Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting task, especially in a busy and bustling city like New York. Because there are numerous educational institutions offering various programs, it’s essential to identify which schools stand out for their academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and overall environment.
Also note that schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best schools near New York, highlighting unique features such as what makes them exceptional choices for students.
So, whether you’re looking for a top-notch public school or a prestigious private institution, this guide will help you choose the best options and find a suitable fit for your family.
Top 10 Best Schools Near New York
1. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College is ranked first among the top 10 best schools near New York. It is also ranked #25 in the National Rankings, #2 in New York Metro Area High Schools and #1 in New York City Public High Schools.
The school is located at 159th St., Jamaica, New York and has about 520 students from Grades 9–12, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, according to US News and the World Report on Education.
The school specializes in mathematics and science and only admits students based on their Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) scores. They also boast of having one of the highest test scores in the country.
The school also features several extracurriculars, including many clubs and a few sports teams. Some students are given the opportunity to join mentorships and internship programs to develop research projects presented in science and engineering workshops and symposiums throughout the US. Students also take Advanced Placement coursework and exams and their AP participation rate is 100%.
2. Stuyvesant High School
Stuyvesant High School is located at 345 Chambers St, New York, New York. It is one of the top 10 best schools near New York, ranked second.
With approximately 3,340 students in grades 9–12, they have a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, according to US News and the World Report on Education.
Stuyvesant offers a college preparatory curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams. These courses focus on math, science, history, English, or foreign languages. This gives students opportunities to earn college credit. The AP participation rate at Stuyvesant High School is 97%.
For extracurriculars, Stuyvesant has several activities ranging from sports to clubs, publications and student government.
3. High School Math Science and Engineering at City College, NY
High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY is the third of 10 best schools near New York. It is a specialized, highly selective college preparatory high school, and admission is granted to students based on their Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) results. The school is located at 240 Convent Ave., New York.
They specialize mainly in engineering and design, with a small student population to allow students and teachers to have a stronger relationship.
Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams for college preparation and their AP participation rate is 100%.
4. Bronx High School of Science
Bronx High School of Science, located at 75 W 205th St., Bronx, New York, is the fourth on our list of the top 10 best schools near New York.
With a population of about 2,951 students from Grades 9–12 and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, according to US News and the World Report on Education.
Bronx Science is a renowned school in the US that has produced the most Nobel laureates in science of any secondary school in the world. They also offer all of the AP coursework and exams, except for AP German Language and Culture and the AP Capstone program. The AP participation rate at Bronx High School of Science is 95%.
For extracurriculars, students can be part of the school publication, which includes a science newspaper, a literary magazine and a math bulletin.
5. Staten Island Technical High School
Staten Island Technical High School is a college preparatory school focusing on science and engineering. It is located at 485 Clawson St, Staten Island, New York. It is one of the top 10 best schools near New York.
At Statens, students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Staten Island Technical High School is 100%.
Extracurriculars at Staten Island include sports and athletics, theater and drama programs, robotics, science Olympiad and several other clubs.
6. Brooklyn Latin School
Brooklyn Latin School is the sixth best school near New York. Located at 223 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, New York, with a population of 800 students in Grades 9–12 and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, according to US News and World Report on Education.
Admission into BLS is strictly based on students’ Specialized High Schools Admissions Test score. The Brooklyn Latin School is also the only specialized high school in New York City that has the IB Diploma Program, in which students have the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams with a participation rate of 99%.
7. Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn Technical High School is located at 29 Ft. Greene Pl., Brooklyn, New York and is one of the top 10 best schools in the world, specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To be admitted to Brooklyn Tech, students have to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) and score the cutoff for Brooklyn Tech.
In terms of academics, Brooklyn Tech uses a different system that is unusual for an American high school. They make use of college-style curriculum and students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams.
Extracurriculars at Brooklyn Tech includes athletics, radio club, Civil Air Patrol Brooklyn Tech Cadet Squadron, football, chess, wrestling, forensics, debate, dance, and cheerleading, amongst many others.
8. High School of American Studies at Lehman College
High School of American Studies at Lehman College is a specialized high school and one of the 10 best schools near New York. The school is located at 2925 Goulden Ave., Bronx, New York.
The High School of American Studies at Lehman College specializes in American history and all courses are taught at the honors or Advanced Placement level. Students also get to travel to historical sites and attend seminars with guest speakers in addition to in-class learning. Both Juniors and seniors at HSAS are eligible to enroll in courses at Lehman College and are encouraged to work on individual research projects.
To be admitted to High School of American Studies, students have to pass the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).
9. Townsend Harris High School
Townsend Harris High School is located at 149-11 Melbourne Ave., Flushing, New York. This is the ninth school on the list of top 10 best schools near New York.
The school has a reputation for high academic standards and strong performance on standardized tests and offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, helping students prepare for college.
In addition to academics, Townsend Harris offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in clubs, sports, and special interest groups, which help them develop skills outside the classroom and build a well-rounded high school experience. The school’s commitment to both academics and extracurriculars supports a balanced and comprehensive education.
10. Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Baccalaureate School for Global Education is tenth on the list of the top 10 best schools near New York. The school is located at 34-12 36th Ave., Long Island City, New York.
They have a student population of about 419 from Grades 7–12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
They also rank #106 in the national rankings and #18 in NY Metro Area high schools, according to US News and the World Report on Education.
The Baccalaureate School for Global Education focuses on a challenging academic curriculum with an emphasis on global perspectives and critical thinking. Students engage in in-depth coursework that prepares them for higher education and global citizenship, while also promoting intellectual and social development through the International Baccalaureate framework. The school also places importance on small classes so students can develop better relationships with their instructors.
Outside the classroom, students can join a range of extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and sports, which help them develop leadership skills and pursue their interests. The school’s approach combines strong academics with diverse extracurricular options to foster a well-rounded education.
Conclusion
In summary, the top 10 schools near New York each offer something special. They provide high-quality education, supportive teachers, and a variety of activities that help students grow. Whether your child is interested in science, the arts, or sports, these schools have strong programs to meet their needs.
When choosing the right school, think about what will help your child learn and be happy. These schools are among the best because they work hard to create a positive and successful learning experience for every student.
