20 Best Public High Schools in Virginia – 2024
May 3, 2024
For many students, finding the ideal high school is just as important as scoping out the right university. Especially for students whose academic interests are defined early, public high schools that offer specialized curriculums are a big draw. At these campuses, students not only prepare for the next step in their academic careers but also develop relevant skillsets which translate well at a collegiate level. Virginia is a state known for its historic landmarks, like Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Colonial Williamsburg. But Virginia is also home to some of the best public high schools. From general public high schools to STEM-focused campuses, the best public high schools in Virginia are well-equipped to foster a wide variety of student interests. Additionally, the best public high schools in Virginia are close to some of the top-rated universities in the country. With University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary consistently topping the list of national highly-ranked universities.
To get into these top university, some may debate the difference between private schools and public ones. However, public schools are just as equipped to provide rigorous academics. Attending one of the best public high schools in Virginia can help set students up for success on their college applications, no matter which college institution they choose.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (cont’d)
When assembling this list, we reviewed several factors. These factors include the school’s statewide—or Virginia High Schools—ranking (out of 366), the number of students who passed at least one AP exam, average SAT and ACT scores, and graduation rate.
Additionally, we reviewed the College Readiness Index of each school. The College Readiness Index calculates values for schools based on student performance on both state-required tests and AP/IB exams.
Furthermore, we will provide a list to some of the universities that alumni of these high schools chose to attend. There are many impressive four-year colleges on this list, so you’ll want to keep reading to discover what these high-ranking schools and students accomplished.
Finally, while this list is selective, it is important to note that the order of the schools does not necessarily indicate a further ranking.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best public schools in Virginia to see how they help prepare high schoolers for the next step in their academic careers.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia
1) Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology – Alexandria, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #1
- College Readiness Index: 100
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1520
- Average ACT Score: 35
- Total Enrollment: 1,902
- Senior Enrollment: 451
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80.4%
Highlights: An admission only campus, this high school is a magnet school for students in 9-12 grade. Student research plays a critical role in academic success, with a comprehensive focus on scientific, mathematic, and technological fields. Some of the laboratories available on campus for students include a focus on astronomy & astrophysics, robotics, computer systems, neuroscience, and more.
Graduates from this institution have received acceptances at many prestigious universities. These institutions include the College of William & Mary, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of Chicago.
2) Independence High School – Ashburn, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #40
- College Readiness Index: 48.3
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Average ACT Score: 31
- Total Enrollment: 1,825
- Senior Enrollment: 386
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56.2%
Highlights: Located in a fringe rural setting, this high school encourages students to make meaningful contributions to the world. Ultimately, the school strives to produce high-performing students with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and be thoughtful collaborators.
Seniors from this high school have gain admittance to a variety of impressive four-year institutions. For example, seniors have gone onto colleges such as Penn State, UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Duke, and Boston College.
3) Rock Ridge High School –Ashburn, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #16
- College Readiness Index: 60.3
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 1,376
- Senior Enrollment: 354
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77.3%
Highlights: Serving students from Pre-K-12, this campus offers plenty of opportunities to get a jump on college education. Students can be dual enrolled in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College to start earning college credit. Here, students can also take a variety of AP courses. For example, students can enroll in advanced placement chemistry, English literature, statistics, biology, and more.
Students within this district have received admittance to several distinguished four-year universities. Some notable examples include Virginia Tech, UC Berkeley, Purdue, Georgia Tech, and Penn State.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
4) Deep Run High School – Glen Allen, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #11
- College Readiness Index: 60.4
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1280
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 2,026
- Senior Enrollment: 480
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44.9%
Highlights: A magnet school, this campus is located in a large, suburban area. Impressively, this school is ranked among the top ten schools in the state for College Curriculum Breadth and State Assessment Proficiency. With over 60 student clubs and organizations, this high school offers its own literary magazine, robotics team, and the Wildcat News Channel.
Students from this institution have been accepted to notable institutions. For example, students have continued on to universities such as Virginia Commonwealth, James Madison, and Virginia Tech.
5) Washington Liberty High School – Arlington, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #20
- College Readiness Index: 54.8
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Average SAT Score: 1310
- Average ACT Score: 30
- Total Enrollment: 2,549
- Senior Enrollment: 648
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54.5%
Highlights: To ensure academic success, students are offered a wide variety of programs to partake in. For example, students can take courses to fulfill the criteria for the IB programme, take independent study classes, and take advantage of gifted services programs. Some of these IB and AP courses offered include business & management, art history, film, and computer science, among others.
After graduation, students have been accepted to a series of notable universities. Some of those universities attended include Adelphi, American University, Auburn, Emory, and Georgetown.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
6) Ocean Lakes High School –Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #46
- College Readiness Index: 35
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Average SAT Score: 1280
- Average ACT Score: 31
- Total Enrollment: 1,978
- Senior Enrollment: 510
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44.7%
Highlights: A magnet school, this high school serves students from 9-12 grades. With a variety of extracurriculars, students can join varsity sports, debate team, forensics, the one-act play, and more. Additionally, the school offers a Mathematics & Science Academy program for students that offers specialized courses to provide innovative academics.
Post-high school, students have many opportunities for attending notable institutions. Students from this school have been accepted to Old Dominion, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Commonwealth.
7) John Champe High School – Adlie, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #29
- College Readiness Index: 51.8
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 1,689
- Senior Enrollment: 548
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66.9%
Highlights: With high subject proficiency in mathematics and reading, this high school scored above both the district and state averages. Additionally, this campus offers the opportunity for students to train in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Some of the fields students can study in include technology, marketing, culinary, and interior design.
Seniors at this high school have been accepted in many great colleges. For example, students have gained acceptance to Virginia Tech, Mary Washington, and the University of Virginia.
8) Oakton High School – Vienna, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #6
- College Readiness Index: 74.2
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1340
- Average ACT Score: 31
- Total Enrollment: 2,635
- Senior Enrollment: 677
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55.3%
Highlights: At this high school, students can take advantage of many extracurriculars and many school-sponsored activities. For instance, students can partake in the Best Buddies Program, the student newspaper and literary magazine, and athletic programs.
Following graduation, some high school students at this campus have been accepted to Barnard College, Radford, and Virginia State University.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
9) McLean High School – McLean, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #4
- College Readiness Index: 77.3
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Average ACT Score: 31
- Total Enrollment: 2,365
- Senior Enrollment: 583
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48.5%
Highlights: McLean High School has one of the highest College Readiness Indexes in the state, at #2. Additionally, the school is also rated in the top ten for College Curriculum Breadth and State Assessment Proficiency ratings.
From this high school, students have gained admittance to top colleges. For example, students have continued on Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, Wake Forest, Tufts, and UVA.
10) Yorktown High School – Arlington, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #8
- College Readiness Index: 64.1
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Average SAT Score: 1300
- Average ACT Score: 30
- Total Enrollment: 2,531
- Senior Enrollment: 610
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35.7%
Highlights: Ranked at #5 in the state for state assessment proficiency rankings, Yorktown earned higher marks on their subject proficiency tests than other schools in both the district and state. Here, students have the opportunity to join a variety of extracurriculars. For example, students can join the biomedical club, the American Sign Language Honor Society, and even the engineering club.
Following graduation, students have many great post-secondary options to choose from. For example, students have chosen to continue their education at Amherst, Purdue, Rice University, Vanderbilt, and Vassar.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
11) Lake Braddock Secondary School – Burke, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #28
- College Readiness Index: 55.9
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 2,821
- Senior Enrollment: 710
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56.2%
Highlights: Located in a large suburb, Lake Braddock is a magnet school for students in grades 7-12. Following graduation, 95% of students elect to attend two- or four colleges. Additionally, the school focuses on a commitment to brining updated technology to classrooms to provide state-of-the-art instruction.
Post graduation, students attend universities such as James Madison, William & Mary, and Virginia Tech.
12) Richmond Community High School – Richmond, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #3
- College Readiness Index: 69.2
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1100
- Average ACT Score: 21
- Total Enrollment: 211
- Senior Enrollment: 48
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73.5%
Highlights: Serving grades 9-12, students here scored higher in mathematics, reading, and science subject proficiency than other schools in the district. Additionally, this school is ranked #2 for State Assessment Performance Rank. Furthermore, it ranked in the top ten for college readiness and college curriculum breadth for the state.
For the class of 2023, 100% of students received diplomas. Ultimately, the school has a focus on providing students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to succeed.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
13) Freedom High School – South Riding, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #18
- College Readiness Index: 56.7
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 1280
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 2,052
- Senior Enrollment: 554
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55.9%
Highlights: Rated highly for academics and college prep, this high school is committed to embracing diversity and inclusion and encouraging empathy and perseverance. With several AP courses offered, students can take advanced placement studio art, biology, chemistry, economics, and more.
Students from this high school have continued on to great universities. For example, students have been accepted to James Madison, Biola University, and Virginia Commonwealth.
14) Open High School – Richmond, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #2
- College Readiness Index: 69.8
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1110
- Average ACT Score: 24
- Total Enrollment: 188
- Senior Enrollment: 45
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53.7%
Highlights: Located in a mid-size city, this campus is rated highly for its administration, teachers, and academics. Interestingly, on Thursdays, students take special elective classes that provide them with additional learning opportunities and support. These courses consist of ten sessions each, and students can take two electives per term.
After graduation, students further their education at great institutions. These universities include Old Dominion, Hampton University, Virginia Commonwealth, and Virginia State.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
15) Blacksburg High School – Blacksburg, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #17
- College Readiness Index: 51
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1320
- Average ACT Score: 30
- Total Enrollment: 1,318
- Senior Enrollment: 281
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
Highlights: Testing highly in all subject proficiency, this high school scored higher than both the district and state averages. For example, the school scored 92% in reading proficiency, 83% in mathematics, and 79% in science.
Post-high school, students have great opportunities to attend notable four-year institutions. For instance, students have continued onto schools like Virginia Tech, Radford, and College of William & Mary.
16) Briar Woods High School – Ashburn, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #14
- College Readiness Index: 64.9
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 1280
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 1,799
- Senior Enrollment: 488
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51.4%
Highlights: Located in a large suburb, this school serves students grades 9-12. Additionally, this high school offers AP courses, and of the seniors who opted to take an exam, 84% scored 3+. This high school’s college readiness index is ranked at #11 in the state.
Following graduation, students can attend a variety of wonderful colleges. Some seniors have attended colleges such as George Mason and James Madison.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
17) Langley High School – McLean, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #5
- College Readiness Index: 76.5
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1360
- Average ACT Score: 30
- Total Enrollment: 2,049
- Senior Enrollment: 490
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43.8%
Highlights: Located close to Washington, D.C., this community is ideally located to provide suitable representation and connections to business and government professionals. Following graduation, more than 95% of students choose to attend a four-year college. Many AP courses are available. For example, students can take AP courses in mathematics, sciences, and foreign languages.
Following graduation, students from this high school have attended several notable universities. Examples of these institutions include American University, Clemson, Duke, Stanford, Yale, and New York University.
18) Princess Anne High School – Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #35
- College Readiness Index: 46.4
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Average SAT Score: 1250
- Average ACT Score: 28
- Total Enrollment: 1,705
- Senior Enrollment: 413
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49.5%
Highlights: Housed in a large city, this high school ranks highly for academics, college prep, and teachers. Scoring higher than the district and state averages in subject proficiency, this high school performed well above expectations. On AP exams, 79% of seniors scored a 3+, and on IB exams, the pass rate was 96%.
Students from this high school continue on to great universities. Some notable examples include Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and James Madison.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia (Continued)
19) Stone Bridge High School – Ashburn, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #26
- College Readiness Index: 56.4
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Total Enrollment: 1,737
- Senior Enrollment: 427
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45.3%
Highlights: This high school is highly rated for its academics, clubs & student organizations, and college prep. Earning top marks in subject proficiency, this high school offers a variety of AP courses. In fact, 81% of seniors who took an AP exam scored 3+.
Following graduation, students are accepted to a variety of great colleges. For example, students have been accepted to Penn State, Virginia Teach, and George Mason.
20) Tabb High School – Yorktown, Virginia
- Statewide Ranking: #42
- College Readiness Index: 37.5
- Passed at Least One AP Exam: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 1220
- Average ACT Score: 28
- Total Enrollment: 1,082
- Senior Enrollment: 235
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
Highlights: Notably, this high school earned high marks in subject proficiency for all subjects: mathematics, reading, and science. In each of these areas, the scores topped both the district and state averages. Interestingly, this high school is rated #7 in the state for best public high school teachers.
Following graduation, students have been accepted to colleges such as Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech.
Best Public High Schools in Virginia – In Review
Preparing for college starts in high school. Whether it be joining a variety of extracurriculars or opting for advanced classes, students should be aware of how their high school career will translate into their colligate one.
Ideally located close to the nation’s capital, Virginia is a state full of possibility for students with interests in business, politics, and economics. For these high schoolers, they have the advantage of proximity to some of the top-rated schools within close range to the nation’s largest political hub.
Ultimately, there are many public high schools in Virginia with shining credentials. As we can see, these public high schools come from many cities and suburbs across the state. For students looking at any major, there are a wide variety of public high schools in Virginia that will prepare them well for the next step in their academic careers.
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