High Public School Ratings
High Public School Ratings

Cities with Top Public Schools in the U.S.

Why Public School Quality Matters

For families and long-term planners, public school quality is often the #1 relocation factor. A top school district doesn’t just support academic success; it shapes property values and how community support drives long-term stability. Families often see better neighborhood amenities and safer streets when schools perform well (and vice versa).

Rankings from sources like Niche consider test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, advanced coursework, extracurricular depth, and parent reviews. But parents should also look closely at:

  • School zoning: Even in top-rated districts, quality can vary between schools.
  • Class sizes: Smaller schools often allow for more individualized opportunities.
  • Diversity & culture: Is the district inclusive? Are language and extracurricular programs broad enough for your family’s needs?
  • Pathways: Look at AP, IB, STEM, and arts programs that prepare students for college or careers.

Standout Cities for Highly Rated Public Schools

Naperville, IL

One of the most celebrated family cities in the U.S., Naperville’s District 203 and 204 schools regularly land in national Top 10 lists. Both districts feature high graduation rates (~96%), strong AP participation, and competitive athletics. Parents moving here find that almost every neighborhood has access to “A” schools.
What Works: Naperville has built its identity around education. The city funds its schools well, maintains small class sizes, and supports a wide range of programs — from STEM to fine arts. Strong property values and engaged parents reinforce a cycle of academic excellence.

The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands, just north of Houston, is more than a master-planned community — it’s a destination for families prioritizing schools. Conroe ISD is highly rated, with The Woodlands High School and College Park High leading the way. Families appreciate the walkability of neighborhood schools and the balance of STEM and arts offerings.
What Works: The Woodlands was designed for families. Safe neighborhoods, well-funded schools, and accessible campuses make daily life easy. High district performance pairs with Texas’s affordable housing, giving families strong value for quality education.

Arlington, VA

Arlington Public Schools are known for academic rigor and inclusivity. Yorktown and Washington-Liberty High both earn top marks for AP, IB, and language immersion programs. Parents highlight the district’s range of magnet programs (including HB Woodlawn) and its strong college placement track record.
What Works: Arlington combines urban access with small-district attention. The schools attract top educators and are supported by one of the highest per-student investments in the U.S. Diverse programs prepare students for both college and global citizenship.

Palo Alto, CA

At the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto’s schools are legendary for STEM, innovation, and preparing students for elite universities. Palo Alto High and Gunn High both score “A+,” with diverse extracurriculars from robotics to the arts. Families here pay steep housing premiums, but the schools are a big reason why.
What Works: Education is the city’s culture. Palo Alto’s proximity to Stanford and major tech firms fuels its STEM focus, while community support keeps schools well-resourced. Families here invest deeply in academics, and the outcomes reflect that.

South Pasadena, CA

This smaller city offers both top schools and a close-knit community feel. South Pasadena Unified School District consistently ranks among California’s best, with strong academics and safe, neighborhood-based campuses. Parents note the blend of strong test scores and supportive, community-driven schools.
What Works: South Pasadena succeeds because of scale. Small schools and engaged parents create stability and accountability. Families benefit from access to L.A.’s cultural life while enjoying a neighborhood vibe that keeps education front and center.

Tega Cay, SC

Part of the Fort Mill School District, Tega Cay offers some of South Carolina’s highest-rated schools. Gold Hill Elementary and Fort Mill High School both earn “A+,” and families praise the balance of academics, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities.
What Works: Tega Cay gives families top-tier schools with reasonable housing prices. The district’s focus on college readiness and community engagement has made it one of the Southeast’s quiet success stories.

Darien, Connecticut:** Darien Public Schools are among the strongest in New England. With a graduation rate near 98% and a high percentage of graduates accepted to top universities, Darien High anchors a district with small class sizes, excellent facilities, and a focus on college readiness.

What Works: Darien’s strength comes from investment, both financial and personal. The community prioritizes education at every level, from parental involvement to district leadership. The result is academic consistency and long-term value.

Johns Creek, Georgia

Schools in Johns Creek (Fulton County) consistently earn “A+” ratings, with standout high schools like Northview and Johns Creek High among Georgia’s top performers.
Families appreciate the diversity and balance between academics and extracurriculars.
What Works: Johns Creek blends high performance with accessibility. Diverse families and strong local funding keep schools competitive, while a focus on STEM and performing arts provides breadth beyond test scores.

Clemmons, North Carolina

This Winston-Salem suburb punches above its weight. Schools in the city earn “A” ratings, and parents praise small class sizes and strong community support. Families moving here get the strongest schools in the district with more affordable housing than larger metros. While the larger Winston-Salem/Forsyth district earns an "A-" rating, schools like Clemmons Elementary and West Forsyth High consistently outperform district averages and rank in the top 10% of schools statewide.
What Works: Clemmons delivers top outcomes without high costs. Families benefit from strong public schools, affordable housing, and a small-town network that keeps education personal.

Eagan, Minnesota

Part of the Twin Cities metro, Eagan is known for schools that receive “A+” ratings for academics and college prep. The area emphasizes both STEM and extracurricular opportunities, making it a standout for families seeking balance. Eagan is served by ISD 196 (a strong “A”-rated district), but where it really shines is at the school level. Eagan Senior High is top-10 in Minnesota, and several local elementary and middle schools outpace district averages, making Eagan a standout choice for families seeking both quality and value.
What Works: Eagan strikes a balance between suburban comfort and educational excellence. The area’s consistent performance across elementary, middle, and high school levels creates a smooth, reliable pathway for students.

Is a Top-School City Right for You?

If academic excellence is non-negotiable, focus on:

  • A+ public school grades from Niche.
  • A balance between education and affordability, home premiums in these cities can exceed regional averages by 100–300%. Use the LookyLOO filter tool or quiz to match cities with highly rated public schools AND a reasonable cost-of-living.
  • Neighborhood safety, recreational programs, and community engagement often go hand-in-hand with top school systems. Take a look at the LookyLOO Guide to Cities with the Safest City Ratings to double-check this.

Is a Top-School City Right for You?

If education is your family’s highest priority, look for:

  • A+ Niche Ratings: Across schools and districts.
  • Graduation rates above 95%: Also strong AP/IB participation.
  • Housing cost trade-offs: Expect to pay premiums of 100–300% for homes in these districts.
  • Safety and family amenities: Strong schools often pair with safe neighborhoods and vibrant family programs.

Tip: Pair this page with our LookyLOO Guide to Safest Cities to confirm you’re getting the full family-friendly package.

  • You can also take the LookyLOO Quiz and select high ratings for public schools + safe city rankings, to get a much bigger list of options.

It should be noted that big city school districts that won't meet all these criteria also have excellent public options. Look for that in a different guide coming soon!

FAQs for Cities with Highly Rated Public Schools

Q: What defines a “high public school rating”?

A: Ratings often reflect graduation rates, test performance, college readiness, and teacher quality. Sites like Niche, GreatSchools, and U.S. News use composite scoring across those factors.

Q: Do better schools increase home prices?

A: Yes. In most markets, school quality directly correlates with property value. That can raise costs, but it also protects long-term investment.

Q: Are these schools only for homeowners?

A: Not necessarily. Many top districts include strong rental markets, allowing families flexibility without ownership.

Q: Do private schools matter in these areas?

A: Private options exist, but strong public systems often make them unnecessary. Families choose these cities precisely because public education performs at private-school levels.

Q: How do I confirm local school quality?

A: Check district and state report cards for standardized test data, student-teacher ratios, and graduation outcomes. Touring schools and talking to parents gives a clearer picture than rankings alone.

Q: Are top school districts always affluent?

A: Wealth often helps fund schools, but not all high-performing districts are expensive. Cities like Eagan, Clemmons, and Tega Cay combine strong academics with reasonable housing.