Top 10 Schools In New York 2026
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1) Stuyvesant High School — Manhattan, NYC
Rank: #1 (NY public high schools, 2026 lists).
Admission criteria: Admission by SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test); open to NYC residents entering grade 9 (or first-time 10th).
Location: 345 Chambers St, New York, NY 10282.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/345+Chambers+St,+New+York,+NY+10282.
Programs: Intensive STEM and college-prep curriculum; extensive AP offerings, math/robotics teams, research electives, strong extracurricular / publication culture.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public (NYC Dept. of Education; specialized high school).
Admission system & fees: No tuition. Admission via SHSAT registration through NYC DOE; students rank specialized schools when applying. No application fee; selection based solely on SHSAT score.
2) Bronx High School of Science — Bronx, NYC
Rank: #2.
Admission criteria: SHSAT-based admission; applicants must be NYC residents and current 8th-grade students (or first-time 9th graders). (bxscience.edu)
Location: 75 W 205th St, Bronx, NY 10468.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/75+W+205th+St,+Bronx,+NY+10468.
Programs: STEM-focused college prep, extensive AP and research offerings, strong science/engineering electives and extracurriculars.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public, NYC specialized high school.
Admission system & fees: Free. Admission via SHSAT; follow NYC DOE specialized admissions procedures and deadlines. (bxscience.edu)
3) Staten Island Technical High School — Staten Island, NYC
Rank: #3.
Admission criteria: SHSAT (part of NYC specialized high schools admissions). Applicants must apply through the NYC specialized high school process. (siths.org)
Location: 485 Clawson St, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/485+Clawson+St,+Staten+Island,+NY+10306.
Programs: Emphasis on engineering, computer science, mathematics, lab-based science; college-prep with AP offerings and STEM extracurriculars.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public (NYC Dept. of Education).
Admission system & fees: No tuition. Admission via SHSAT; accepted students attend enrollment events and summer bridge programs. (siths.org)
4) Half Hollow Hills High School West — Dix Hills (Long Island)
Rank: #4.
Admission criteria: Resident enrollment in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District; proof of residency and district registration required. (Not selective by exam.)
Location: 375 Wolf Hill Rd, Dix Hills, NY 11746.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/375+Wolf+Hill+Rd,+Dix+Hills,+NY+11746. Programs: Comprehensive college-prep offerings, many AP courses, strong extracurriculars and athletics.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: No tuition for district residents. Enrollment via district student registration (proof of age, residency, records, health info). (hhh.k12.ny.us)
5) Scarsdale Senior High School — Scarsdale, Westchester County
Rank: #5.
Admission criteria: Residence-based admission (Scarsdale UFSD). Enrollment through district registration—not selective by exam.
Location: 1057 Post Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/1057+Post+Rd,+Scarsdale,+NY+10583.
Programs: Rigorous college-prep curriculum, broad AP offerings, strong arts and athletics.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: Free for residents. Non-resident admission may be possible under district policy (tuition may apply in special cases) — contact the district for specifics.
6) High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) — Bronx, NYC
Rank: #6.
Admission criteria: Screened / competitive NYC program—students apply via NYC DOE admissions (program often requires strong academic record and participates in MySchools), check HSAS admissions page for year-specific requirements. (hsas-lehman.org)
Location: 2925 Goulden Ave (Lehman College campus), Bronx, NY 10468.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/2925+Goulden+Ave,+Bronx,+NY+10468.
Programs: Specialized focus on American history and humanities with strong college prep; research and AP opportunities. Partnership with Lehman College for resources. (hsas-lehman.org)
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public (NYC Dept. of Education).
Admission system & fees: No tuition. Apply via NYC DOE application channels (MySchools / screened admissions); attend open houses and meet admissions deadlines noted on HSAS site.
7) Townsend Harris High School — Flushing, Queens (NYC)
Rank: #7.
Admission criteria: Screened admission (school-based assessment using 8th-grade grades and other criteria; see school admissions page for the exact screened formula and citywide ranking requirements). Townsend Harris typically admits top performing applicants citywide based on grades and screening rules. (thhs.qc.edu)
Location: 149-11 Melbourne Ave, Flushing, NY 11367.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/149-11+Melbourne+Ave,+Flushing,+NY+11367.
Programs: Rigorous liberal-arts + STEM offerings, AP courses, strong college matriculation, partnerships with Queens College.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: No tuition. Admission through NYC DOE screened admissions (school posts cutoffs and group placement criteria annually). Check Townsend Harris admissions page for deadlines and the exact metric used. (thhs.qc.edu)
8) Syosset Senior High School — Syosset (Long Island)
Rank: #8.
Admission criteria: Residence-based (Syosset Central School District enrollment). Not a selective exam school.
Location: 70 S Woods Rd / 99 Lockwood Rd (district site lists 70 S Woods Rd); commonly listed as Syosset High School, Syosset, NY 11791.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/70+S+Woods+Rd,+Syosset,+NY+11791.
Programs: Comprehensive high school with many AP courses, college counseling, large extracurricular and athletic programs. (shs.syossetschools.org)
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: Free for residents. District registration required (proof of residency, records, etc.).
9) Manhasset Secondary School — Manhasset (Long Island)
Rank: #9.
Admission criteria: Residence-based (Manhasset UFSD enrollment).
Location: 200 Memorial Pl, Manhasset, NY 11030.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Memorial+Pl,+Manhasset,+NY+11030.
Programs: College-prep curriculum, AP offerings, arts and athletics; strong local reputation.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: No tuition for district residents. Enrollment via district registration.
10) Jericho Senior High School — Jericho (Long Island)
Rank: #10.
Admission criteria: Residence-based (Jericho UFSD enrollment); not selective by exam.
Location: 99 Cedar Swamp Rd, Jericho, NY 11753.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/99+Cedar+Swamp+Rd,+Jericho,+NY+11753.
Programs: Advanced academics with many AP courses, strong extracurricular programs, robust college counseling.
Grades: 9–12.
Public / Private: Public.
Admission system & fees: Free for residents; enrollment via district registration and proof of residency.
