Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Direct Answer
The Best Overall public high school in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is Edina High School in Edina, a perennially top-ranked suburban school whose graduation rate above 95%, deep AP catalog, and strong college matriculation set the regional standard. The Best Value pick is Eden Prairie High School, a large, well-resourced public school that delivers top-tier academics, athletics, and activities tuition-free to any family in its attendance zone.
This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across the Twin Cities, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Minnesota Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and district sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families tell guidance offices they care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB) - 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 graduates few students, or wins on reputation but offers thin programs, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Edina High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting the metro's top all-around public school
Edina High School in Edina enrolls roughly 1,900 students and is consistently ranked the top public high school in the Twin Cities. Edina posts a graduation rate above 95%, a deep catalog of more than 25 AP courses, and average ACT scores near 26 to 27, well above state and national averages.
Its student-teacher ratio sits near 18:1, and the affluent, education-focused community funds strong academics, arts, and athletics. Graduates matriculate heavily to the University of Minnesota, Big Ten schools, and selective private colleges.
Pros:
- Graduation rate above 95% with strong college matriculation
- Deep AP catalog of 25-plus courses
- ACT averages near 26 to 27
- Strong academics, arts, and athletics
Cons:
- High-cost attendance zone
- Competitive, high-pressure environment
Verdict: Edina wins on balance, the deepest all-around public program in the metro with outcomes to match.
2. Wayzata High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a large, top-performing suburban school
Wayzata High School in Plymouth is one of the largest high schools in Minnesota, enrolling about 3,800 students, and a perennial top performer. Wayzata reports a graduation rate near 95%, broad AP offerings, and strong ACT averages near 25 to 26. Despite its size, the school is known for excellent organization, deep electives, and standout athletics and activities programs.
The well-funded Wayzata district supports modern facilities and strong student services, and college matriculation is strong.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Broad AP catalog and strong electives
- Standout athletics and activities
- Modern facilities and strong district funding
Cons:
- Very large enrollment
- Bigger class sizes than smaller schools
Verdict: A large, top-performing suburban powerhouse with deep academics and activities.
3. Minnetonka High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting strong academics plus language immersion options
Minnetonka High School in Minnetonka enrolls about 3,300 students and is a consistent top-five metro school. Minnetonka posts a graduation rate near 96%, a strong AP and IB profile, and ACT averages near 25 to 26. The district is nationally recognized for its language immersion pathways and innovative programs, and the high school offers deep electives and strong athletics.
Matriculation to the University of Minnesota and selective colleges is strong, backed by a well-funded district.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 96%
- Strong AP and IB offerings
- Nationally recognized language immersion
- Deep electives and athletics
Cons:
- High-cost attendance zone
- Large enrollment
Verdict: A top-tier suburban school with standout language and innovation programs.
4. Eden Prairie High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting top academics and activities at open enrollment 💎 BEST VALUE
Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie enrolls about 3,200 students and delivers top-tier academics, athletics, and activities to any family in its attendance zone, free of charge. The school posts a graduation rate near 94%, a broad AP catalog, and solid ACT averages near 24 to 26.
Its well-funded programs span STEM, the arts, and championship-level athletics, and the diverse student body benefits from strong support services. The outcomes-per-dollar value is excellent for a tuition-free public school.
Pros:
- Top academics and activities free to zoned families
- Graduation rate near 94%
- Broad AP catalog and strong STEM and arts
- Championship-level athletics
Cons:
- Attendance-zone housing carries a premium
- Large enrollment
Verdict: The value champion, delivering elite suburban outcomes tuition-free to every zoned family.
5. Saint Paul Central High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a diverse urban school with strong IB
Saint Paul Central High School is the oldest high school in Minnesota and a strong urban option serving a diverse student body of about 2,000 students. Central offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a wide range of AP courses, and well-regarded debate and academic-competition teams that are nationally competitive.
The school's diversity, college-prep programming, and IB pathway make it a standout city choice, with strong support for students pursuing rigorous coursework.
Pros:
- Strong IB program and broad AP options
- Nationally competitive debate teams
- Diverse, vibrant urban community
- Historic, well-established school
Cons:
- Urban resource variability
- Outcomes vary by program and student
Verdict: The best diverse urban option in the metro, especially strong for IB and debate.
6. Mounds View High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting strong academics in the northern suburbs
Mounds View High School in Arden Hills enrolls about 2,000 students and is a consistent top performer in the northern suburbs. Mounds View posts a graduation rate near 95%, strong AP participation, and ACT averages near 25. The school is known for strong STEM and music programs and competitive academic teams.
The Mounds View district is well funded, and the school offers deep electives and strong college matriculation to the University of Minnesota and beyond.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 95%
- Strong STEM and music programs
- ACT averages near 25
- Well-funded district with deep electives
Cons:
- Less name recognition than Edina or Wayzata
- Competitive academic environment
Verdict: A consistently excellent northern-suburb school with strong STEM and music.
7. Stillwater Area High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the eastern metro wanting strong academics and activities
Stillwater Area High School in Stillwater enrolls about 2,400 students and serves the eastern Twin Cities with strong academics and a complete activities menu. The school reports a graduation rate near 94%, a solid AP catalog, and ACT averages near 24 to 25.
Stillwater is well regarded for its fine arts, athletics, and community engagement, and the district's resources support broad electives. College matriculation is strong, and the school offers a balanced, well-rounded experience.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 94%
- Solid AP offerings and strong fine arts
- Complete athletics and activities menu
- Strong community engagement
Cons:
- Larger commute zone in the eastern metro
- Smaller AP catalog than the largest schools
Verdict: A well-rounded eastern-metro school with strong arts, athletics, and academics.
8. Maple Grove Senior High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the northwest suburbs wanting strong all-around outcomes
Maple Grove Senior High School in Maple Grove enrolls about 2,300 students and is a strong northwest-suburban school. It posts a graduation rate near 94%, broad AP offerings, and ACT averages near 24 to 25. The school is known for competitive athletics and activities, strong STEM electives, and a supportive culture.
As part of the well-resourced Osseo district, Maple Grove offers deep programming and strong college matriculation for a tuition-free public school.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 94%
- Broad AP catalog and strong STEM
- Competitive athletics and activities
- Supportive school culture
Cons:
- Large enrollment
- Less specialized than magnet schools
Verdict: A strong, well-rounded northwest-suburban school with broad programming.
9. Rosemount High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the southern suburbs wanting strong academics and AVID support
Rosemount High School in Rosemount enrolls about 2,200 students and serves the southern metro with strong academics and broad support. The school reports a graduation rate near 93%, a solid AP catalog, and ACT averages near 23 to 25. Rosemount is recognized for its AVID college-readiness program, strong athletics, and active student community.
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district provides solid resources, and the school supports a wide range of learners toward college.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 93%
- Strong AVID college-readiness program
- Solid AP offerings and athletics
- Active, supportive student community
Cons:
- ACT averages below the top suburban schools
- Large enrollment
Verdict: A strong southern-suburb school with notable college-readiness support for a broad student body.
10. Saint Paul Highland Park Senior High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a strong, diverse city school with college-prep focus
Highland Park Senior High School in Saint Paul enrolls about 1,500 students and is one of the city's strongest college-prep options, serving a diverse student body. The school offers a range of AP courses, strong STEM and arts programming, and active college-readiness support.
Highland Park's diversity, engaged community, and focus on preparing a broad student population for college make it a standout urban choice within the Saint Paul district.
Pros:
- Strong AP and STEM programming
- Diverse, engaged community
- Active college-readiness support
- Solid arts offerings
Cons:
- Urban resource variability
- Smaller AP catalog than the top suburbs
Verdict: A strong, diverse city school with a genuine college-prep focus for a broad student body.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School
- Graduation and college-going rates - A school that graduates 93%-plus of students and sends most to college signals consistent outcomes, not just high scores from a few.
- AP/IB depth and participation - Look beyond how many courses are offered to how many students actually take and pass them, which reflects real classroom rigor.
- Student-teacher ratio and resources - Adequate staffing, stable faculty, and modern facilities matter more than reputation or building age.
- Program fit - A language-immersion pathway at Minnetonka or an IB program at Saint Paul Central may serve a specific student far better than a higher overall ranking.
- Environment and support - Check climate surveys and support programs like AVID, not reputation alone, to gauge whether a student will thrive.
- Location and commute - Attendance zones determine eligibility, so factor housing cost and commute into the decision.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's national ranking number, its newest building, or its average ACT alone. Fit, program access, and a supportive teacher relationship affect a student's outcome far more than a single headline figure.
FAQ
Which public high school is the best overall in Minneapolis-St. Paul? Edina High School earns the top spot for its graduation rate above 95%, deep AP catalog, ACT averages near 26 to 27, and strong college matriculation.
What is the best value public high school in the Twin Cities? Eden Prairie High School is our best value, delivering top academics, athletics, and activities tuition-free to any family in its attendance zone, with a graduation rate near 94%.
Which Twin Cities public high school is best for IB? Saint Paul Central High School offers the metro's standout International Baccalaureate program along with nationally competitive debate teams in a diverse urban setting.
Do the top Twin Cities public high schools require an application? Most top suburban schools like Edina, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie are open to families in their attendance zones, while some city programs such as IB tracks may have application or magnet components within their districts.
Which suburb has the best public high schools in the metro? The southwest and west suburbs lead, with Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie consistently topping the rankings on academics and outcomes.
Are city schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul good options? Yes. Saint Paul Central and Highland Park offer strong college-prep programming, IB and AP options, and diverse communities, making them strong urban choices for the right student.
Bottom Line
For Twin Cities families, Edina High School is our Best Overall public high school, with a graduation rate above 95%, a deep AP catalog, and strong college matriculation. Eden Prairie High School is our Best Value, delivering elite academics and activities tuition-free to every zoned family.
If your priority is language immersion, an IB diploma, or a strong diverse city school, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Minnetonka, Saint Paul Central, or Highland Park instead. Choose on program fit, outcomes, and access, not a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Minnesota High Schools
- Niche - Best Public High Schools in the Minneapolis Area
- GreatSchools - Minnesota school ratings
- Minnesota Department of Education - Report Card
- College Board - AP program data
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics school search
- Edina Public Schools - Edina High School
- Wayzata Public Schools
- Minnetonka Public Schools
- Saint Paul Public Schools
*Public high schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul review - best public high schools Twin Cities, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*