Finding High Schools With Notable Alumni?

Hey there! I've been tasked with a pretty interesting assignment—I need to find high schools with the most notable alumni. Digging up this info for colleges seems pretty straightforward, but high schools? That's a different ball game. Anyone got any ideas on where I might begin? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! This is indeed a fun yet challenging task you have at hand. The concept of "notability" could be subjective, so I'll be going with a broad understanding from an academic, professional, and societal impact viewpoint.

One good starting point would be "Magnet" or "Specialized" high schools known for producing successful graduates. Schools like Stuyvesant High School and Bronx Science in NYC have some incredibly impressive alumni in fields like academia, science, politics, and media. Another example is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia which has a strong reputation for cultivating budding scientists and industry leaders.

Another approach is looking into high schools located in metropolitan areas or near institutions of higher education as these often attract and produce high-achieving individuals. For instance, Chicago's Whitney Young Magnet High School has been home to several notable alumni including First Lady Michelle Obama.

You can also look at private preparatory schools known for their strong educational rigors and often, wealthy and influential families. Phillips Academy Andover, Phillips Exeter Academy, or Harvard-Westlake School come to mind.

Biographies and memoirs can be great resources too. For instance, if a famous person discusses their high school experience in an autobiography, that's an easy way to track the information down.

Do remember that notability can come from many fields - it's not just academics. Consider artists, athletes, actors, and more when you're doing your research. Also kindly note that correlating the notability of an alumni base with the quality of education can be a complex and subjective process.