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If you’ve been searching for the top five private high schools in America, you’ve likely realized that these schools aren’t ranked like public schools are. Thus, you have to do a bit more digging to find the best private school to attend.
Instead of spending the better part of a weekend scouring the internet, get the details on the best private high schools in the country, including ones in your area, such as Southern California or New York. Then you’ll be ready to plan your education.
Best Private High Schools in the U.S.
The best private high schools are spread throughout the country, so geography will play a significant role in which one you choose to attend. Still, it’s interesting to look at the best schools around the country to get a better idea of what to expect when attending one.
With that in mind, check out the top five on our list. Remember that the list isn’t in any particular order, so you’ll get a stellar education by attending any of the five.
1. St. John Bosco High School – Bellflower, CA
You can attend one of the best private high schools in the United States without leaving California. Instead of picking up to go to Massachusetts, Illinois, or another state, you can attend St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA.
This all-boys college prep Catholic high school stands out for numerous reasons.
First, the class size; as the student-teacher ratio is 17:1, so you’ll get the one-on-one attention you need to thrive. The school is open to students worldwide and has students representing 110 different zip codes, so you’ll also meet new people and experience different cultures when attending.
As a Salesian private high school, St. John Bosco emphasizes faith, service, and hard work, developing boys into fine young men.
Part of that is through academics. The school has AP and Honors classes as well as Academic Pathways to help students start down the path toward a career. The Academic Pathways offered include:
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Biomedical
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Computer science
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Engineering
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Entrepreneurship
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Film and Media Arts
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Sports Medicine
These pathways offer immersive, hands-on learning using the latest equipment and technology.
The school also has nationally ranked sports teams, so you can compete at the highest level while attending. It’s also the ideal school if you wish to play a sport at an NCAA Division I college or university. In fact, 73 percent of senior varsity athletes go on to do just that.
While St. John Bosco easily stands up against the other schools on this list, it’s also more affordable. The tuition is $15,535 for grades 9-11 and increases to $15,575 for seniors. Plus, you can offset the cost with tuition assistance or a scholarship.
2. Horace Mann School – Bronx, NY
Horace Mann School in Bronx, NY, is a co-ed school, and young women and men can apply when entering ninth grade. If you want to attend but are already in high school, you can apply to join the Wait Pool. Then, if an opening comes up, you might be able to attend.
While the school puts a strong emphasis on academics, extracurricular activities are also encouraged. In fact, it has a relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company, giving students a leg up when it comes to learning about and acting in Shakespeare’s plays.
If you attend, you’ll pay around $55,200 a year.
3. DeMatha Catholic High School — Hyattsville, MD
DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD, incorporates fundamental values into its programs. These values are:
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Faith
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Community
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Service
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Academics
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Arts
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Athletics
It stays true to its messaging and excels in multiple areas.
This is the second of the private high schools on the list to be all-boys, which is beneficial for young men. Going to an all-boys high school lets kids grow at their own pace and explore ideas and activities with confidence.
The all-boys school has numerous Honors and AP classes, and students can immerse themselves in athletics and after-school clubs.
You’ll pay $20,700 a year if you attend here, plus an enrollment and graduation fee.
4. Loyola Academy – Wilmette, IL
Both young men and young women can attend Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. The private Jesuit college prep high school focuses on faith and education, with a dedication to service. The students represent 92 zip codes worldwide and have access to 24 AP courses and additional honors classes.
The private high school also has over 80 teams and 34 sports for boys and girls to play while attending. You can attend for $18,350 a year.
5. Phillips Academy — Andover, MA
Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, is regularly recognized as one of America’s best private high schools. The co-ed institution is known for its diversity and has students from 47 countries and 41 U.S. states and territories.
It also shines in academics, with more than 300 courses, 150 electives, and an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. Many interactive classes are at the college level and span everything from English and world languages to religious studies and philosophy.
If you choose to relocate to attend Phillips Academy, you can do so as a day or boarding student, and the cost of tuition depends on which you choose. If you attend as a day student, you’ll owe $51,380 a year, which increases to $66,290 if you live on campus.
Top Private High Schools in America
Whether you are in one of the areas we listed or want to relocate to receive a top-notch education, all of these private schools are an excellent choice. To learn more about private school offerings or what we offer here at St. John Bosco, make sure to contact or visit us today!