The quest for quality education in New York seems to have its champions in Queens and Long Island as reported by U.S. News & World Report. Each year sees the ranking of high schools across the nation, and this year is no different with New York City schools and Long Island making a significant showing. According to CBS News, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College led the charge for New York City, marking itself at No. 25 in the national rankings while maintaining a perfect graduation rate and impressive Advanced Placement exam statistics.
The report further detailed that the New York City metro area, inclusive of parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, had more than 1,000 schools ranked, with nearly 41% of these institutions landing in the top quarter of the national rankings. On the island, not to be outdone, 11 out of the top 50 high schools in New York for the 2025-26 academic year reside on Long Island, this was confirmed by Patch.com. With Jericho Senior High School leading as the ninth-best in New York and garnering a spot at 108 in the national rankings.
The criteria for such rankings are based on a comprehensive assessment of academic performance. U.S. News stated that factors such as college preparation, statewide proficiency in core subjects, and the achievements of Black, Hispanic, and low-income students on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests were considered. They evaluated nearly 24,000 public high schools across the country and ranked almost 18,000 of them.
The top 10 schools in New York City also include the High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY and Stuyvesant High School, both renowned for their robust STEM programs. Similarly, Long Island's Garden City High School and Great Neck South High School are noted for their positions in the state and national rankings, with placements at 16 and 21, respectively, in New York, and 147 and 182 nationally. These placings are not just figures but representations of the continuous effort and commitment to educational excellence in these communities.
