Top-Ranked Public High Schools in New York City
New York City stands out as a hub of academic excellence, hosting a wide spectrum of public high schools recognized for rigorous curricula, specialized programs, and high college readiness levels. These institutions attract students nationally and locally, striving for excellence in science, technology, humanities, and more. Here is a comprehensive overview of some of the most esteemed public high schools in the city, highlighting their core attributes and accomplishments.
1. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
Location: Jamaica, Queens
Specialization: Mathematics and Science
Admission: Selective; based on Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) scores
Enrollment: Approximately 498 students (2023-2024)
Achievements:
- Ranked 1st in New York State and 25th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 98.2%
Overview: Established in 2002, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College is a premier institution focused exclusively on mathematics and science. It admits students solely through SHSAT performance, emphasizing high academic standards. Its affiliation with the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST) underscores its commitment to STEM excellence. The school consistently delivers outstanding results, reflected in its perfect graduation rate and stellar college readiness scores. Its ranking at the top of the state underscores its reputation as a leading science high school in NYC.
2. Stuyvesant High School
Location: Manhattan, New York
Specialization: General Academic Excellence with a focus on STEM
Admission: Highly selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 3,334 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 2nd in New York State and 26th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- College Readiness: 95.3%
Overview: Founded in 1904, Stuyvesant High School is among NYC’s oldest specialized public schools. It maintains a rigorous academic environment centered on STEM disciplines and liberal arts. Admission relies heavily on SHSAT scores, making it fiercely competitive. Alumni include Nobel laureates, esteemed scientists, and prominent leaders. The school’s academic performance, high graduation rate, and the number of students progressing to college underscore its prestige and influence in shaping future innovators.
3. High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College
Location: Manhattan, New York
Specialization: Mathematics and Science
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 555 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 3rd in New York State and 36th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- College Readiness: 100%
Overview: Affiliated with the City College of New York, this high school specializes in advanced mathematics and science coursework. Its strategic partnership offers students early exposure to higher education resources. The school’s high college readiness rate and ranking demonstrate its role as a gateway for aspiring scientists and engineers. Its selective process ensures a highly motivated student population dedicated to STEM pursuits.
4. Bronx High School of Science
Location: Bronx, New York
Specialization: Science and Mathematics
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 2,951 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 4th in New York State and 37th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- College Readiness: 92.8%
Overview: Established in 1938, the Bronx High School of Science is historically recognized for its contributions to scientific research and education. Many Nobel laureates and distinguished scientists have graduated from this institution. Its academic rigor and focus on scientific inquiry foster an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries. Consistent high rankings and impressive academic metrics affirm its status among top science high schools in the city.
5. Staten Island Technical High School
Location: Staten Island, New York
Specialization: Engineering and Technology
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 1,374 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 5th in New York State and 50th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 99.1%
Overview: Focused on engineering, technology, and applied sciences, Staten Island Technical High School emphasizes project-based learning and innovation. Its student body demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, reflected in its near-perfect graduation and college readiness scores. The school’s ranking highlights its role as a leading STEM-focused institution in the borough, attracting students passionate about technology and engineering careers.
6. Brooklyn Latin School
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Specialization: Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Humanities
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Achievements:
- Ranked 6th in New York State and 54th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- College Readiness: 96.2%
Overview: Offering a curriculum grounded in liberal arts, Brooklyn Latin emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and humanities. Its curriculum prepares students for diverse fields, including law, journalism, and social sciences. The school fosters a rigorous academic environment with notable success in student college preparedness and low dropout rates. Its standing among the top public schools in the city is well-earned through its focus on humanities excellence.
7. Brooklyn Technical High School
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Specialization: Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 5,940 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 7th in New York State and 67th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- College Readiness: 95.2%
Overview: As NYC’s largest specialized high school, Brooklyn Tech offers a wide array of engineering, architectural, and computer science programs. Its extensive student body benefits from a comprehensive curriculum aligned with industry standards. The school’s impressive academic outcomes, combined with its historical prominence, make it a substantial contributor to the city’s STEM talent pipeline.
8. High School of American Studies at Lehman College
Location: Bronx, New York
Specialization: Social Studies and Humanities
Admission: Selective; based on SHSAT scores
Enrollment: Approximately 399 students
Achievements:
- Ranked 8th in New York State and 76th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Readiness: 100%
Overview: Focused on social studies, history, and humanities, this high school emphasizes analytical reasoning and civic engagement. Its partnership with Lehman College offers students access to college-level coursework and resources. Consistently high graduation and college readiness metrics reflect its commitment to producing well-rounded, socially conscious graduates.
Additional Notes
These schools exemplify New York City’s dedication to fostering academic excellence across diverse fields. The competitive admissions, high graduation rates, and outstanding college preparation scores underscore their role as gateways for ambitious students. Each institution’s unique focus areas—from STEM to humanities—ensure a broad spectrum of academic pathways, fitting varied student interests and career aspirations. Prospective students should consider their academic strengths and interests when selecting from these top-tier schools, as each offers specialized programs designed to cultivate future leaders, researchers, and innovators.
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
