7 US metro areas where high schools outperform the rest
In the race for educational supremacy, it is not just individual high schools that command attention, entire metro areas are emerging as strongholds of academic excellence. Using the US News Best High Schools methodology and US Census Bureau definitions, nearly 18,000 public high schools were evaluated, with the top 25 metros identified for their density of schools ranking in the nation’s top quartile.Seven of those metros stand out for their exceptional proportions of high-performing schools, representing a spread from coastal innovation hubs to the heartland’s academic powerhouses.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington
With 114 ranked schools, the Seattle metro claims 44 in the national top quartile, amounting to a 39% excellence rate. Leading the charge is Tesla STEM High School, ranked third nationally, where inquiry-based learning and science-focused curricula have become a regional hallmark.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville’s 54 ranked schools include 21 in the top national quartile, also at a 39% proportion. At the forefront is Stanton College Preparatory School, sitting at No. 55 in the country, known for its rigorous academic programs and competitive college placement record.
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado
Out of 144 ranked schools, 56 — or 39% — earn a place among the nation’s elite. D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School, ranked 59th nationally, anchors the metro’s academic reputation with its strong liberal arts and advanced placement focus.
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Georgia
This fast-growing metro has 195 ranked schools, of which 77 (39%) reach the top national tier. The standout is Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, ranked ninth nationally, representing Georgia’s most ambitious STEM-focused instruction.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin
In a tri-state metro encompassing 352 ranked schools, 142 (40%) belong to the top national quartile. Payton College Preparatory High School, ranked fifth nationally, reflects Chicago’s commitment to selective, high-performing public education.
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
With a staggering 981 schools assessed, this metro boasts 405 in the top quartile — 41% of its total. High Technology High School, ranked 24th nationally, exemplifies the region’s fusion of technical expertise and academic breadth.
Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
Despite just 29 ranked schools, Charleston matches New York’s 41% top-quartile rate. Its leader, Academic Magnet High School, stands seventh nationally, showing that even smaller metros can produce world-class academic results.
