View the 2016 Top Public High Schools

Briana Boyington

Explore the Best High Schools

U.S. News evaluated more than 28,000 schools for the 2016 Best High Schools rankings. These 10 schools scored the highest out of the 500 top-ranked gold medal schools.

10. Carnegie Vanguard High School

Carnegie Vanguard High School is a Texas school for talented and gifted teens. Students can take either pre-Advanced Placement or AP courses.

Learn more about Carnegie Vanguard High School.

9. International Academy

All students at the International Academy in Michigan follow the International Baccalaureate middle years and diploma programs.

Learn more about the International Academy.

8. Academic Magnet High School

All academic courses at Academic Magnet High School are Advanced Placement or honors level. With the assistance of a mentor, students at the South Carolina high school have to complete a yearlong research project before graduation, according to the school's website.

Learn more about Academic Magnet High School.

7. Pine View School

Pine View School is a public school for gifted students in Florida. Students are admitted based on a series of tests, recommendations and other data, according to the school's website. Students can be referred to the school by parents, teachers and administrators.

Learn more about Pine View School.

6. BASIS Oro Valley

BASIS Oro Valley was founded in 2010 and serves students from grades six through 12 in Tucson, Arizona. Students take honors and Advanced Placement courses.

Learn more about BASIS Oro Valley.

5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

In Virginia, TJHSST offers a STEM-focused curriculum and houses 15 specialized research labs, including ones dedicated to astrophysics, microelectronics and oceanography.

Learn more about Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

4. School of Science and Engineering

This Texas school focuses on preparing its students to compete globally in science and engineering. Students can take accelerated classes in science, English, math and computer science, allowing them to move at their own pace.

Learn more about the School of Science and Engineering.

3. BASIS Tucson North

In Arizona, BASIS Tucson North has the largest campus of the BASIS charter schools. AP exams are required and paid for by the school.

Learn more about BASIS Tucson North.

2. BASIS Scottsdale

BASIS Scottsdale is one of more than a dozen BASIS charter schools located in Arizona. The high school offers a variety of honors and Advanced Placement courses for students.

Learn more about BASIS Scottsdale.

1. School for the Talented and Gifted

This Dallas high school follows Texas' Distinguished Achievement Program. Most of the academic courses are Advanced Placement, including electives.

Learn more about the School for the Talented and Gifted.

More About the Best High Schools

For more Best High Schools rankings and data, check out the top charter schools and top magnet schools.

Read our High School Notes blog to stay up to date on high school news. Connect with U.S. News Education on Facebook, or tweet @USNewsEducation using the hashtag #BestHighSchools to share your thoughts on the rankings.

Briana Boyington is an education Web producer at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at bboyington@usnews.com.