Motley

Best schools in NYC

The top-rated schools in New York City, ranked by our overall rating. For elementary and middle schools it's the average of the school's New York State ELA and math proficiency, grades 3–8, shown out of 100. For high schools it's the average of the school's four-year graduation rate, the share of its students scoring college-ready (70+) on the English Regents, and its Regents completion rate, shown out of 100. High School of American Studies at Lehman College leads at 100/100, followed by Special Music School and Staten Island Technical High School. Drawn from 2,910 K–12 public, charter, and private schools citywide — narrow by borough, district, or grade level below.

The top-rated schools citywide

1
High School of American Studies at Lehman College2925 Goulden Avenue
  • 9–12 High School
2
Special Music School129 WEST 67 STREET
  • K–5 Elementary
  • 6–8 Middle School
  • 9–12 High School
3
Staten Island Technical High School485 Clawson Street
  • 9–12 High School
4
New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School111 COLUMBIA STREET
  • K–5 Elementary
  • 6–8 Middle School
  • 9–12 High School
5
Stuyvesant High School345 CHAMBERS STREET
  • 9–12 High School
6
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School1700 3 AVENUE
  • K–5 Elementary
7
The Bronx High School of Science75 WEST 205 STREET
  • 9–12 High School
8
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College94-50 159 Street
  • 9–12 High School
9
High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College240 CONVENT AVE
  • 9–12 High School
10
Icahn Charter School 11506 Brook Avenue
  • K–5 Elementary
  • 6–8 Middle School

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?
High School of American Studies at Lehman College, Special Music School, and Staten Island Technical High School rank among the highest by our overall rating citywide, led by High School of American Studies at Lehman College at 100/100. The best school for your child depends on your family — Smart Match (Motley Pro) ranks schools against your own priorities.
How are the best NYC schools ranked?
By our overall rating, on a 0–100 scale. For elementary and middle schools it's the average of the school's New York State ELA and math proficiency, grades 3–8, shown out of 100. For high schools it's the average of the school's four-year graduation rate, the share of its students scoring college-ready (70+) on the English Regents, and its Regents completion rate, shown out of 100. A school that serves both middle and high school grades is listed here on its middle-school rating; the high-school lists use its high-school rating. 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 2,910 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 (Motley Pro) ranks the schools in your area against your family's priorities — academics, distance from home, diversity, programs, and special-education needs.

Find the right fit →