Best NYC high schools

I've got a younger sibling who's about to start high school soon and we're based in NYC. Can anyone point me towards resources to help me find the top high schools in NYC? We're open to both public and private schools!

Great question! When looking at top high schools in NYC, you might want to consider factors beyond just academics, such as extracurricular opportunities, student body size, teacher-student ratio, and the school's culture.

First off, there are several prestigious specialized public high schools in NYC. Stuyvesant High School and Bronx High School of Science are often recognized as two of the top public schools not just in the city, but in the country. Brooklyn Latin School, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, and Staten Island Technical High School are other specialized public schools that often rank highly.

Second, for successful admission into these top-rated public high schools, students must take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), a very competitive exam. It's important to start preparing for this exam ahead of time, ideally several months in advance.

Third, NYC also offers renowned private schools. The Horace Mann School, Collegiate School, and Trinity School are among the top-rated private high schools in NYC, known for rigorous academics and well-rounded extracurricular offerings.

Moreover, many schools have unique strengths. For instance, the Juilliard Pre-College is perfect for those who are highly talented in the performing arts. Also, the United Nations International School caters to students interested in a global-minded curriculum.

You'll want to look at each school's unique strengths and align those with your sibling's interests and long-term goals. You can use resources like the U.S. News Rankings and the NYC Department of Education's School Search tool to get started.

Remember, the best school comes down to what is best for your sibling individually. It's well worth the time to investigate each of these schools, visit their websites, reach out to the admissions offices, maybe schedule a visit, and pick up a feel for their individual cultures, curricula, and specialties. Wishing your sibling all the best in finding the right fit!