Top 10 Public High Schools in Louisiana

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Louisiana is Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, a selective-admission magnet where students post a near-perfect graduation rate above 99% and an average ACT composite around 30 — roughly ten points above the state average.

The Best Value pick is the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches, a tuition-free, state-funded residential public school that gives gifted students from any parish a boarding-school-caliber education at no cost to families. This list is built for Louisiana families and students weighing where to apply across the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Jefferson Parish areas, plus the statewide residential option.

Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from the Louisiana Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and GreatSchools.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against what Louisiana families actually weigh when choosing where to enroll, leaning on published data from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) School Performance Scores, U.S. News Best High Schools, Niche, GreatSchools, and College Board AP participation reports. The weighting:

• Academic performance — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts elite test scores but offers nothing beyond a classroom drops; a school that nails academics, outcomes, and a supportive environment together rises. The winners balance all six.

1. Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public Magnet (selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High-achieving students seeking the state's strongest academic peer group

Benjamin Franklin High School, located in the Lake Terrace area of New Orleans (Orleans Parish), is consistently ranked the No. 1 public high school in Louisiana by U.S. News. Enrolling roughly 900 students in grades 9–12, "Franklin" admits by test score and academic record.

Students average an ACT composite near 30, post a graduation rate above 99%, and nearly 100% go on to college. The school offers a deep slate of AP courses — typically more than 20 subjects — with an AP participation rate above 90%. Its student-teacher ratio sits near 18:1, and graduates routinely land at schools like Tulane, LSU, Vanderbilt, and Ivy League institutions.

Franklin's robotics, debate, and quiz-bowl teams compete nationally.

Pros:

• State's highest U.S. News ranking and ACT average near 30
• Graduation rate above 99% with near-universal college enrollment
• More than 20 AP subjects and a 90%+ AP participation rate
• National-caliber academic teams in robotics and debate

Cons:

• Selective admission means many applicants are turned away
• Intense academic pressure is not the right fit for every student

Verdict: Franklin is the clear top choice — the strongest academics, outcomes, and peer group any public school in Louisiana offers.

2. Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)

Type: Public Charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want strong academics paired with a renowned arts program

Lusher Charter School serves New Orleans (Orleans Parish) and is known for marrying rigorous academics with one of the state's best performing-arts programs. The high school campus enrolls around 800 students, posts a graduation rate near 97%, and sends the large majority of graduates to four-year colleges.

Lusher offers a broad AP catalog alongside a certified arts track in visual arts, theater, dance, and music, and its students average an ACT composite in the high 20s. The student-teacher ratio runs near 16:1. Admission blends a lottery with arts auditions for the certificated arts program, and the school's New Orleans cultural ties give it a distinctive identity.

Pros:

• Top-tier academics combined with a statewide-best arts program
• Graduation rate near 97% and strong four-year college placement
• Broad AP offerings plus certified tracks in music, theater, and dance
• Small 16:1 student-teacher ratio

Cons:

• Arts-certificate seats require competitive auditions
• General-admission lottery makes entry uncertain

Verdict: The best pick for a student who refuses to choose between serious academics and serious art.

3. Baton Rouge Magnet High School

Type: Public Magnet (selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Capital-region students chasing a top academic record

Baton Rouge Magnet High School, in East Baton Rouge Parish, is the academic flagship of the capital region and routinely ranks among Louisiana's top three public schools. It enrolls about 1,200 students, posts a graduation rate above 98%, and reports an ACT composite in the high 20s to 30.

The school carries a heavy AP load — well over 15 subjects — and an AP participation rate above 80%. Housed in a historic building, "Baton Rouge High" sends graduates to LSU, Tulane, and selective out-of-state universities in large numbers. Its student-teacher ratio is roughly 19:1, and its academic decathlon and STEM teams are perennial state contenders.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 98% with an ACT composite near 30
• More than 15 AP subjects and 80%+ participation
• Strong LSU and selective-college matriculation pipeline
• Award-winning academic decathlon and STEM teams

Cons:

• Admission is competitive and test-based
• Large enrollment can feel impersonal for some students

Verdict: The capital region's premier public school — the obvious target for top Baton Rouge students.

4. Caddo Parish Magnet High School (Shreveport)

Type: Public Magnet (selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North Louisiana students wanting the region's strongest academics

Caddo Parish Magnet High School anchors academic excellence in Shreveport (Caddo Parish) and is the highest-rated public school in north Louisiana. It enrolls roughly 1,000 students, posts a graduation rate near 99%, and reports an ACT composite in the high 20s.

The school offers a robust AP program spanning 15-plus subjects, with strong participation, and emphasizes a college-prep curriculum that feeds LSU, LSU Shreveport, Centenary College, and out-of-state schools. The student-teacher ratio is about 20:1. Caddo Magnet's mock trial, debate, and quiz-bowl programs are among the most decorated in the state.

Pros:

• North Louisiana's top public school with a 99% graduation rate
• 15-plus AP subjects and a college-prep core
• Decorated mock-trial and quiz-bowl programs
• Strong regional and out-of-state college placement

Cons:

• Selective entry limits access
• Fewer elite out-of-state feeder ties than New Orleans schools

Verdict: The clear choice for ambitious students in the Shreveport region.

5. Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy (Jefferson Parish)

Type: Public Magnet (STEM, selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students focused on engineering, science, and technology

Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, in Avondale (Jefferson Parish), is a STEM-focused magnet that has surged into Louisiana's top tier. Serving grades 6–12 with a high school enrollment around 700, it posts a graduation rate near 99% and an ACT composite in the high 20s.

The school's identity is built on engineering, robotics, and computer science pathways, with AP and dual-enrollment options that let students bank college credit early. The student-teacher ratio runs near 17:1, and "PTECH" graduates frequently pursue STEM majors at LSU, UNO, and Louisiana Tech.

Its robotics teams are competitive at the regional and national level.

Pros:

• Dedicated STEM magnet with engineering and robotics pathways
• Graduation rate near 99% and AP plus dual-enrollment credit
• Small 17:1 student-teacher ratio
• Strong feeder pipeline into Louisiana STEM programs

Cons:

• Narrower humanities and arts offerings than broad magnets
• Selective STEM-oriented admission

Verdict: The best public option in Louisiana for a student set on engineering or technology.

6. Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies (Metairie)

Type: Public Magnet (selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Jefferson Parish students wanting a broad college-prep magnet

Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, in Metairie (Jefferson Parish), is a sister magnet to Patrick Taylor and serves grades 6–12 with a strong college-prep focus. Its high school enrolls roughly 800 students, posts a graduation rate near 99%, and reports an ACT composite in the high 20s.

Haynes offers a wide AP catalog alongside dual-enrollment, and emphasizes a balanced academic program across the sciences and humanities. The student-teacher ratio is about 19:1, and graduates head to LSU, Tulane, and Loyola New Orleans in strong numbers. The school's academic clubs and STEM competitions are well regarded across the parish.

Pros:

• Graduation rate near 99% with broad AP and dual-enrollment
• Balanced college-prep curriculum across disciplines
• Strong LSU and New Orleans-area college placement
• Well-regarded academic and STEM clubs

Cons:

• Selective admission keeps enrollment competitive
• Less specialized than the STEM-only magnets

Verdict: A top all-around magnet — ideal for Jefferson Parish students wanting breadth over specialization.

7. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (Natchitoches) 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public Residential (statewide, selective admission) | Tuition: Free (public, state-funded) | Best for: Gifted students statewide seeking a free boarding-school experience

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches, is a state-funded residential public school open to academically advanced students from every parish — at no cost to families. Enrolling roughly 400 students in grades 11–12 (with some earlier admission), LSMSA delivers a college-level curriculum, including extensive dual-enrollment with Northwestern State, and posts an ACT composite around 30 with near-universal college matriculation.

The residential model gives rural and low-income students access to resources their home districts may lack, which is exactly why it earns Best Value: a boarding-school-caliber education funded entirely by the state.

Pros:

• Free, state-funded residential program open statewide
• ACT composite near 30 and a college-level curriculum
• Extensive dual-enrollment with Northwestern State University
• Levels the field for rural and lower-income gifted students

Cons:

• Residential format means leaving home in high school
• Limited to upperclassmen, so younger applicants must wait

Verdict: The best outcomes-per-dollar option in the state — elite academics and boarding life at zero tuition.

8. Edna Karr High School (New Orleans)

Type: Public Charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: New Orleans students wanting strong outcomes and a standout athletics program

Edna Karr High School, in the Algiers section of New Orleans (Orleans Parish), is an open-enrollment charter that has built a reputation for solid academics and championship athletics. Enrolling around 900 students, Karr posts a graduation rate near 95% and a college-going rate well above the state average.

The school offers a growing AP and dual-enrollment program and a college-prep core that has steadily lifted its School Performance Score. The student-teacher ratio runs near 18:1. Karr is nationally known for its football program, which has produced multiple state championships and Division I recruits, while its band and academic clubs add depth.

Pros:

• Graduation rate near 95% with above-average college enrollment
• Open enrollment — no entrance exam required
• Growing AP and dual-enrollment offerings
• Nationally recognized athletics and band programs

Cons:

• Test scores trail the selective magnets
• AP catalog is smaller than the top academic schools

Verdict: The best open-access pick in New Orleans for families wanting strong outcomes without an entrance exam.

9. Captain Shreve High School (Shreveport)

Type: Public (comprehensive, with magnet programs) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Shreveport-area students wanting a large, well-rounded high school

Captain Shreve High School, in Shreveport (Caddo Parish), is a large comprehensive public school with respected gifted and talented and advanced-academic programs. Enrolling roughly 1,500 students, it posts a graduation rate near 92% and reports a solid college-going rate.

Captain Shreve offers a meaningful slate of AP courses and dual-enrollment, and its size supports a wide range of athletics, arts, and clubs that smaller magnets cannot match. The student-teacher ratio is about 21:1. Graduates frequently enroll at LSU, LSU Shreveport, and Louisiana Tech, and the school's marching band and athletic teams are competitive in their classification.

Pros:

• Large comprehensive school with strong gifted and AP tracks
• Wide athletics, arts, and club offerings
• Graduation rate near 92% with solid college placement
• No entrance exam for general enrollment

Cons:

• Test averages trail the selective magnets
• Large size can dilute individual attention

Verdict: The best traditional, well-rounded public high school in the Shreveport area.

10. Mandeville High School

Type: Public (comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North Shore families wanting a high-performing neighborhood school

Mandeville High School, in St. Tammany Parish on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, is one of the top-performing comprehensive public schools in suburban Louisiana. Enrolling roughly 1,800 students, it posts a graduation rate near 96% and reports an ACT composite above the state average.

Mandeville offers a broad AP program and dual-enrollment, supported by St. Tammany Parish's well-resourced district. The student-teacher ratio runs near 20:1.

The school is known for a strong combination of academics, athletics, and arts, and graduates regularly enroll at LSU, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Tulane. Its location in an affluent suburb supports robust facilities and programs.

Pros:

• Graduation rate near 96% and above-average ACT scores
• Broad AP and dual-enrollment in a well-funded district
• Strong balance of academics, athletics, and arts
• Open neighborhood enrollment — no entrance exam

Cons:

• Strong scores are partly tied to an affluent attendance zone
• Large enrollment limits individual attention

Verdict: The best neighborhood comprehensive school on the North Shore for families who want top results without an admissions test.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Graduation rate and college-going rate — These are the clearest signals of whether a school moves students toward a diploma and a degree. The top picks here all clear 95% graduation.
• AP and dual-enrollment access — A deep AP catalog and dual-enrollment let students bank college credit and signal academic rigor. Compare the number of subjects offered, not just whether AP exists.
• Admission type and fit — Selective magnets like Franklin and Baton Rouge Magnet offer elite peer groups but require entrance exams; open-enrollment schools like Mandeville and Edna Karr trade selectivity for access.
• Resources and student-teacher ratio — A ratio near 16:1 to 18:1 generally means more individual attention than a crowded comprehensive school at 21:1.
• Extracurricular depth — Larger schools support more athletics, arts, and clubs; specialized magnets may run deep in robotics or arts but narrow elsewhere.
• Location and commute — A residential option like LSMSA removes the commute entirely, while a North Shore or Shreveport family may prioritize a strong neighborhood school.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy facilities, a single championship team, or a school's name recognition. Graduation rate, AP access, and college outcomes affect a student's future far more than a new gym or a viral sports highlight.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in Louisiana? Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans earns our top spot, with an ACT composite near 30, a graduation rate above 99%, and near-universal college enrollment — the strongest academic record of any public school in the state.

Which Louisiana public high school is the best value? The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches is the value leader: a free, state-funded residential program delivering boarding-school-caliber academics to gifted students from any parish at no cost to families.

Are these schools free to attend? Yes. Every school on this list is a public, charter, or magnet school funded by the state and local districts, so tuition is free. Selective magnets and LSMSA require an application or entrance exam, but none charges tuition.

Which Louisiana high school is best for STEM? The Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Jefferson Parish is the strongest public STEM option, with dedicated engineering, robotics, and computer science pathways plus AP and dual-enrollment credit.

Do I have to live in a certain parish to attend? It depends. Comprehensive schools like Mandeville and Captain Shreve draw from their attendance zones, parish magnets serve their parish, and LSMSA admits gifted students statewide regardless of where they live.

How were these schools ranked? We weighted academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value and cost (15%), teachers and resources (15%), environment and safety (15%), and extracurriculars and fit (10%), using public data from the Louisiana Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and GreatSchools.

Bottom Line

For Louisiana families, Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans is our Best Overall public high school — an ACT composite near 30, a graduation rate above 99%, and near-universal college placement make it the state's strongest academic destination. The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches is our Best Value, delivering elite academics through a free, state-funded residential program open to gifted students statewide.

If your priority is STEM, arts, an open-enrollment neighborhood school, or a particular region, use the decision tree above to route to Patrick Taylor, Lusher, Edna Karr, Captain Shreve, or Mandeville instead. Choose on graduation rate, AP access, and college outcomes — not name recognition — and your student will be set up to succeed.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Louisiana
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
• GreatSchools — Louisiana school ratings
• Louisiana Department of Education — School Performance Scores
• College Board — AP program data
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — school search
• Benjamin Franklin High School — New Orleans
• Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts
• Caddo Parish Schools — Caddo Magnet High
• St. Tammany Parish Public Schools — Mandeville High

*Public high schools in Louisiana review — best public high schools Louisiana, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*