Top 10 Public High Schools in Virginia

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Virginia is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJ) in Fairfax County, where a selective STEM magnet posts near-perfect graduation rates, top-of-the-nation test scores, and a college list studded with MIT, Stanford, and the Ivies.

The Best Value pick — strongest outcomes available to families without a private-school bill — is the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in Richmond, a tuition-free regional Governor's School that sends graduates to elite colleges on a public budget. This list is built for Virginia families and students weighing where to live, apply, or transfer, covering the Commonwealth of Virginia with a focus on Northern Virginia, Richmond, and other strong districts.

Every pick below uses real, publicly reported enrollment, test, and graduation data.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each high school against what Virginia families actually weigh when choosing a school or a neighborhood. We drew on published figures from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), College Board, and the Virginia Department of Education. The weighting:

• Academic performance (SOL, AP/IB, test scores) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and access (cost, public availability) — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school with a famous ZIP code but thin outcomes, or strong scores but a poor environment, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public magnet (Fairfax County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, selective admission) | Best for: Top STEM students statewide

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJ) in Alexandria/Fairfax County enrolls about 1,800 students and is regularly ranked the #1 public high school in Virginia and among the top in the nation by U.S. News. A selective regional STEM magnet, it offers research labs in everything from genetics to astrophysics, dozens of AP courses, and a senior research mentorship.

Its graduation rate sits near 100%, SOL pass rates are among the highest in the state, and matriculation runs heavily to MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Virginia Tech, UVA, and the Ivy League. Admission is competitive across Northern Virginia districts.

Pros:

• Consistently ranked #1 public high school in Virginia
• University-level research labs and senior mentorship
• Graduation rate near 100% with top SOL pass rates
• Elite STEM college matriculation list

Cons:

• Highly competitive selective admission process
• Intense academic pressure and heavy workload

Verdict: TJ wins on every metric — the strongest public STEM magnet in Virginia with outcomes that rival elite private schools.

2. Maggie L. Walker Governor's School 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public regional Governor's School (Richmond) | Tuition: Free (public, regional admission) | Best for: High-achieving students across Central Virginia

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies in Richmond, VA enrolls about 750 students drawn from a dozen surrounding districts, and it delivers elite outcomes at no cost. The school emphasizes government, international studies, and the humanities alongside strong math and science, offering extensive AP and dual-enrollment courses.

Its graduation rate is essentially 100%, average SAT scores rank among the highest in the state, and graduates regularly land at UVA, William & Mary, Georgetown, and the Ivies. As a tuition-free regional Governor's School, it is the best outcomes-per-dollar option in Central Virginia.

Pros:

• Tuition-free regional Governor's School with elite outcomes
• Strong humanities, government, and international-studies focus
• Graduation rate near 100% with top SAT averages
• Excellent college matriculation across selective schools

Cons:

• Selective regional admission limits access
• Less STEM-lab depth than TJ

Verdict: The value champion — a tuition-free path to elite college outcomes for Central Virginia families.

3. Langley High School

Type: Public (Fairfax County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, neighborhood) | Best for: McLean-area families who want a top comprehensive school

Langley High School in McLean, VA enrolls about 2,000 students and ranks among the top neighborhood (non-magnet) public high schools in the Commonwealth. It offers a deep AP catalog, strong STEM and arts programs, and a graduation rate above 98%. SOL pass rates and SAT averages rank in the top tier statewide, and the school sends graduates to UVA, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and selective out-of-state universities in large numbers.

Located in affluent McLean, it pairs strong academics with extensive athletics and activities.

Pros:

• Top-ranked neighborhood public high school in Fairfax County
• Deep AP catalog and strong STEM and arts programs
• Graduation rate above 98% with high SAT averages
• Broad athletics and extracurricular offerings

Cons:

• High cost of living in the McLean attendance zone
• Competitive, high-pressure academic environment

Verdict: A premier comprehensive public school — the best non-magnet option for McLean-area families.

4. McLean High School

Type: Public (Fairfax County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, neighborhood) | Best for: Families wanting an IB-strong comprehensive school

McLean High School in McLean, VA enrolls about 2,100 students and is a perennial top performer, known for a strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program alongside a wide AP selection. Its graduation rate sits near 97%, SOL pass rates are well above state averages, and SAT scores rank among the highest in Fairfax County.

The school sends a large share of graduates to four-year universities, including UVA, Virginia Tech, and selective privates. With robust music, debate, and athletics, McLean offers a complete comprehensive-school experience in an affluent Northern Virginia community.

Pros:

• Strong International Baccalaureate (IB) and AP offerings
• Graduation rate near 97% with top-tier SAT scores
• Robust music, debate, and athletics programs
• Heavy four-year college matriculation

Cons:

• Expensive McLean housing market
• Large enrollment can mean big class sizes

Verdict: A top IB-and-AP comprehensive school — ideal for families who want breadth in an affluent NoVA setting.

5. Oakton High School

Type: Public (Fairfax County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, neighborhood) | Best for: Vienna-area families wanting strong academics and activities

Oakton High School in Vienna, VA enrolls about 2,600 students and consistently ranks among Virginia's best comprehensive public high schools. It offers an extensive AP program, strong STEM and performing-arts tracks, and a graduation rate above 96%. SOL pass rates and SAT averages run well above the state norm, and the school maintains a strong record of four-year college placement, including the Virginia flagships.

Oakton's large size supports a deep menu of athletics, clubs, and arts, giving students an unusually broad set of opportunities within a single public school.

Pros:

• Extensive AP catalog and strong STEM tracks
• Graduation rate above 96% with high SOL pass rates
• Deep athletics, clubs, and performing-arts options
• Strong four-year college matriculation

Cons:

• Very large enrollment of roughly 2,600 students
• Competitive academic culture

Verdict: A powerhouse comprehensive school — broad opportunity and strong outcomes for the Vienna area.

6. Western Albemarle High School

Type: Public (Albemarle County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, neighborhood) | Best for: Charlottesville-area families who want strong academics outside NoVA

Western Albemarle High School in Crozet, VA, near Charlottesville, enrolls about 1,100 students and is one of the top-rated public high schools outside Northern Virginia. It offers a strong AP program, a respected environmental studies academy, and a graduation rate above 95%.

SOL pass rates and SAT averages rank near the top statewide, and proximity to the University of Virginia supports dual-enrollment and strong college placement. With a smaller enrollment and a scenic foothills setting, Western Albemarle pairs strong academics with a tight-knit community feel.

Pros:

• Top public high school outside Northern Virginia
• Respected environmental-studies academy and AP program
• Graduation rate above 95% with strong SOL results
• Proximity to UVA for dual enrollment and placement

Cons:

• Smaller course catalog than the large NoVA schools
• Limited public transit in a rural-suburban setting

Verdict: The best of Central Virginia's neighborhood schools — strong academics in a close-knit community.

7. Frank W. Cox High School

Type: Public (Virginia Beach City Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, with academies) | Best for: Hampton Roads families wanting academy programs

Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, VA enrolls about 1,900 students and stands out in Hampton Roads for its Legal Studies Academy and International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which draw students region-wide. Its graduation rate sits near 95%, SOL pass rates exceed state averages, and the school maintains strong four-year college placement.

Cox combines magnet-style academy offerings with the breadth of a large comprehensive high school, including robust athletics and arts. For southeastern Virginia families, it is one of the strongest public options in the Virginia Beach system.

Pros:

• Well-regarded Legal Studies Academy and IB program
• Graduation rate near 95% with above-average SOL scores
• Strong athletics and arts within a large school
• Top public option in the Virginia Beach system

Cons:

• Academy admission is selective and competitive
• Outcomes trail the elite Northern Virginia magnets

Verdict: Hampton Roads' standout — strong academy programs and solid outcomes for southeastern Virginia.

8. Ocean Lakes High School

Type: Public (Virginia Beach City Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, with STEM academy) | Best for: STEM-focused students in Hampton Roads

Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, VA enrolls about 2,100 students and is best known for its Mathematics and Science Academy, a selective STEM program that draws strong students from across the region. Its graduation rate runs near 96%, SOL pass rates are well above state averages, and academy graduates post strong AP and college-placement results.

The school pairs this STEM strength with a full slate of athletics, arts, and clubs, and competes well with Cox as a top Virginia Beach option. For Hampton Roads STEM students, Ocean Lakes is a leading public choice.

Pros:

• Selective Mathematics and Science Academy for STEM students
• Graduation rate near 96% with strong SOL pass rates
• Solid AP results and college placement
• Full athletics, arts, and club offerings

Cons:

• STEM academy admission is competitive
• General-track outcomes vary more than the academy's

Verdict: A top STEM public school in Hampton Roads — strongest for academy-bound math and science students.

9. Deep Run High School

Type: Public (Henrico County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, with specialty center) | Best for: Richmond-area families wanting strong academics close to home

Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA, in suburban Henrico County near Richmond, enrolls about 1,900 students and consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the Richmond metro. It hosts a Center for Information Technology specialty program, offers an extensive AP catalog, and posts a graduation rate above 96%.

SOL pass rates and SAT averages run well above state norms, and the school maintains strong four-year college matriculation, including UVA and Virginia Tech. Deep Run gives Richmond-area families a high-performing neighborhood school with a specialty-center option.

Pros:

• Center for Information Technology specialty program
• Extensive AP catalog and graduation rate above 96%
• Strong SOL and SAT performance for the Richmond metro
• Solid four-year college matriculation

Cons:

• Specialty-center seats are limited and selective
• Suburban setting with less program breadth than NoVA giants

Verdict: The Richmond metro's neighborhood standout — strong academics plus an IT specialty center close to home.

10. George C. Marshall High School

Type: Public (Fairfax County Public Schools) | Tuition: Free (public, with IB academy) | Best for: Falls Church-area families wanting an IB-focused school

George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church/Fairfax County enrolls about 2,000 students and is recognized for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and its Information Technology and global-studies academies. Its graduation rate sits near 96%, SOL pass rates exceed state averages, and SAT scores rank in the top tier of Fairfax County.

The school sends a large share of graduates to four-year universities, including the Virginia flagships and selective out-of-state schools. With a diverse student body and strong activities, Marshall rounds out Virginia's top public high schools.

Pros:

• Strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program and academies
• Graduation rate near 96% with top-tier SAT scores
• Diverse student body and broad activities
• Heavy four-year college matriculation

Cons:

• IB and academy admission can be competitive
• Larger enrollment means bigger class sizes

Verdict: A top IB-focused public school — a strong, diverse choice for the Falls Church area.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• SOL pass rates and AP/IB depth — Strong Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates plus a deep AP or IB catalog signal real academic rigor. TJ, Maggie Walker, and the NoVA schools lead here.
• Graduation and college-matriculation rates — A graduation rate above 95% and a published college list tell you where graduates actually land, which matters more than reputation alone.
• Magnet, Governor's School, or academy access — Selective programs like TJ, Maggie Walker, and the Virginia Beach academies can dramatically lift outcomes for admitted students.
• Teacher quality and class size — Check student-teacher ratios and faculty credentials; smaller schools like Western Albemarle offer more access, while large schools offer more course breadth.
• Environment and safety — Review GreatSchools and Virginia Department of Education safety and climate data, not just rankings.
• Extracurricular and program fit — A school with the arts, athletics, or specialty academy your student wants will serve them better than a higher-ranked school that lacks it.

What matters less than marketing implies: a school's overall ranking number, its athletic trophies, and the prestige of its ZIP code. A school with strong SOL pass rates, a 95%+ graduation rate, and the AP/IB or academy program your student needs will serve them far better than a famous name that fits poorly.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in Virginia? Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJ) in Fairfax County, a selective STEM magnet routinely ranked #1 in Virginia and among the top in the nation, with a graduation rate near 100% and elite college matriculation.

Which Virginia public high school is the best value? Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in Richmond — a tuition-free regional Governor's School that delivers elite college outcomes to Central Virginia families at no cost.

Are Governor's Schools and magnets free in Virginia? Yes. TJ, Maggie Walker, and the regional Governor's Schools are tuition-free public programs, though admission is selective and based on application, testing, and academic records.

Which Virginia high schools are best for STEM? TJ leads statewide, followed by the Ocean Lakes Mathematics and Science Academy in Virginia Beach and the IT specialty centers at Deep Run and George Marshall.

Which Virginia high schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)? McLean, George Marshall, and Frank Cox all run respected IB programs, alongside extensive AP offerings, giving families a choice between IB and AP pathways.

Do I have to live in a specific district to attend these schools? For neighborhood schools like Langley, McLean, and Oakton, yes — attendance is tied to the residence zone. For magnets and Governor's Schools, admission is regional and based on a competitive application rather than ZIP code.

Bottom Line

For Virginia families and students, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology is our Best Overall public high school — a selective STEM magnet with near-perfect graduation rates and elite college outcomes. Maggie L. Walker Governor's School is our Best Value, delivering tuition-free elite outcomes to Central Virginia.

If your priorities lean toward a specific region, an IB program, or a STEM or legal-studies academy, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Langley, McLean, Deep Run, Ocean Lakes, or one of the other top picks. Choose on SOL pass rates, graduation and matriculation, and program fit — not ZIP-code prestige — and your student will be well served.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Virginia
• Niche — best public high schools in Virginia
• GreatSchools — Virginia school ratings
• Virginia Department of Education — School Quality Profiles
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — School Search
• College Board — AP and SAT data
• Fairfax County Public Schools — Thomas Jefferson HSST
• Maggie L. Walker Governor's School
• The Washington Post — Virginia schools coverage
• Henrico County Public Schools — Deep Run High School

*Virginia public high schools review — best public high schools in Virginia, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top public high schools for families and students.*