Hello freinds welcome to the Tigerjek, in this post we will discuss the best schools in New York. New York is home to some of the finest schools in the country, offering students a blend of strong academics, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments. From innovative public schools to highly regarded private institutions, New York’s education system is designed to help young learners thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Families looking for the best schools in the state will find institutions that not only focus on academic excellence but also emphasize creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and community engagement. These schools stand out for their dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and proven track records of preparing students for future success in college and beyond.
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Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College is one of New York City’s top specialized high schools, known for its outstanding academics and remarkable student achievements. Established in 2002, the school sits on the York College campus in Jamaica, Queens, and serves students in grades 9 through 12. Admission is highly competitive, offered only to students who earn top scores on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).
Although the school boasts a 100% graduation rate and consistent recognition among the city’s best high schools, it faces challenges with its facilities. Instead of having a dedicated building, students share space on the York College campus. As a result, QHSS lacks essentials such as its own gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, or fully equipped science labs. To fill these gaps, students make use of York College’s library, computer labs, theater, and athletic facilities.
Academically, the school offers a rigorous program that includes Regents and Advanced Placement courses across all core subjects. Students also explore electives such as International Relations, Forensics, and Philosophy. A signature part of the curriculum is research: freshmen are introduced to science or math research, and seniors often participate in College Now courses taught by York College professors, giving them early exposure to college-level academics.
Beyond the classroom, the school maintains a lively extracurricular culture with over twenty clubs, including Model United Nations, Robotics, and student publications. Sports options are limited to a few programs such as bowling, swimming, handball, and tennis, largely due to the absence of on-site athletic spaces. Counseling and student wellness services are available, though limited, with three full-time counselors supporting nearly 500 students.
Despite the obstacles, Queens High School for the Sciences thrives because of its motivated students, dedicated teachers, and strong community spirit. Parents, staff, and alumni continue to push for a new facility that would finally match the school’s academic reputation with the resources it deserves.
Stuyvesant High School | Best Schools in New York
Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan is one of New York City’s most prestigious public specialized high schools. Located in Lower Manhattan near Battery Park City, it serves more than 3,300 students and has built a reputation for its intense academic focus, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school offers an extensive list of Advanced Placement courses and electives, ranging from organic chemistry to differential equations, giving students opportunities to study far beyond the standard high school curriculum.
The building itself is a ten-story facility equipped with modern science laboratories, two gymnasiums, an Olympic-sized pool, a theater, and a large cafeteria with views of the Hudson River. The library can hold up to 40,000 books, and students have access to specialized rooms for robotics, ceramics, and photography. Beyond academics, Stuyvesant offers more than 150 clubs and competitive sports teams, along with publications and arts programs that enrich student life. Admission is highly competitive, determined by the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), with fewer than one in 30 applicants securing a spot.
High School for Math, Science & Engineering
The High School for Math, Science and Engineering at CCNY (HSMSE) is one of New York City’s most respected specialized high schools. Established in 2002, it is located inside Baskerville Hall on the City College of New York campus, giving its students the rare advantage of a small, close-knit high school environment within a large university setting.
HSMSE is widely known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on STEM education, while also ensuring students develop a solid foundation in the humanities. The school has consistently ranked among the top high schools in both New York and the nation, with nearly all of its graduates moving on to top universities.
The school’s structure is designed to encourage deep learning. Core subjects such as math, science, English, and history are taught in 90-minute blocks every other day, giving students time for in-depth discussions, labs, and projects. Freshman math is an exception, meeting daily to build a strong base for the advanced coursework that follows. Alongside these, students take electives and enjoy lunch in shorter 45-minute sessions. The school day typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
Students have the opportunity to pursue one of several academic tracks. The Engineering track introduces them to design, architecture, and engineering principles, often in partnership with CCNY’s Grove School of Engineering. Those who choose the Math concentration dive into advanced topics such as calculus, statistics, graph theory, and game theory. Another unique option is the Biomedical Research track, offered in partnership with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which exposes students to real medical research, ethics, and clinical experiences.
Language study is also a priority. German is the primary foreign language, with advanced courses leading up to the AP level, and some students are even awarded funded study trips to Germany. Spanish is offered as well for students who already have a strong foundation in the language.
Although the building itself is modest—HSMSE occupies four floors of Baskerville Hall—students enjoy access to the wider City College facilities, including the library, cafeteria, gym, and outdoor quad. The school community is small, with fewer than 600 students, but it is highly diverse and supportive. Programs like the Freshman Academy and peer tutoring help younger students adjust to the demanding pace.
Admission to HSMSE is highly competitive, based on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Those who make it through often find themselves part of a collaborative, ambitious environment where teachers know students by name and peers push each other to succeed. With its balance of academic rigor, research opportunities, and supportive culture, HSMSE has earned a reputation as one of the best places for young people passionate about math, science, and engineering to grow and thrive.
Bronx High School of Science
The Bronx High School of Science is one of New York City’s most renowned specialized high schools, admired for its rigorous academics and impressive legacy. Founded in 1938, the school is located in the Bronx at 75 West 205th Street and admits students solely through the competitive SHSAT exam. Over the decades, it has produced Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and innovators across fields, cementing its place among the best public schools in the country.
The campus itself is well equipped with facilities that reflect the school’s strong focus on science and research. Students have access to advanced laboratories, including a DNA research lab, a crime lab, and even a rooftop observatory and planetarium. The school also features greenhouses, a large library with more than 30,000 volumes, computer and language labs, and Harris Field across the street for athletics. Recently, the Stanley Manne ’52 Institute of Science was added—a state-of-the-art, sustainable research facility with university-level labs designed to support hands-on scientific exploration.
Academically, Bronx Science offers one of the most comprehensive programs in the city. Students are required to complete multiple years of science, math, English, and social studies, while also exploring advanced electives and more than a dozen Advanced Placement and post-AP courses. From organic chemistry and astrophysics to international relations and economics, the curriculum balances STEM excellence with strong offerings in the humanities. A hallmark of the school is its emphasis on research: students begin with foundational courses in literacy, coding, and engineering, and many continue into independent projects that prepare them for national competitions.
Life at Bronx Science extends beyond academics. The school is home to over a hundred clubs, a wide range of PSAL sports teams, and student-led publications. Its culture is known to be ambitious and demanding—so much so that some students even skip lunch periods to fit in extra classes. Still, this dedication has resulted in remarkable outcomes, with many graduates earning admission to the most selective universities in the world.
Bronx Science stands out not just for its history and accolades, but also for its community of driven students and educators. With its blend of tradition, cutting-edge resources, and a spirit of discovery, the school continues to shape some of the brightest minds of tomorrow.
Staten Island Technical High School
Staten Island Technical High School, often called Staten Island Tech, is one of New York City’s top specialized high schools. Located on Clawson Street in Staten Island, the school has built its reputation on rigorous academics, strong technical programs, and an environment that balances innovation with student well-being. Since its founding in 1988, Staten Island Tech has grown into a hub for motivated students, drawing applicants from across the city, though about half of its students still come from Staten Island itself.
The school enrolls just over 1,300 students, with a student–teacher ratio of roughly 17 to 1, and operates on an annual budget of nearly $10 million. Admission is highly selective, determined by performance on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), with cutoff scores among the highest in the city.
Inside the building, Staten Island Tech blends traditional learning spaces with advanced facilities. Students have access to specialized engineering and media labs, a fully equipped recording studio, CAD and AutoCAD training, and modern classrooms outfitted with laptops and tablets. These resources make it possible for students to work on robotics, technical writing, and even TV and film production, giving them hands-on experience in fields that reach beyond a typical high school curriculum.
The academic program is rigorous, offering more than a dozen Advanced Placement courses across math, science, humanities, and even Russian language. Many students graduate with significant college credits through partnerships with local institutions like the College of Staten Island and Kingsborough Community College. Beyond coursework, about half of the students participate in internships or research programs, often presenting projects in science and engineering competitions.
Life at Staten Island Tech extends well beyond academics. Nearly a third of the student body participates in one of the school’s nine bands, while drama classes take place in a black-box theater. Each year, students stage the popular “SING!” musical, a tradition that blends performance, creativity, and community spirit. Sports and daily gym classes keep students active, while programs like a full-time comfort dog and a supportive grading system show the school’s commitment to student wellness.
The results speak for themselves: Staten Island Tech boasts a 100 percent graduation rate, nearly universal participation in AP classes, and some of the highest proficiency rates in the state. National rankings consistently place it among the top 50 high schools in the country. The school’s diverse student body, primarily made up of Asian and White students with representation from other backgrounds, reflects the wide appeal of its program.
In short, Staten Island Technical High School combines academic excellence with advanced technical training, creative opportunities, and a focus on student well-being. It stands as a model of how a specialized public school can prepare young people not just for college, but for the complex and demanding world beyond.
Brooklyn Latin School
The Brooklyn Latin School (TBLS) stands out as one of New York City’s specialized high schools, founded in 2006 and inspired by the historic Boston Latin School. Located on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn, it blends a classical liberal arts tradition with the modern Intern
ational Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, making it the only specialized school in the city to offer IB.
At TBLS, tradition is at the heart of its culture. Students are known as discipuli, teachers as magistri, and even the hallways are called atria. All students complete four years of Latin, four years of laboratory science, and an extended research paper before graduation. The school also emphasizes public speaking through declamations—memorized speeches—and Socratic seminars, encouraging students to think critically and speak confidently. A formal uniform of khakis, white shirts, and ties adds to the sense of discipline and academic seriousness.
The school’s schedule is carefully structured. From Tuesday through Friday, classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:40 p.m., with students attending seven periods plus a lunch recitation. Mondays are different, starting later at 9:40 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m., allowing time for extended homeroom activities and teacher professional development. After school, students can join clubs, sports, or visit teachers during office hours.
TBLS follows a grade system rooted in classical tradition: Class IV (9th grade) and Class III (10th grade) focus on foundational honors-level courses in English, math, science, history, Latin, Spanish, arts, and physical education. By Class II (11th grade) and Class I (12th grade), students move into advanced IB courses across subjects like biology, chemistry, computer science, theatre, and history. Nearly all seniors sit for IB exams, with an outstanding success rate—most score above the global average.
Beyond academics, TBLS offers a vibrant extracurricular life with more than 30 clubs, from computer science and business to drama and athletics. As part of the IB’s Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement, students also engage in community service and creative pursuits, reinforcing the balance between scholarship and personal growth.
The school is small in size, enrolling around 735 students, which allows for close relationships between students and teachers. It is also highly diverse, with a large percentage of students from minority and economically varied backgrounds. Despite this, TBLS maintains a 99% graduation rate, with graduates regularly advancing to competitive colleges and universities.
With its mix of classical traditions, rigorous academics, and modern IB structure, The Brooklyn Latin School offers students a unique education—one that challenges them to think deeply, communicate clearly, and carry themselves with confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn Technical High School, better known as Brooklyn Tech, is one of New York City’s most iconic specialized high schools. Located in Fort Greene and towering twelve stories high, the school’s building is as impressive as its reputation. Established in the early 1920s and rebuilt in its current form in 1933, the school was designed to meet the growing demand for technically trained students, blending rigorous academics with hands-on technical education.
Inside, the school feels like a small university. It features two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and access to athletic spaces in nearby Fort Greene Park, as well as its own football field. The enormous 3,100-seat auditorium—one of the largest in the city—hosts school-wide events, while a recital hall, a mock courtroom, and drafting rooms support specialized learning. A striking WPA-era mural, The History of Mankind, greets students in the foyer, reminding them of the school’s deep cultural roots.
What sets Brooklyn Tech apart is its unique mix of technical and academic facilities. In earlier decades, students trained in full workshops for wood, metal, and machine work. Today, many of these spaces have been converted into modern robotics labs, computer-integrated manufacturing centers, and advanced scientific labs. The school has also housed a foundry, a materials testing lab, and even an aeronautical lab complete with a wind tunnel and training aircraft.
Academically, Brooklyn Tech offers one of the broadest programs of any specialized high school. Students not only complete a challenging core curriculum in math, science, English, and social studies, but they also choose from technical majors that mirror college-level study. Whether it’s engineering, computer science, law and society, or media, the school encourages students to think like professionals while still in high school. Many graduates earn the prestigious NCSSSMST-endorsed diploma, reflecting advanced work in STEM fields.
With nearly 6,000 students, 283 teachers, more than 150 clubs, and over 40 athletic teams, Brooklyn Tech is a vibrant community. Its size can feel overwhelming at first, but most students find their niche in the school’s wide network of clubs, majors, and extracurricular opportunities. Alumni often look back on their time at Tech as both demanding and rewarding—a place where ambition, diversity, and innovation come together under one massive roof.
High School of American Studies
The High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) is one of New York City’s specialized high schools, known for its deep focus on American history and a strong liberal arts foundation. Established in 2002, it is located on the campus of Lehman College in the Bronx, giving students unique access to college-level resources while still in high school.
With just under 400 students, HSAS offers a smaller and more intimate learning environment compared to many other specialized high schools. The selective admission process is based on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), and students who are accepted often demonstrate a strong passion for history, writing, and critical thinking.
The school structure emphasizes history and the humanities but also maintains a rigorous academic balance. Students take advanced coursework in English, math, and science, and nearly all of them enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) classes before graduation. The school also has a partnership with Lehman College, allowing students to take college-level courses and access the university library, labs, and other academic facilities.
Inside the building, HSAS offers modern classrooms, technology-equipped learning spaces, and access to Lehman College’s amenities, including athletic fields and a swimming pool. The smaller scale of the school fosters close connections between students and faculty, creating a strong sense of community and mentorship.
Beyond academics, HSAS students actively participate in extracurricular activities such as debate, mock trial, Model United Nations, theater, and music. The school also fields competitive sports teams, and its location near Van Cortlandt Park provides opportunities for outdoor athletics like cross-country and soccer.
HSAS has consistently ranked among the top high schools in New York City and across the nation. It boasts a high graduation rate, strong college placement record, and a reputation for producing students who are exceptionally well-prepared for higher education. Its alumni often go on to pursue studies in history, political science, law, and other fields that value strong writing and analytical skills.
In essence, the High School of American Studies at Lehman College stands out as a specialized school that combines a rigorous focus on history with a well-rounded academic program, all within the supportive setting of a small, close-knit community enriched by the resources of a college campus.
Townsend Harris High School
Townsend Harris High School (THHS), located on the Queens College campus in Flushing, New York, is widely regarded as one of the city’s top-performing public schools. Established in 1984 in its modern form, the school carries the legacy of the original Townsend Harris Hall from the 19th century, known for its strong academic tradition and emphasis on civic values.
As a New York City public specialized high school, there is no tuition fee for attending THHS. Students are admitted through a highly competitive process that includes grades, standardized test scores, and a writing sample. The school consistently ranks among the best in the state and nation, drawing motivated students from all five boroughs.
The academic program is rigorous and college-focused. Every student follows a curriculum rich in humanities, sciences, mathematics, and foreign languages, while also completing the unique “Bridge Year Program” in partnership with Queens College. In their senior year, students take actual college-level courses on the Queens College campus, giving them a head start on higher education.
The school day typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and students must meet demanding graduation requirements, including advanced coursework and community service. THHS is also known for its “Ephebic Oath”, a pledge students take upon entering, promising to dedicate themselves to the service of their community and society.
In addition to academics, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including debate, robotics, drama, student publications, athletics, and cultural organizations. This balance of academics and enrichment fosters a strong sense of community among its diverse student body.
With its blend of intellectual rigor, civic responsibility, and real college experience, Townsend Harris High School provides an environment where students are challenged to excel and prepared to become leaders in society.
Baccalaureate School for Global Education
The Baccalaureate School for Global Education (BSGE), located in Long Island City, Queens, is a small but highly respected public school known for its international focus and academic rigor. Established in 2002, BSGE was created with the goal of preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. From the very start, it adopted the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, making it one of the first public schools in New York City to do so.
The school serves students in grades 7 through 12, allowing them to experience a continuous and cohesive learning journey. With fewer than 500 students, BSGE has an intimate environment where teachers know students by name, and classes encourage discussion, inquiry, and critical thinking rather than rote memorization. This small size is one of its strengths, giving the school a close-knit community feel that is different from many of the city’s larger specialized schools.
The curriculum is globally minded and interdisciplinary. All high school students participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a two-year sequence that is widely regarded as one of the most challenging pre-university programs in the world. Alongside advanced coursework, students engage in projects that emphasize creativity, service, and research. The IB model pushes students to think about global issues while still grounding them in core subjects like math, science, literature, and history.
In terms of facilities, BSGE is smaller than schools like Brooklyn Tech or Bronx Science, but it makes good use of its space. Classrooms are designed for collaboration, and while it doesn’t have the massive labs, auditoriums, or athletic complexes of larger schools, it fosters a strong intellectual atmosphere. Its modest structure reflects its focus: depth of learning rather than breadth of infrastructure.
Extracurricular opportunities also play an important role. Students participate in clubs, cultural events, service projects, and citywide competitions, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom. The emphasis on global citizenship and service learning makes BSGE unique, with graduates often going on to top colleges both in the U.S. and abroad.
Despite its small size, the Baccalaureate School for Global Education consistently ranks among New York City’s top public schools. Families value its challenging IB curriculum, supportive environment, and mission of preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens of the world.
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