America's Best High Schools - Top 25

The U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best High Schools rankings provide an insightful look into the educational landscape of the United States, showcasing the schools that have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, student outcomes, and institutional excellence. Among the most notable schools featured in the 2010 rankings are Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), Raleigh Charter High School, and IDEA College Preparatory.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is widely regarded as one of the best high schools in the nation. According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2010, TJHSST claimed the top spot as the No. 1 high school in the United States. This recognition is a testament to the school's outstanding academic performance and its specialized focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. As one of the 18 Virginia Governor's Schools, TJHSST offers a rigorous and highly selective academic environment that attracts some of the most talented students in the region.

Raleigh Charter High School

Raleigh Charter High School, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, has consistently ranked among the top high schools in the nation. In the 2010 U.S. News rankings, it was rated 24th, a slight drop from its 20th place ranking in the previous year. Despite this minor shift, Raleigh Charter remains a standout institution, particularly in its commitment to academic rigor and fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility among its students. Raleigh Charter is a public charter school, which means it operates with greater flexibility than traditional public schools but still follows the state’s educational standards.

IDEA College Preparatory

IDEA College Preparatory, located in Texas, achieved significant recognition in the 2010 U.S. News rankings by being named the 13th best high school in the nation. This achievement marked the second consecutive year that IDEA College Prep earned a spot on the prestigious Gold Medal List, placing it among the top schools in the country. IDEA College Preparatory’s success can be attributed to its strong academic programs, commitment to preparing students for college, and its focus on serving underrepresented communities.

IDEA College Preparatory is part of the larger IDEA Public Schools network, which operates a series of charter schools throughout Texas. The school focuses on providing high-quality education to students from low-income backgrounds, offering them a pathway to college and successful careers. IDEA College Prep has earned accolades for its college readiness programs, with a high percentage of graduates going on to attend four-year colleges and universities. In addition, the school is recognized for its emphasis on STEM education, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Top 25 of America's Best High Schools - Gold Medal Rank:

1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Location: Alexandria, VA

2. International Academy
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI

3. Whitney High School
Location: Cerritos, CA

4. Oxford Academy
Location: Cypress, CA

5. School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
Location: Dallas, TX

6. Newcomers High School
Location: Long Island City, NY

7. Pacific Collegiate School
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

8. School of Science and Engineering Magnet
Location: Dallas, TX

9. BASIS Tucson
Location: Tucson, AZ

10. International School
Location: Bellevue, WA

11. High Technology High School
Location: Lincroft, NJ

12. Academic Magnet High School
Location: No. Charleston, SC

13. IDEA Quest Academy & College Prepatory
Location: Donna, TX

14. Pine View School
Location: Osprey, FL

15. Design and Architecture Senior High School
Location: Miami, FL

16. KIPP Houston High School
Location: Houston, TX

17. Stanton College Preparatory School
Location: Jacksonville, FL

18. The Early College at Guilford
Location: Greensboro, NC

19. The High School of American Studies at Lehman College
Location: Bronx, NY

20. Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Location: Montgomery, AL

21. University High School
Location: Tucson, AZ

22. California Academy of Math & Science
Location: Carson, CA

23. Animo Leadership Charter High School
Location: Inglewood, CA

24. Raleigh Charter High School
Location: Raleigh, NC

25. Lennox Mathematics, Science & Technology Academy
Location: Lennox, CA

Source: US News