U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-27 rankings of the nation’s best high schools, with several New York schools earning top spots in the national rankings.
The annual rankings evaluated nearly 18,000 public high schools nationwide based on factors including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance and graduation rates. More than 27,000 high schools were reviewed for the report.
Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, ranked No. 1 nationally.
In New York, 1,232 public high schools made the 2026-27 rankings. Most charter and magnet schools were included, while private schools were not.
Four of New York’s top five schools are in or near New York City, while one is in Western New York.
Massachusetts had the highest percentage of high schools ranked among the nation’s top public schools, according to U.S. News.
Top 5 public high schools in New York
These are the five highest-ranked public high schools in New York, along with their national rankings:
Top 5 public high schools near Buffalo
City Honors School at Fosdick Masten Park ranked No. 2 in New York and No. 187 nationally. Williamsville East High School also ranked among the state’s top 100.
Top 5 public high schools near Rochester
Five Rochester-area schools ranked among New York’s top 114 public high schools.
Eastridge High School ranked highest among the Rochester-area schools on the list, followed by Canandaigua Academy and Hilton High School.
Top 5 public high schools near Albany
Two schools in the Albany area ranked among New York’s top 100, led by Bethlehem High School at No. 75.
Top 5 public high schools near Syracuse
Fayetteville-Manlius High School was the only Syracuse-area school to rank among New York’s top 100.
Top 5 public high schools in the nation
Contributing: USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Best high schools in New York: See 2026-27 U.S. News rankings
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
