Top 10 Public High Schools in New York

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in New York is Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, the flagship NYC specialized school whose students average a 1500+ SAT and feed Ivy League and top STEM universities in numbers no other public school in the state can match. The Best Value pick is Townsend Harris High School in Queens, a free public school that delivers a humanities-rich, college-prep education and elite college placement without the selective admissions test the specialized schools require.

This list is built for New York families and students who want the strongest public-school path to a competitive college, whether they live in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from city, state, and national education sources.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against what New York families consistently say matters most when choosing a public high school. We leaned on published data from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the College Board, and NCES. The weighting:

• Academic performance (Regents, test scores) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost (free public access, equity) — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts elite scores but offers no real depth of programs, or wins on prestige but graduates few students on time, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Stuyvesant High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public / Specialized (Exam) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Top STEM and academically driven students statewide

Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan (New York City) is the most selective and highest-performing public school in New York. Enrolling roughly 3,300 students, admission comes solely through the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), and the resulting cohort posts an average SAT around 1500 with near-universal Regents mastery.

Stuyvesant offers a vast Advanced Placement catalog, advanced math and research tracks, and a graduation rate near 100%. Its student-teacher ratio sits near 22:1, and each year graduates matriculate to MIT, Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, and the nation's top STEM programs in extraordinary numbers.

It is free to any qualifying NYC student.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1500 — the highest of any NYC public school
• Free admission via the SHSAT, open to all NYC students
• Vast AP catalog and elite STEM and research tracks
• Graduation rate near 100% with Ivy and MIT placement

Cons:

• Single-test admission is intensely competitive
• High-pressure environment isn't for everyone

Verdict: Stuyvesant is the strongest public school in New York — unmatched scores, deep STEM rigor, and college outcomes that rival the best private schools, all tuition-free.

2. Townsend Harris High School 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public / Screened | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Humanities-strong students seeking elite outcomes without the SHSAT

Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, Queens (New York City) is one of the best values in American public education. Enrolling about 1,150 students, it admits students by academic record rather than the SHSAT, making elite outcomes accessible to strong applicants who don't test into the specialized schools.

Townsend Harris posts an average SAT around 1340 and a graduation rate near 100%, with a humanities-and-classics-rich curriculum, a partnership with Queens College for dual enrollment, and deep AP offerings. Graduates regularly enroll at top SUNYs, NYU, Cornell, and the Ivies — private-school results at zero tuition.

Pros:

• Free elite education without the SHSAT requirement
• Queens College partnership for early college credit
• Average SAT near 1340 with near-100% graduation
• Strong humanities focus and excellent college placement

Cons:

• Screened admission is still highly competitive
• Humanities emphasis suits some students more than others

Verdict: Townsend Harris is the value champion — Ivy-caliber outcomes and college credit, free, and open to strong students beyond the exam schools.

3. The Bronx High School of Science

Type: Public / Specialized (Exam) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Future scientists, engineers, and researchers

The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx (New York City) is a legendary specialized school with eight Nobel laureate alumni — more than any other secondary school in the world. Enrolling roughly 3,000 students admitted by the SHSAT, it posts an average SAT around 1460 and a graduation rate near 100%, with renowned research programs in physics, biology, and engineering.

Bronx Science offers an extensive AP catalog and Intel/Regeneron science-competition success, sending graduates to MIT, Caltech, Cornell, and the Ivies. Its student-teacher ratio near 24:1 and storied STEM culture make it a top choice for research-minded students.

Pros:

• More Nobel laureate alumni than any school worldwide
• Average SAT near 1460 and near-100% graduation
• Elite research and science-competition track record
• Free SHSAT admission, open to all NYC students

Cons:

• Highly competitive single-test admission
• Large enrollment can feel impersonal

Verdict: The premier public science school in New York — unrivaled STEM heritage and outcomes for research-bound students.

4. Staten Island Technical High School

Type: Public / Specialized (Exam) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: STEM students who want a smaller specialized-school setting

Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island (New York City) is the smallest of the SHSAT specialized schools and consistently posts some of the highest outcomes in the city. Enrolling about 1,400 students, it reports an average SAT around 1450 and a graduation rate near 100%, with a STEM-focused curriculum, mandatory Russian language instruction, and deep AP offerings.

Its tighter size and strong school culture yield outstanding college placement at Cornell, NYU, and top engineering programs. Admission is by SHSAT, and its consistently high rankings make it one of the best public high schools in the state.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1450 with near-100% graduation
• Smaller, close-knit specialized-school community
• Strong STEM curriculum and unique language program
• Free SHSAT admission, open to all NYC students

Cons:

• Staten Island location means long commutes for many
• Single-test admission is highly competitive

Verdict: The specialized school for students who want elite STEM results in a smaller, tighter community.

5. Brooklyn Technical High School

Type: Public / Specialized (Exam) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want specialized engineering majors at scale

Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn (New York City) is the largest specialized high school in the country, enrolling roughly 6,000 students. Admitted via the SHSAT, students choose from specialized engineering and professional majors — from aerospace and biomedical to law and finance — found at few other public schools.

Brooklyn Tech posts an average SAT around 1380 and a graduation rate near 100%, with a sprawling AP catalog and strong college placement at Cornell, RPI, NYU, and the SUNY system. Its scale offers breadth of programs and clubs that smaller schools simply cannot match.

Pros:

• Largest specialized school with unique engineering majors
• Average SAT near 1380 and near-100% graduation
• Enormous breadth of AP, clubs, and electives
• Free SHSAT admission, open to all NYC students

Cons:

• Very large size can feel overwhelming
• Outcomes spread wider across a big student body

Verdict: The best public school for students who want a specific engineering major — unmatched program breadth at no cost.

6. High School of American Studies at Lehman College

Type: Public / Specialized (Screened) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Humanities and history-focused students seeking a small school

The High School of American Studies at Lehman College in the Bronx (New York City) is a small, screened specialized school focused on American history and the humanities, sited on the Lehman College campus. Enrolling roughly 400 students, it posts an average SAT around 1390 and a graduation rate near 100%, with intensive history seminars, college-level coursework through Lehman, and a strong AP core.

Its tiny size yields a student-teacher ratio near 15:1 and exceptional college counseling, sending graduates to the Ivies, top liberal-arts colleges, and competitive SUNYs. Admission is screened rather than by the SHSAT.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1390 in a tiny ~400-student school
• Intensive humanities and American-history focus
• College coursework through Lehman College
• Student-teacher ratio near 15:1 and strong counseling

Cons:

• Narrow humanities focus limits STEM depth
• Screened admission is very competitive

Verdict: The top small-school choice for humanities students — Ivy-level outcomes with personal attention, free.

7. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

Type: Public / Specialized (Exam) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: STEM students wanting a small specialized school in Queens

Queens High School for the Sciences at York College in Jamaica, Queens (New York City) is a small SHSAT specialized school focused on mathematics and science, located on the York College campus. Enrolling about 450 students, it posts an average SAT around 1440 and a graduation rate near 100%, with a STEM-intensive curriculum, access to college facilities, and strong AP offerings.

Its small size produces a supportive culture and high per-student outcomes, with graduates heading to Cornell, Stony Brook, NYU, and top engineering programs. Admission is via the SHSAT, making it one of the highest-performing small public schools in New York.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1440 with near-100% graduation
• Small, STEM-focused specialized community
• Access to York College campus resources
• Free SHSAT admission, open to all NYC students

Cons:

• Small size limits elective and club breadth
• STEM focus is narrow for some students

Verdict: A high-performing small STEM specialized school — elite math and science outcomes in a supportive Queens setting.

8. Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Type: Public / Screened | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Manhattan students wanting a small, strong screened school

Eleanor Roosevelt High School on Manhattan's Upper East Side (New York City) is a respected screened public school known for strong academics in a small setting. Enrolling about 550 students, it posts an average SAT around 1330 and a graduation rate near 100%, with a college-prep curriculum, solid AP offerings, and a close advisory culture.

Its student-teacher ratio near 18:1 and central Manhattan location give students access to internships, museums, and city resources. Graduates enroll at NYU, Cornell, top liberal-arts colleges, and the SUNY system. Admission is screened by academic record rather than the SHSAT.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1330 with near-100% graduation
• Small, supportive screened-school environment
• Central Manhattan access to internships and culture
• Free public access without the SHSAT

Cons:

• Screened admission remains competitive
• Small size limits program breadth

Verdict: A strong small screened school in Manhattan — excellent academics and city access without the exam.

9. Hunter College High School

Type: Public / Screened (Exam, grades 7–12) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Exceptionally gifted students who test in early

Hunter College High School on Manhattan's Upper East Side (New York City) is a free public school for intellectually gifted students, run under the City University of New York. Enrolling roughly 1,200 students in grades 7–12, admission comes through a rigorous entrance exam, and the resulting cohort posts an average SAT around 1470 with a graduation rate near 100%.

Hunter offers college-level coursework, deep AP and seminar options, and a long record of National Merit recognition. Graduates routinely enroll at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford. It delivers among the highest college outcomes of any public school in the nation, free of charge.

Pros:

• Average SAT near 1470 with elite Ivy placement
• Free public education for gifted students
• College-level coursework and deep seminar options
• Strong National Merit and graduation near 100%

Cons:

• Admission only at 7th grade via a tough exam
• Limited entry points for high-school-age applicants

Verdict: Among the highest-performing public schools in the country — exceptional for gifted students who enter early.

10. Bard High School Early College Manhattan

Type: Public / Early College | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want to earn college credit and an associate degree

Bard High School Early College Manhattan (New York City) lets students earn a high school diploma and up to an associate degree through a partnership with Bard College. Enrolling roughly 600 students, it posts an average SAT around 1280 and a graduation rate near 95%, with students taking actual college courses taught by college faculty in the final two years.

The early-college model emphasizes writing, seminars, and critical thinking, and graduates transfer substantial credit to four-year universities — often entering as sophomores. As a free public school, it offers major future tuition savings and a head start on college.

Pros:

• Earn up to an associate degree alongside the diploma
• College courses taught by college faculty
• Major future tuition savings from transferred credit
• Free public access with a seminar-driven curriculum

Cons:

• Early-college pace demands strong independence
• Averages trail the SHSAT exam schools

Verdict: The best public early-college option in Manhattan — graduate with college credit already in hand, free.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Academic rigor and AP depth — Look for schools with broad AP catalogs, advanced research tracks, or early-college coursework. Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Hunter lead here.
• College outcomes — Check graduation rates and where graduates enroll. The specialized and screened schools post near-100% graduation and strong Ivy and STEM placement.
• Real test data — Compare published SAT averages and Regents results from NYSED and U.S. News, not reputation alone.
• Admission path — Some schools require the SHSAT, others use screened academic records, and a few use separate exams. Confirm the path early and prepare accordingly.
• Program fit — A future engineer belongs at Brooklyn Tech; a historian at American Studies; an early-college student at Bard or Townsend Harris. Match the school to the student.
• Environment and size — Specialized schools range from intimate (American Studies, Queens Sciences) to massive (Brooklyn Tech). Consider which setting suits the student.

What matters less than marketing implies: building age, athletic reputation, and raw enrollment numbers. A school's AP depth, Regents and SAT results, and college placement affect a student's future far more than its facilities or size.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in New York? Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan earns our top spot, with an average SAT near 1500, near-100% graduation, and Ivy and MIT placement that no other New York public school matches.

What is the best-value public high school in New York? Townsend Harris High School in Queens is the value champion — a free public school with Queens College dual enrollment and Ivy-caliber outcomes, open to strong students without the SHSAT.

Are these New York public high schools free? Yes. Every school on this list is a tuition-free public school, though many require the SHSAT, a screened academic record, or a separate entrance exam for admission.

What is the SHSAT and which schools require it? The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the single exam used by Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Staten Island Tech, Brooklyn Tech, and Queens HS for the Sciences for admission.

Which New York public high school is best for STEM? Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Staten Island Tech lead for STEM, while Brooklyn Tech offers specialized engineering majors and Queens HS for the Sciences provides a small, math-and-science-focused setting.

Can my child earn college credit in a New York public high school? Yes. Bard High School Early College offers up to an associate degree, Townsend Harris partners with Queens College, and most schools here offer AP courses that earn college credit.

Bottom Line

For New York families, Stuyvesant High School is our Best Overall public high school — with an average SAT near 1500, deep STEM rigor, and unmatched Ivy and MIT placement, all tuition-free. Townsend Harris High School is our Best Value, delivering Ivy-caliber outcomes and college credit for free, without the SHSAT.

If your student's strengths lean toward research, engineering majors, humanities, gifted enrichment, or early college credit, use the decision tree above to route to Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, American Studies, Hunter, or Bard instead. Choose on AP depth, Regents and SAT results, and program fit — not facilities or reputation — and your student will be set up to thrive.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in New York
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in New York
• GreatSchools — New York school ratings
• New York State Education Department (NYSED)
• College Board — AP and SAT data
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics
• NYC Department of Education — Specialized High Schools
• Stuyvesant High School
• The Bronx High School of Science
• Townsend Harris High School

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