT averages, extensive AP offerings, and strong extracurricular programs, Uni fosters academic excellence across disciplines. Students achieve high National Merit counts and college readiness scores, with graduates attending prestigious universities. The school emphasizes both rigor and balance, encouraging leadership and community involvement. University High’s reputation as one of California’s smartest schools reflects its culture of achievement and success.
Top 50 “Smartest” High Schools in the U.S. — Numbered Table
| # | State | School Name | City | Type | Academic Strength / Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | BASIS Scottsdale | Scottsdale | Charter | #1 AP scores; ultra-rigorous curriculum |
| 2 | Arizona | BASIS Tucson North | Tucson | Charter | High SAT/ACT; elite STEM rigor |
| 3 | California | Gretchen Whitney High School | Cerritos | Magnet | Extremely high SAT averages |
| 4 | California | Oxford Academy | Cypress | Magnet | 99% college-ready; top CA school |
| 5 | California | CA Academy of Mathematics & Science | Carson | Magnet | STEM focus, research partnerships |
| 6 | California | Preuss School UCSD | La Jolla | Charter | UCSD-backed; Ivy-level outcomes |
| 7 | California | Henry M. Gunn High School | Palo Alto | Public | Top SAT scores; Silicon Valley powerhouse |
| 8 | California | Lynbrook High School | San Jose | Public | Huge National Merit counts |
| 9 | California | Monta Vista High School | Cupertino | Public | Elite STEM performance |
| 10 | California | University High School | Irvine | Public | High test scores; strong AP program |
| 11 | Colorado | Cherry Creek High School | Greenwood Village | Public | Robust AP/IB; high SAT |
| 12 | Colorado | Fairview High School | Boulder | Public | Top IB school; strong outcomes |
| 13 | Connecticut | Staples High School | Westport | Public | Highest SAT averages in CT |
| 14 | Connecticut | Darien High School | Darien | Public | Elite suburban academics |
| 15 | Delaware | Charter School of Wilmington | Wilmington | Charter | #1 SAT in DE; STEM selective |
| 16 | Florida | Pine View School | Osprey | Public | Gifted-only; extreme test scores |
| 17 | Florida | Archimedean Upper Conservatory | Miami | Charter | Math-heavy; top 10 nationally |
| 18 | Florida | Suncoast Community High School | Riviera Beach | Magnet | IB/engineering excellence |
| 19 | Georgia | Gwinnett School of Math, Science & Tech | Lawrenceville | Magnet | #1 in GA; STEM selective |
| 20 | Georgia | Northview High School | Johns Creek | Public | Top SAT averages in GA |
| 21 | Illinois | Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy | Aurora | Residential Magnet | Gifted; advanced STEM research |
| 22 | Illinois | Walter Payton College Prep | Chicago | Selective | #1 Chicago; 100% college-ready |
| 23 | Illinois | Northside College Prep | Chicago | Selective | Elite test scores |
| 24 | Illinois | Adlai E. Stevenson High School | Lincolnshire | Public | Large but extremely high-achieving |
| 25 | Indiana | Carmel High School | Carmel | Public | Huge National Merit counts |
| 26 | Kentucky | duPont Manual High School | Louisville | Magnet | Academically intense |
| 27 | Louisiana | Benjamin Franklin High School | New Orleans | Selective | Top-performing in LA |
| 28 | Maryland | Thomas S. Wootton High School | Rockville | Public | Top SAT in MD |
| 29 | Maryland | Winston Churchill High School | Potomac | Public | High National Merit totals |
| 30 | Maryland | Poolesville High School | Poolesville | Magnet | STEM-focused “houses” |
| 31 | Massachusetts | Boston Latin School | Boston | Exam School | Ivy-feeder; oldest US public school |
| 32 | Massachusetts | Lexington High School | Lexington | Public | Massive AP success; high SAT |
| 33 | Michigan | International Academy | Bloomfield Hills | Public (Consortium) | IB-only; #1 MI |
| 34 | Michigan | City High Middle School | Grand Rapids | Public | Top MI test scores |
| 35 | Minnesota | Math & Science Academy | Woodbury | Charter | Strong STEM outcomes |
| 36 | Missouri | Clayton High School | Clayton | Public | Highest academic performance in MO |
| 37 | Nevada | Davidson Academy | Reno | Public (Gifted) | IQ-based admission; profoundly gifted |
| 38 | New Jersey | High Technology High School | Lincroft | Magnet | Often #1 nationally |
| 39 | New Jersey | Bergen County Academies | Hackensack | Magnet | Notoriously competitive; 7 academies |
| 40 | New Jersey | Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic HS | Jersey City | Public | Top NJ test performance |
| 41 | New York | Stuyvesant High School | New York City | Exam | #1 NYC specialized; elite outcomes |
| 42 | New York | Bronx High School of Science | Bronx | Exam | 8 Nobel laureates |
| 43 | New York | Brooklyn Technical High School | Brooklyn | Exam | Top STEM; huge enrollment |
| 44 | New York | Great Neck South High School | Great Neck | Public | Top SAT averages in NY |
| 45 | North Carolina | NC School of Science & Math | Durham | Residential Magnet | Renowned STEM rigor |
| 46 | North Carolina | Raleigh Charter High School | Raleigh | Charter | Highest NC test scores |
| 47 | Ohio | Walnut Hills High School | Cincinnati | Exam | #1 academic public in Ohio |
| 48 | Pennsylvania | Julia R. Masterman School | Philadelphia | Exam | #1 in PA for decades |
| 49 | Texas | School for the Talented & Gifted (TAG) | Dallas | Magnet | Often #1 in U.S. |
| 50 | Texas | Carnegie Vanguard High School | Houston | Magnet | Top 10 nationally |
| 51 | Texas | Westlake High School | Austin | Public | Top SAT; elite college admissions |
| 52 | Virginia | Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech | Alexandria | Magnet | Often #1 in the U.S. |
| 53 | Virginia | Langley High School | McLean | Public | Extremely high SAT averages |
| 54 | Washington | Tesla STEM High School | Redmond | Magnet | STEM lottery school; elite scores |
| 55 | Washington | International School | Bellevue | Public | IB; top academics |
Closing
This collection illustrates the diverse ways excellence manifests in American education—from Silicon Valley STEM powerhouses to historic exam schools and equity‑driven charters. While “smartest” can mean different things, these schools share a culture of achievement that propels students toward top universities and national recognition. It’s important to remember that such environments aren’t ideal for every learner, but they set benchmarks for academic rigor nationwide. For the latest data, consult trusted sources like U.S. News, Niche, and The Washington Post.