Top Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

Writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron once highlighted during her 1996 Wellesley College commencement address that “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Indeed, high school might epitomize this concept, serving as one of the most significant dress rehearsals.

Exploring Interests and Preparing for College in High School

High school is an institution where students discover their passions, immerse themselves in extracurricular activities, enjoy the freedom to select their own classes, and brace themselves for college or their future careers. Public education holds the key for these students and their families. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 49.4 million students registered for public pre-K–12 schools in the fall of 2021, with approximately a third enrolled in high school across nearly 23,500 public secondary schools nationwide.

The Importance of Quality Public Education

For many concerned parents, ensuring their children attend the best public high schools is a top priority. Some families even relocate to secure residence within superior school districts. Amid the sea of thousands of schools, a select few stand out for their academic excellence, impressive track records, and the future success of their students.

Ranking the Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania

Stacker assembled a list of Pennsylvania’s 30 top public high schools using 2023 rankings from Niche. Niche’s ranking system incorporates seven weighted factors, with a majority of the score derived from academics. Other essential factors include culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, resources, and surveys of parents, teachers, and students. School districts are usually provided when available; otherwise, the city is enumerated.