Top 10 Public High Schools in Pennsylvania in 2027

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against the priorities families repeatedly raise when choosing where their kids will spend four years. We drew on published data from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the College Board, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). A school that posts elite test scores but offers thin programs, or feels unsafe despite strong academics, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Julia R. Masterman School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public Magnet (selective, grades 5–12) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High-achieving students who want the strongest academic profile in the state

Masterman, in central Philadelphia, is consistently ranked the #1 public high school in Pennsylvania by U.S. News. It serves roughly 1,200 students in grades 5–12 and admits students through a competitive citywide selection process. The graduation rate approaches 100%, the average SAT ranks among the highest in Pennsylvania, and AP participation is broad with strong pass rates. Graduates routinely matriculate to the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and selective out-of-state universities. Its combined middle-high structure and rigorous humanities and STEM tracks make it a genuine peer to top private schools.

Pros:

• Ranked #1 public high school in Pennsylvania year after year
• Average SAT among the highest in the state
• Graduation rate approaching 100% with near-universal college enrollment
• Strong AP catalog and dedicated teaching staff

Cons:

• Admission is highly competitive and citywide-selective
• Open only to Philadelphia residents

Verdict: The most complete public high school in Pennsylvania — elite academics, outcomes, and resources with no real weak spot.

2. Central High School of Philadelphia 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public Magnet (selective) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want a historic, free magnet with college-level rigor

Founded in 1836, Central High School is the second-oldest public high school in the country and a Philadelphia institution. It enrolls roughly 2,400 students admitted through a selective process and is uniquely authorized to grant bachelor's degrees to top graduates — a distinction no other U.S. high school holds. The graduation rate exceeds 96%, and average SAT scores rank among the highest in the city. Because it delivers this prestige and rigor at no cost to families, Central is the clearest value in the state. Its alumni network is vast, and graduates feed top universities nationwide.

Pros:

• Tuition-free magnet authorized to grant bachelor's degrees
• Graduation rate above 96% with strong college placement
• One of the largest and most storied alumni networks in the nation
• Broad AP catalog and deep extracurricular offerings

Cons:

• Large enrollment means a less intimate environment
• Selective admission limited to Philadelphia residents

Verdict: The best value in Pennsylvania — historic, free, college-level rigor that rivals costly private schools.

3. Downingtown STEM Academy

Type: Public Magnet (district STEM) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: STEM-driven suburban students in Chester County

Downingtown STEM Academy, in Downingtown in Chester County, is a magnet within the Downingtown Area School District serving roughly 700 students. It is repeatedly ranked among the top public schools in Pennsylvania, with a graduation rate near 100% and average SAT scores among the highest in the state. The academy offers a rigorous, project-based STEM curriculum, extensive AP and dual-enrollment options, and strong partnerships with local universities and industry. Graduates regularly enroll at Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and selective engineering programs.

Pros:

• Graduation rate near 100% with elite STEM outcomes
• Project-based curriculum with university and industry ties
• Average SAT among the highest in Pennsylvania
• Broad AP and dual-enrollment offerings

Cons:

• STEM-intensive focus is not ideal for humanities-first students
• Access tied to the Downingtown district and a selection process

Verdict: The premier suburban STEM magnet — elite outcomes for project-driven students in Chester County.

4. Conestoga High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Main Line families who want an elite, open-enrollment district school

Conestoga, in Berwyn on Philadelphia's Main Line within the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, enrolls roughly 2,400 students and is one of the top district high schools in Pennsylvania. The average SAT sits near 1280, and the graduation rate exceeds 97%. Conestoga offers one of the largest AP programs in the region, championship athletics, and deep arts and music programs. Its affluent district funds excellent facilities and teaching resources, and graduates routinely attend Ivy League and other highly selective universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 97% with elite college placement
• Large AP catalog and strong arts programs
• Championship athletics across many sports
• Open enrollment for Tredyffrin/Easttown families — no exam

Cons:

• Access depends on living in the affluent Main Line district
• High-pressure academic culture for some students

Verdict: The premier Main Line district school — elite resources and outcomes with no admissions exam.

5. Lower Merion High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Main Line families who want a historic, deeply resourced public school

Lower Merion, in Ardmore within the Lower Merion School District, enrolls roughly 1,400 students and has long been one of the most prestigious public high schools in the Philadelphia area — and the alma mater of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. The average SAT lands near 1260, and the graduation rate tops 96%. The school offers an extensive AP and honors catalog, a strong arts and music program, and competitive athletics. Its well-funded district supports outstanding facilities, and graduates frequently attend selective national universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 96% with strong college outcomes
• Deep AP, honors, and arts offerings
• Outstanding, well-funded facilities
• Open enrollment for Lower Merion district families

Cons:

• Access tied to expensive Main Line residency
• Achievement-driven environment is intense

Verdict: A storied, lavishly resourced public school — outcomes that rival top private schools in the region.

6. Unionville High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Chester County families who want a top open-enrollment district school

Unionville, in Kennett Square within the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, enrolls roughly 1,400 students and consistently ranks among the top district high schools in Pennsylvania. The average SAT sits near 1250, and the graduation rate exceeds 96%. Unionville offers a robust AP program, strong STEM and humanities tracks, and well-supported athletics and activities. The district's strong tax base funds excellent resources, and graduates regularly enroll at Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and selective private universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 96% with strong AP offerings
• Balanced STEM and humanities strength
• Well-funded facilities and small-school feel
• Open enrollment for district families — no exam

Cons:

• Access depends on living in the Unionville-Chadds Ford district
• Rural location limits some urban opportunities

Verdict: A standout Chester County district school — strong, balanced rigor in a smaller setting.

7. Radnor High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Main Line families who want a smaller elite district school

Radnor, in Radnor Township on the Main Line, enrolls roughly 1,200 students and ranks among the top public high schools in Pennsylvania. The average SAT lands near 1270, and the graduation rate is about 97%. Radnor offers a broad AP catalog, strong music and arts programs, and competitive athletics, all within a smaller, close-knit environment. Its affluent district funds excellent teaching and facilities, and college matriculation is strong, with many graduates attending selective national universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate around 97% with strong college placement
• Broad AP catalog and deep arts programs
• Smaller, close-knit Main Line environment
• Open enrollment for Radnor Township families

Cons:

• Access tied to affluent Main Line residency
• Smaller size means fewer course sections than larger schools

Verdict: A top smaller Main Line pick — elite rigor with a more intimate community feel.

8. North Allegheny Senior High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Pittsburgh-area families who want a large, high-performing district school

North Allegheny, in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, enrolls roughly 1,900 students at its senior high and is a perennial top-ranked Western Pennsylvania district school. The average SAT lands near 1230, and the graduation rate exceeds 96%. The school offers a wide AP catalog, strong STEM and business programs, and well-funded athletics and activities. Its strong tax base supports excellent facilities, and graduates frequently enroll at the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, and other strong universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 96% with broad AP offerings
• Strong STEM, business, and extracurricular programs
• Excellent, well-funded facilities
• Open enrollment for North Allegheny district families

Cons:

• Access tied to North Allegheny-area residency
• Large enrollment can dilute individual attention

Verdict: The premier Pittsburgh-area district school — big-school resources with consistently strong outcomes.

9. Mt. Lebanon High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Pittsburgh-area families who want a historic, well-resourced suburban school

Mt. Lebanon, in the suburb of Mt. Lebanon just south of Pittsburgh, enrolls roughly 1,800 students and ranks among the top district high schools in Western Pennsylvania. The average SAT sits near 1240, and the graduation rate is about 96%. The school offers a robust AP and honors program, a nationally regarded music and arts department, and competitive athletics. Its well-funded district supports outstanding facilities, and graduates routinely attend selective public and private universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate around 96% with strong college outcomes
• Nationally regarded music and arts programs
• Broad AP and honors catalog
• Open enrollment for Mt. Lebanon district families

Cons:

• Access depends on living in the affluent Mt. Lebanon district
• Achievement-focused environment is competitive

Verdict: A standout south-Pittsburgh option — well-rounded rigor with exceptional arts depth.

10. Hampton High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Pittsburgh-area families who want a smaller top-performing district school

Hampton, in Allison Park north of Pittsburgh within the Hampton Township School District, enrolls roughly 1,000 students and is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Pennsylvania. The average SAT lands near 1230, and the graduation rate exceeds 96%. Hampton offers a strong AP and dual-enrollment catalog, solid STEM and humanities tracks, and well-supported athletics and activities in a close-knit setting. Graduates regularly enroll at Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and selective universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 96% with strong AP and dual-enrollment options
• Balanced STEM and humanities programs
• Smaller, community-focused environment
• Open enrollment for Hampton Township families

Cons:

• Access tied to the Hampton Township district
• Smaller size means fewer course sections than larger schools

Verdict: A strong smaller Pittsburgh-area pick — solid, balanced rigor in a tight-knit community.

Decision Flowchart

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Real academic data — Check published average SAT/ACT, AP pass rates, and graduation rates from U.S. News and PDE, not reputation alone. Masterman and Central lead Pennsylvania on these metrics.
• Admission type — Philadelphia's best magnets require a competitive selection process, while top suburban schools like Conestoga and Lower Merion are open enrollment for district residents. Know which path applies to you.
• College and post-grad outcomes — Look at matriculation lists and college-enrollment rates, not just test scores. The top schools here send nearly all graduates to four-year colleges.
• Program fit — A STEM-driven student may thrive at Downingtown STEM, while a broad, well-rounded student may prefer Conestoga or Central. Match the school's strengths to the student.
• Resources and class size — Student-teacher ratios, counseling support, and facilities vary widely. The Main Line and Pittsburgh-suburb districts are especially well-funded.
• Environment and safety — Visit if you can; campus culture and safety matter as much as rankings for daily life.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy facilities photos, single-year ranking jumps, and selective-school prestige for its own sake. A school's graduation rate, AP access, and college outcomes tell you far more about results than a building tour.

FAQ

Which public high school is the best in Pennsylvania? Masterman in Philadelphia is consistently ranked the #1 public high school in Pennsylvania, with a graduation rate approaching 100%, average SAT scores among the highest in the state, and near-universal college enrollment.

What is the best free public high school for value in Pennsylvania? Central High School of Philadelphia is the best value — a historic, tuition-free magnet uniquely authorized to grant bachelor's degrees to top graduates, delivering elite outcomes at no cost to families.

Do Philadelphia's top public high schools require an entrance exam? Yes. Philadelphia's selective magnets — including Masterman and Central — admit students through a competitive citywide selection process and are open to Philadelphia residents.

Which Pennsylvania suburban public high schools are the best? Conestoga (Berwyn), Lower Merion (Ardmore), Radnor, Unionville, and the Pittsburgh-area North Allegheny, Mt. Lebanon, and Hampton are perennial top suburban district schools, all open-enrollment for families in their districts.

Which Pennsylvania public high school is best for STEM? Downingtown STEM Academy in Chester County is the state's premier public STEM magnet, with a project-based curriculum and strong university and industry partnerships.

How were these Pennsylvania public high 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 U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, PDE, the College Board, and NCES data.

Bottom Line

For families weighing Pennsylvania public high schools, Masterman is our Best Overall — the state's top-ranked public school, with a graduation rate approaching 100%, elite SAT scores, and near-universal college enrollment. Central High School of Philadelphia is our Best Value, offering historic, free, college-level rigor that rivals costly private schools. If your priorities lean toward an open-enrollment Main Line school, a STEM focus, or a top Pittsburgh-area district, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Conestoga, Lower Merion, Downingtown STEM, North Allegheny, or Mt. Lebanon instead. Choose on academic data, college outcomes, and program fit — not reputation alone — and your student will be well served.

Related on PULSE

• [Top 10 Public Universities in Pennsylvania in 2027](/knowledge/sc0332)
• [Top 10 Community Colleges in Pennsylvania in 2027](/knowledge/sc0363)
• [Top 10 Private Colleges in Pennsylvania in 2027](/knowledge/sc0047)
• [Top 10 Public High Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2027](/knowledge/sc0388)
• [Top 10 Public High Schools in Vermont in 2027](/knowledge/sc0345)
• [Top 10 Public High Schools in Wyoming in 2027](/knowledge/sc0344)

Sources

• U.S. News — Best Pennsylvania High Schools rankings
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania
• GreatSchools — Pennsylvania high school ratings
• Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) — Future Ready PA Index
• College Board — SAT and AP data
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
• The School District of Philadelphia — magnet and special-admission schools
• Tredyffrin/Easttown School District — Conestoga High School
• Lower Merion School District
• Downingtown Area School District — STEM Academy

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

People also search for: best public high schools in pennsylvania · top public high schools in pennsylvania · top rated public high schools in pennsylvania · top ranked public high schools in pennsylvania · highest rated public high schools in pennsylvania · public high schools in pennsylvania reviews