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Best schools in NYC

The top-rated schools in New York City, ranked by overall DOE quality rating. Special Music School leads at 100/100, followed by New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School and P.S. 77 Lower Lab School. Drawn from 3,038 K–12 public, charter, and private schools citywide — narrow by borough, district, or grade level below.

The top-rated schools citywide

1
Special Music School129 WEST 67 STREET
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School9–12 High School
100/100
2
New Explorations Into Science, Technology And Math High School111 COLUMBIA STREET
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School9–12 High School
99/100
3
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School1700 3 AVENUE
K–5 Elementary
99/100
4
Icahn Charter School 11506 Brook Avenue
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School
99/100
5
P.S. 35 The Clove Valley School60 Foote Avenue
K–5 Elementary
99/100
6
The Anderson School100 WEST 77 STREET
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School
98/100
7
Success Academy Charter School - Prospect Heights760 PROSPECT PLACE
K–5 Elementary
98/100
8
Naples Street Elementary School1055 Targee Street
Pre-K / 3-KK–5 Elementary
97/100
9
Tag Young Scholars240 EAST 109 STREET
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School
97/100
10
The 30th Avenue School (G&T Citywide)28-37 29 STREET
K–5 Elementary6–8 Middle School
97/100

Or browse the full ranked lists by area and grade level — every borough and all 32 community school districts.

By borough

By community school district

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in NYC?
Special Music School, New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School, and P.S. 77 Lower Lab School rank among the highest by overall DOE quality rating citywide, led by Special Music School at 100/100. The best school for your child depends on your family — run a Smart Match to rank every school against your own priorities.
How are the best NYC schools ranked?
By overall rating — the NYC DOE quality composite on a /100 scale (test scores, student progress, and school climate). Browse by borough, community school district, or grade level for the top schools in a specific area.
How many schools are in New York City?
We cover 3,038 K–12 public, charter, and private schools across the five boroughs, plus 3-K and Pre-K early-education programs.

Which of these fits your child?

Smart Match ranks every NYC school against your family's priorities — academics, commute, diversity, programs, and special-education needs.

Find the right fit →