Guide to the Best High Schools in America

Do you have a high schooler in your life? Are you looking for the best possible education for them? You’re not alone! Parents all over America are researching and comparing high schools to find the perfect fit.

The options can be overwhelming, but fear not- we’ve done some of the legwork for you. This blog post will give you everything you need to know about finding and applying to an amazing high school that is right for your student.

What are the benefits of going to a good high school?

A good high school can prepare your student for a successful future. This is because:

• People are more likely to be successful in life if they attended a good high school.
• The type of lifestyle that is associated with a good high school can be the best for someone.
• The quality of education might be better at a good high school than it would be elsewhere.
• Families are less likely to argue about poor grades and lower expectations if their child attends a good high school.

What is important when comparing high schools?

When selecting a high school that fits your child’s personality (and yours!) there are several factors to consider:

Aesthetic/Amenities – Is it a place you would want to spend all day? Do you like the layout of the school and the classrooms? If your child will be taking art or performing arts classes, check out the options available. Make sure there are enough resources for sports teams! Academics – The best schools offer challenging coursework that prepares students for college while engaging them in their learning. Check out the curriculum to see if this is a good fit for your student.

Also take a look at the graduation rate data on state websites to see how well each school performs at graduating students. (Note: This can give you helpful insight into teacher/student relationships).

Culture – Are students engaged in their classes? What is the environment like outside of class hours?  Is the school diverse? What kind of support is available for students when they need it most?

The biggest benefit to attending a top-tier education for your child will be having an edge in college admissions. There are many resources offered by these schools that can help students get into their dream university, like dual enrollment classes or internship programs.

The benefits of going to a good high school extend beyond just getting into college! Many of these schools offer incredible opportunities outside the classroom as well, such as community service projects or student leadership opportunities. You and your student should feel proud for earning this type of recognition!

4 Tips for getting accepted to a great high school

1. Be honest and open with the application. Many schools have a process where they will meet with students before making a decision about their acceptance, so never be afraid to be yourself! This is the best way to get into your dream high school!
2. If you are applying for magnet or charter schools, pay close attention to any deadlines and/or required documents the school lists on their website. Some schools require multiple essays, special applications or portfolios that can take time – start early!
3. Once you find a school you’d like to apply for, set up an appointment with the guidance counselor (if possible) and ask them any questions you may have about enrollment requirements. Schools offer different scholarships in addition to financial aid when it comes down to tuition, so make sure you ask about anything that might be available to your student!
4. If you are looking at private schools, start looking into scholarships now so that you can apply for what is out there! Many of these institutions offer special awards based on financial need, academic success, community service or other factors.

What if the best school isn’t my top choice?

As much as we want our children to have the absolute best education possible, sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way. You may find yourself in a situation where one of your child’s top choices does not accept them or does not fit their needs. There are several steps you can take to help your student deal with this.

First, talk to the school and see if there is anything they would like to suggest before making a final decision. The guidance counselors at these schools typically know their students well, so don’t be afraid to call them! They may have ideas for getting in touch with influential people from outside the school (such as alumni or business owners) who may be able to get involved with helping your child find another way in. You never know what connections could help your student stand out!

If you still need more options, check out other magnet or charter schools or private schools that offer similar opportunities – some of these schools might not accept all applicants but oftentimes they will make exceptions for strong students.

Why is it important to go to college after graduating from a great American high school?

There are many reasons why college education is important! According to the US Department of Labor, the average annual salary for someone with a Bachelor’s degree is $50,000 while someone who has some college but no degree earns around $30,000.

Earning an Associates or Bachelor’s (or more) can lead to higher-paying jobs and opportunities that allow your child to pursue their interests further than high school allows.

Students who go on to earn their bachelor’s tend to be happier in life as well – studies have shown that those with higher levels of formal education tend to report greater happiness and satisfaction in both work and personal life. In addition, statistics show that students who attend two-year schools have gone on to an even higher level of education after graduating.

Should You Consider an Online High School?

After an in-depth comparative analysis of the top high schools, one conclusion stands out: there is no “one size fits all” answer as to whether online education is right for your child. Rather, this decision should be made on a school-by-school basis based upon your student’s needs and interests, as well as yours.

Online high school is a growing trend in the United States and abroad, with some of the largest programs enrolling hundreds of thousands if not millions of students annually. More and more accredited schools are offering full-fledged online courses; moreover, traditional brick-and-mortar high schools are also offering online classes for those who want to learn more about their subjects, those who want to earn credit and not miss out on class time or extracurricular activities while still on campus, or those who are simply looking for a more convenient way to complete their schooling.

There are several options in terms of online high schools depending upon your state’s requirements, as well as the desired level of instruction. Some of the most popular options include:

1. Blended or hybrid schools that offer both online and on-campus courses with a fixed schedule per semester, allowing you to decide whether certain classes should be taken online or in class.
2. Full-time virtual high schools that follow the same academic year as brick-and-mortar schools but still offer a fixed schedule per semester.
3. Part-time virtual high schools that give students the opportunity to enroll in daytime or evening courses without following a set schedule for the whole year. (In contrast, part-time online public schools are synchronous and adhere to a set schedule consisting of four 100-minute class periods each week.)
4. Open enrollment schools that offer flexible course schedules and allow students to work at their own pace while still receiving support from faculty and staff. Online high school classes are taught by teachers with master’s degrees or higher, who have been trained in distance education techniques and virtual classroom facilitation.

Online high schools are not for everyone, however. In fact, some students are better served by attending traditional brick-and-mortar schools than they would be by enrolling in one of the top online high schools reviewed below.

Consider your student’s learning style, level of motivation and interest in a particular subject before making a final decision. For advice on choosing the right high school for your child, please contact a guidance counselor at your local district high school. They will be able to steer you in the right direction and offer insight into why students are successful or struggle with online education.

Join The Number 1 Virtual High School In America Today!

If you are looking for a great online high school program, High School of America may be right for you. Our unique school has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an exemplary online school and one of the Best High Schools in America. Check out our adaptive learning programs that make us stand out from other schools!

If your child is not ready to transition into full-time virtual education, we offer summer camps where students can earn credit and have fun at the same time!

Resources and References:

• Charter Schools
• Labor Statistics
• Brick and Mortar High Schools