Best U.S. Public High Schools by State

Consider sending your teenager to these best-of-the-best high schools in the country.

If you’re wondering what the best public high school in your state is for your teenager, you’re in luck — because we’ve already done the research for you. Using the latest results from Niche.com’s annual 2023 rankings of the best public high schools and taking a look at U.S. News’ Best States rankings to determine how each state did in terms of education level overall, as well as K-12 education rankings, here is a well-rounded list of the country’s best of the best when it comes to education.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind about these findings. We decided to mention the school’s math and reading proficiency level when it was reported at less than 90 percent for either subject; otherwise, they are not mentioned. It’s also important to note that test scoring methodology varies from state to state.

Now, without further ado, here are the top 50 public high schools across the country.

Alabama: Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School

LAMP High School / Twitter

The Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School is an A+ rated, public, magnet school, located in the city of Montgomery. It has 469 students in grades 9-12 with just 16 students per teacher. Students report that the average SAT score is 1360 and the average ACT is 30. Loveless is also rated No. 1 for best high schools for STEM in the Cotton State — go Tigers!

U.S. News ranks Alabama 47th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 45th for specifically PreK-12.

Alaska: Mat-Su Career & Tech Education High School

Mat-Su Career & Tech Education High School / Facebook

Wasilla’s Mat-Su Career & Tech Education High School is Alaska’s best-rated public high school and best magnet school. It serves 753 students in grades 9-12. While most of the schools in this report have math and reading proficiency rates of over 90 percent, West’s proficiency rates are lower. According to state test scores, 67 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 72 percent in reading.

Of note, the school offers interesting academic programs for students, including a program for highly gifted students, International Baccalaureate (IB), AP classes and support for job placement after graduation. The average student-reported SAT at West High School was 1190, and the average ACT score was reported at 27.

According to U.S. News, Alaska ranks 49th out of 50 states in terms of education and 49th in specifically PreK-12 education.

Arizona: BASIS Scottsdale

BASIS Scottsdale / Facebook

BASIS is an A+ rated, public, charter school in Scottsdale that was opened by two economists who wanted a better education for their daughter. BASIS Scottsdale serves grades 5-12 and has 1,123 students. As one of the top schools in this report (after Nevada’s Davidson Academy), BASIS’ student-reported average SAT score is 1480, and the average student-reported ACT score is 34. In 2017, “Business Insider” rated it the No. 1 public high school in America.

U.S. News ranks Arizona 46th out of 50 states for overall education levels and 47th out for PreK-12.

Arkansas: Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts

Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts / Facebook

Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts is Arkansas’ top public high school. The school, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has just 207 students in grades 10-12. Students report that their average SAT score is 1400, and the average ACT score is 30.

So far, the school boasts a 100 percent graduation rate, which isn’t surprising considering each teacher only works with six students at a time, and 70 courses are available for college credit.

U.S. News ranks Arkansas 41st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 38th out of 50 for PreK-12.

California: Henry M. Gunn High School

Brian Cantoni / Wikimedia Commons

Out of all the public high schools in the Golden State, Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto is the top-rated, with an overall A+ grade and more than 1,936 students in grades 9-12. The average reported SAT score is 1420, and the average ACT score is 32.

The Titans’ top choices for college include UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego and USC, although Stanford is also on the list.

U.S. News ranks the state of California 20th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 40th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Colorado: Stargate Charter School

Stargate Charter School / Facebook

Colorado’s Stargate Charter School in Thornton is the Centennial State’s top-rated public school from K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to one. At least 64 percent of students take advantage of the numerous AP classes the school offers as well as a gifted program. The average SAT score is reported to be 1330, and the average ACT score is reported to be 32. Represented by majestic eagles, the school’s colors are bright purple and yellow.

U.S. News ranks Colorado fifth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked seventh out of 50 for PreK-12.

Connecticut: Staples High School

Staples High School / Twitter

The Constitution State’s No. 1 rated public high school dates back to 1884 when it was founded by Horace Staples, a wealthy local businessman in the city of Westport. Staples High School gets an A+ rating and serves grades 9-12. Staples students report that the average SAT score is 1290, while the average ACT score is 31. Budding journalists will be interested to know that the school’s newspaper has won the Columbia Scholastic Press Association gold medal every year for 19 years, although it dropped to silver for 2020 and 2021.

U.S. News ranks Connecticut sixth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked third out of 50 for PreK-12.

Delaware: Charter School of Wilmington

Charter School of Wilmington / dnrec.delaware.gov

Charter School of Wilmington is Delaware’s highest-rated public high school, serving 971 pupils. As one of the country’s first charter schools, the Charter School of Wilmington reports that students have an average SAT score of 1350 and an average ACT score of 31. The school places a heavy emphasis on STEM classes, and it has some of the best public high school teachers in Delaware.

U.S. News ranks Delaware 24th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 22nd out of 50 for PreK-12.

Florida: Pine View School

Pine View School / sarasotacountyschools.net

The best public school in the Sunshine State is Pine View School in Osprey. The A+ rated, magnet public school focuses on intellectually gifted students for elementary through high school, and it was the first school of its kind in Florida. The average SAT score is 1380, and the average ACT score is 32.

U.S. News ranks Florida third out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 16th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Georgia: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology / gsmst.org

The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology is the top-rated public high school in the Peach State. It serves 1,154 students across grades 9-12, who reported that their average SAT score is 1370, and their average ACT score is 31. In 2018, Gwinnett won the regional championships in the National Science Bowl.

U.S. News ranks Georgia 26th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 30th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Hawaii: Mililani High School

Mililani High School

Mililani High School is the Aloha State’s No. 1 rated public high school. The school has 2,620 students in grades 9-12, with approximately 18 students per teacher.

According to reported state test scores from Niche.com, 39 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 61 percent, in reading. Students at Education Laboratory School report that their average SAT score is 1170, and the average ACT score is 25. Most graduating students attend one of the University of Hawaii’s campuses, particularly the Manoa location. Their colors are brown and gold, and their mascot is the Trojan.

U.S. News ranks Hawaii 27th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 28th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Idaho: Renaissance High School

Renaissance High School / Facebook

Renaissance High School is Niche.com’s top-rated public high school in the Gem State. The school, located in Meridian, has 713 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to one. The average reported SAT score is 1250, and the average reported ACT score is 29.

According to Niche.com, state test scores show 92 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 95 percent, in reading. Their colors are red and gold, and their mascot is the Voyager.

U.S. News ranks Idaho 29th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 23rd out of 50 for PreK-12.

Illinois: Payton College Preparatory High School

Walter Payton College Prep Football / Facebook

The Payton College Preparatory High School is one of the top-rated schools in the nation. The magnet school is located in Chicago and has 1,191 students. It’s currently ranked No. 1 for best public high school in the state, best STEM school in the state and best magnet high school in the state.

The average SAT score, as reported by students at this school, is 1410, and the average ACT score is 31. An impressive 77 percent of the student body is enrolled in AP classes, and graduates often gravitate towards Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.

U.S. News ranks Illinois 11th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked sixth out of 50 for PreK-12.

Indiana: Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities

Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities / Facebook

Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities is the Hoosier State’s top-rated high school. The A+ rated high school is located in Muncie, and it’s the top in the state, plus second for best public high school teacher. The magnet school only serves students in grades 11-12 with a teacher-student ratio of eight to one.

The small setting seems to work. The average student-reported SAT score is 1320, and the average ACT score at West Lafayette is reported at 29, and many alumni end up attending Purdue University, one of the top colleges in the state.

U.S. News ranks Indiana 22nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked ninth out of 50 for PreK-12.

Iowa: West High School

Iowa City West High School / Facebook

West High School is Iowa’s highest-rated public school, located in Iowa City. It has 1,460 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18 to one. Students report that the average SAT score is 1400, and the average ACT score is 29. The school is ranked the top high school for STEM in Iowa.

U.S. News ranks Iowa 18th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 24th for PreK-12.

Kansas: Blue Valley North High School

Blue Valley North High School / Instagram

The highest-rated public high school in the Sunflower State, according to Niche.com, is Overland Park’s Blue Valley North High School. With 1,483 students, there are approximately 15 students per teacher. However, according to Niche.com, the state test scores show that only 55 percent of those students are at least proficient in math and 51 percent in reading. The average student reported SAT score at Blue Valley is 1380, with the average ACT score reported at 29.

Blue Valley also has a gifted program and a competitive robotics team. Their colors are navy, silver and white, and they root on the Mustangs at sporting events. U.S. News ranks Kansas 23rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 27th for PreK-12.

Kentucky: DuPont Manual High School

DuPont Manual High School / Instagram

The top-rated public high school in the Bluegrass State is DuPont Manual High School. The A+ rated, public, magnet school in Louisville sits in a three-story gothic building built in 1934 and has 1,887 students The average reported SAT score is 1380, and the average reported ACT score is 29. DuPont Manual also boasts a gifted program for students and was declared a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. News ranks Kentucky 36th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 33rd out of 50 for PreK-12.

Louisiana: Benjamin Franklin High School

Benjamin Franklin High School / bfhsla.org

The best public high school in the Bayou State is Benjamin Franklin High School, located in New Orleans. The school was founded in 1957 as a school for the gifted and has 997 students, with about 20 students per teacher. The average student-reported SAT score is 1340, and the average student-reported ACT score is 29. Benjamin Franklin was ranked 81st in the nation in 2018 by U.S. News.

U S. News ranks Louisiana 48th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 46th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Maine: Maine School of Science & Mathematics

Maine School of Science and Mathematics / educatius.org

The top public high school in the Pine Tree State is the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. It is one of the few public boarding schools in the U.S., and serves grades 9-12, with a co-ed summer program for grades 5-9. The school is located in the city of Limestone, has only 133 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10 to one. The average reported SAT score is 1410, and the average reported ACT score is 28. The school has a 90 percent graduation rate.

U.S. News ranks Maine 28th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 12th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Maryland: Poolesville High School

Poolesville High School / phsboosterclub.org

Poolesville High School, home of the Falcons, is Maryland’s top public high school. The A+ magnet school in the city of Poolesville has 1,205 students. The average reported SAT score is 1400, and the average reported ACT score is 31. Poolesville earned U.S. News’ Gold Medal ranking in its 2018 rankings. Its colors are black and Vegas gold.

U.S. News ranks Maryland 14th out of 50 states for overall education levels as well as 14th for PreK-12.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science / Facebook

The Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science (MAMS) is one of the top high schools in the country and the top-rated public high school in the Codfish State. Many students graduating from this high school go on to attend Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two of the best universities in the nation, if not the world.

The magnet school is located in the city of Worcester and only has 99 students in grades 11 and 12. MAMS students report that the average SAT score is 1480, and the average ACT score is 34 — arguably some of the top test scores for both public and private schools, nationally.

U.S. News ranks Massachusetts second out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked second out of 50 for PreK-12.

Michigan: International Academy

International Academy / Facebook

International Academy is Michigan’s highest-ranked public high school. International Academy, located in Bloomfield Hills, has 1,520 students. The average student-reported SAT score is 1400, and the average ACT score is 32. The International Academy has three campuses, and it’s ranked No. 6 in best high schools for STEM in Michigan. It also has the No. 1 IB program for high schoolers in the nation.

U.S. News ranks Michigan 38th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 32nd out of 50 for PreK-12.

Minnesota: Minnesota Math and Science Academy

Minnesota Math and Science Academy / Facebook

Minnesota Math and Science Academy is the state’s top public high school and is located in the city of Woodbury. The school has 543 students across grades K-12, and most of them are big fans of the annual Dork Olympic competition and lip sync battle. Students report that the average SAT is score is 1380, and the average ACT is 30. The school’s colors are black, maroon and silver, and their mascot is the dragon.

U.S. News ranks Minnesota 17th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 18th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Mississippi: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science / themsms.org

The top-rated public high school in the Magnolia State is the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). MSMS is one of the few residential, public high schools in the country, where some of the most gifted students in the Magnolia State spend their last two years in high school living and studying. Students report the average SAT score to be 1350, and the average ACT is 30.

U.S. News ranks Mississippi 43rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also 43rd out of 50 for PreK-12.

Missouri: Ladue Horton Watkins High School

Ladue Horton Watkins High School / Facebook

Ladue Horton Watkins High School is Missouri’s top-rated public school. It is also the only high school in the school district of Clayton. The school has 1,315 students and approximately 15 students per teacher. Students report their average SAT score is 1450, and their average ACT score is 29. Their colors are blue and white, so go Rams!

U.S. News ranks Missouri 30th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 26th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Montana: Bozeman High School

Bozeman High School / bhs.bsd7.org

Bozeman High School is the top-rated public high school in Montana and the second oldest in the state. The school, named after the city it’s located in, has 2,243 students and 17 students per teacher. The average reported SAT score is 1,300, and the average reported ACT score is 27. It’s also reportedly the best high school for sports in the state. Students cheer on the Hawks, proudly wearing the red and black school colors.

U.S. News ranks Montana 32nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It ranks 36th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Nebraska: Millard North High School

Millard North High School / Facebook

Millard North High School is Nebraska’s top-rated public high school. It has 2,614 students, and according to state test scores, 71 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 75 percent, in reading. The average reported SAT score is 1380, and the average reported ACT score is 28. It is one of only three high schools in Nebraska that have been approved for the IB program. The school colors are blue and silver with a splash of green, and their mascot is the mustangs.

U.S. News ranks Nebraska ninth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 13th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Nevada: The Davidson Academy

The Davidson Academy / Facebook

The Davidson Academy is a one-of-a-kind public elementary and high school on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Not surprisingly, it’s Nevada’s top-rated public high school. It is the only public middle and high school for students who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ and achievement tests. Davidson also has an accredited, full-time online campus to serve profoundly gifted students living anywhere in the U.S.

The average reported SAT score is 1510, and the average reported ACT score is 34 — some of the top test scores in the nation for public or private schools. Students cheer on their beloved Bears in maroon, black and white colors.

U.S. News ranks Nevada 40th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 48th out of 50 for PreK-12.

New Hampshire: Academy for Science and Design High School

Academy for Science and Design High School / Facebook

Academy for Science and Design High School is New Hampshire’s highest-rated public high school. Located in the city of Nashua, the academy has 222 students and 17 students per teacher. Students report their average SAT score is 1390, and the average ACT score is 33. Nine-five percent of the students and parents who responded agreed that the teachers offered engaging lessons.

U.S. News ranks New Hampshire 13th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked fourth out of 50 for PreK-12.

New Jersey: High Technology High School

HighTechHS / Twitter

High Technology High School is New Jersey’s highest-rated public high school. The A+-rated school in Lincroft has 295 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12 students per teacher. The average SAT score is 1520, and the average ACT score is reported to be 34, and 44 percent of students there are enrolled in AP classes. The students love participating in the school’s annual coffeehouse event, along with field days and film fests. Their colors are black and gold, and their mascot is the hawk.

U.S. News ranks New Jersey first out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked first out of 50 for PreK-12.

New Mexico: La Cueva High School

John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons

La Cueva High School is New Mexico’s top-rated public high school. The school, located in Albuquerque, has 1,800 students spanning grades 9-12. According to state test scores, 41 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 71 percent, in reading. The average reported SAT score is 1320, and the average reported ACT score is 27.

U.S. News ranks New Mexico 50th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked 50th out of 50 for PreK-12.

New York: Bronx High School of Science

Wikimedia Commons

New York State’s Bronx High School of Science is one of the top schools on this list and is the top-rated public high school in the state. This college prep school has 2,937 students, with an average SAT score of 1440 and an average ACT score of 33. The school’s colors are green and gold, and their motto is “Inquire, Discover, Create.”

U.S. News ranks New York 16th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 19th out of 50 for PreK-12.

North Carolina: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics / Facebook

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is North Carolina’s top-rated public high school. The school in Durham has 680 students in grades 11-12 and a remarkable student-teacher ratio of seven students to one teacher. Students report that their average SAT score is 1440, and the average ACT score is 33. Raleigh Charter’s mascot is the unicorn, which sports the colors of blue and grey.

U.S. News ranks North Carolina seventh out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 15th out of 50 for K-12.

North Dakota: Fargo Davies High School

Fargo Davies High School / fargo.k12.nd.us

Fargo Davies High School is North Dakota’s top-rated public school, located in the city of Fargo. Fargo Davies has 1,295 students in grades 9-12, and approximately 15 students per teacher. According to state test scores, 48 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 57 percent, in reading. Of importance, the school has high athletic participation rates — go Bald Eagles!

U.S. News ranks North Dakota 25th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 34th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Ohio: Indian Hill High School

Indian Hill Schools

Indian Hill High School is Ohio’s top-rated public high school. It has 628 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of just 12 to one. Based on state test scores, 72 percent of the students are proficient in math and 92 percent, in reading. The average SAT score is 1340 and the average ACT score is 31, with 65 percent of students electing to take AP classes. Fans of the school root on its mascot — the hawk — in the colors of red and white.

U.S. News ranks Ohio 31st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 20th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

Ossm Edu / Facebook

Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is Oklahoma’s best-ranking public high school. It only has 150 students, with a remarkable student-teacher ratio of six to one. The average reported SAT score is 1410, with an average ACT score of 32. The school has a virtually unmatched graduation rate of 100 percent, and it’s considered the best high school for STEM in the state.

U.S. News ranks Oklahoma 42nd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 44th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Oregon: Lake Oswego Senior High School

Lake Oswego High School

Lake Oswego Senior High School is the top-rated public high school in the Beaver State. It has 1,251 students, and state test scores show that 60 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 82 percent, in reading. Lake Oswego students report that the average SAT score is 1330, and the average ACT score is 30. The school has both AP and gifted programs available for students, who wear blue and white to show school pride. The school’s mascot is named Pilot Joe.

U.S. News ranks Oregon 35th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 37th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Pennsylvania: Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

Masterman Home and School / Facebook

Julia R. Masterman Secondary School is the best public high school in the Coal State. It has 1,207 students who report that the average SAT score is 1390, and the average ACT score is 31. It’s considered one of the hardest special admissions public schools to get into, with an acceptance rate of only about 3 percent. The school’s colors are blue and white.

U.S. News ranks Pennsylvania 37th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 17th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Rhode Island: Barrington High School

Barrington High School / barringtonhigh.org

Barrington High School is the Ocean State’s top-rated public high school serving 1,122 students. State test scores show 77 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 89 percent, in reading. The average student-reported SAT score is 1280, and the average student-reported ACT score is 28. The school colors are blue and gold, and its mascot is the rather patriotic eagle.

U.S. News ranks Rhode Island 39th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 25th out of 50 states for PreK-12.

South Carolina: South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics / Facebook

South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics is South Carolina’s top-rated public high school. The Hartsville school has 270 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 students per teacher. The average student-reported SAT score is 1380, and the average student-reported ACT score is 31. Govie the eagle is the school mascot.

U.S. News ranks South Carolina 44th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 42nd out of 50 for PreK-12.

South Dakota: Washington High School

Washington High School

Washington High School is South Dakota’s best public high school, and it serves 1,975 students. State test scores show that 43 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 66 percent, in reading. Students report that the average SAT score is 1150, and the average ACT score is 25. Students rank homecoming, an annual beach bash and prom as their favorite school events. School colors are orange and black, and Indians are the school’s mascot.

U.S. News ranks South Dakota 19th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 29th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Tennessee: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

EVula / Wikimedia Commons

Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School is the top-rated public high school in the Volunteer State. Located in Nashville, Hume-Fogg has 907 students, who have an average SAT score of 1320 and an average reported ACT score of 29. The school offers an IB program for students, and its mascot is the blue knight.

U.S. News ranks Tennessee 33rd out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 31st out of 50 for PreK-12.

Texas: School for the Talented and Gifted

Michael Barera / Wikipedia

The School for the Talented and Gifted is the Lone Star State’s highest-rated public high school. The Dallas magnet school has just 464 students in grades 9-12, and they have an impressive 95 percent proficiency in both reading and math. Students report that their average SAT score is 1290 and their average ACT score is 32. Locally known as “TAG,” the school’s color is gold and navy, and the griffin is its mascot.

U.S. News ranks Texas 34th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 35th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Utah: Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy

Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy / maeserprep.org

Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy is the Beehive State’s highest-rated public high school. The charter school in the city of Lindon has 634 students in grades 7-12. State test scores show 67 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 72 percent in reading. The average SAT score is 1400 and the average ACT score is 28. Students rank “Winterim,” spirit week and spirit bowl as their top three annual events. The school colors are navy, gold and white, and students cheer on the lions.

U.S. News ranks Utah 10th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 21st out of 50 for PreK-12.

Vermont: South Burlington High School

South Burlington High School / Facebook

South Burlington High School is Vermont’s top-rated public high school, serving 880 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 students per teacher. State test scores show 52 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 79 percent in reading. The average SAT score is 1240 and the average ACT score is 28. South Burlington ranks No. 30 for athletics, statewide.

U.S. News ranks Vermont 15th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked fifth out of 50 for PreK-12.

Virginia: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology / jlab.org

Another school to make the list is the Thomas Jefferson (TJ) High School for Science & Technology — the Old Dominion’s top-rated public school. The magnet school, located in Alexandria, has 1,809 students. According to state testing, 99 percent of students are proficient in both math and reading. TJ students report that their average SAT score is 1520, and the average ACT score is 35. The school colors are red, white and navy.

U.S. News ranks Virginia 12th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 10th out of 50 for PreK-12.

Washington: Tesla STEM High School

Tesla STEM High School / tesla.lwsd.org

Tesla STEM High School is Washington State’s top-rated public high school. The alternative magnet school is located in Redmond and has 603 students. Nearly all students (95 percent) are proficient in both math and reading. Tesla students report that the average SAT score is 1430, and the average ACT is 33.

Among many partnerships, Tesla receives support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, launched by the late co-founder of Microsoft. Tesla STEM’s school colors are blue, white and green.

U.S. News ranks Washington fourth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 11th out of 50 for PreK-12.

West Virginia: Morgantown High School

Morgantown High School / Facebook

Morgantown High School is the best-rated public school in the Mountain State. The school, located in Morgantown, has 1,851students and a student-teacher ratio of 19 to one. According to state test scores, 43 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 68 percent in reading. Students report that the average SAT score is 1220, and the average ACT score is 26. The school’s colors are red and blue — go Mohigans!

U.S. News ranks West Virginia 45th out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 41st out of 50 for PreK-12.

Wisconsin: Brookfield East High School

Brookfield East High School / Facebook

Brookfield East High School is the state’s best-rated public high school, serving 1,310 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to one. State test scores show that 59 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 64 percent in reading. Whitefish Bay students report that the average SAT score is 1350, and the average ACT score is 29. The school’s mascot is the Spartan, and its colors are red and navy blue.

U.S. News ranks Wisconsin eighth out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s also ranked eighth out of 50 for PreK-12.

Wyoming: Jackson Hole High School

Jackson Hole High School

Jackson Hole High School is the Cowboy State’s top-rated public high school. It serves 740 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of just 13 students per teacher. According to state test scores, 47 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 56 percent, in reading. The average SAT score is 1250, and the average reported ACT score is 27. The school mascot is the broncs, and the school’s colors are black and gold.

U.S. News ranks Wyoming 21st out of 50 states for overall education levels. It’s ranked 39th out of 50 for PreK-12.