Virginia not only has some of the top universities in the country, but it also has some of the best high schools, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Langley High School, and McLean High School, among others. Similarly, studying in Virginia comes with many perks such as quality education and research opportunities, extracurricular activities, and access to its rich cultural diversity. As a result, deciding to study in any of the best high schools in Virginia is a no-brainer.
Therefore, if you’re a parent or busy professional looking for the best public schools in Virginia, you are in the right place. In this post, we’ll be considering more reasons why studying in Virginia is a great choice after which we’ll look at some of the best high schools in Virginia.
Let’s delve in!
Why Should I Study In Virginia?
Studying at Virginia high schools can provide you with a high-quality education and a range of opportunities to explore your interests and prepare for the future. Below are more reasons why studying at Virginia high schools can be a great option:
#1. Quality Education
Virginia is known for its strong education system, with high schools consistently ranking among the best in the nation. Thus, you receive a rigorous and well-rounded education that’ll prepare you for college and beyond.
#2. Diverse Student Body
Virginia high schools attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This will help you to develop a broader perspective and better understand different cultures and perspectives.
#3. Extracurricular Activities
Virginia high schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to music and drama programs. As a result, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your interests, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships.
#4. College and Career Preparation
Virginia high schools provide students with resources and support to help them prepare for college and career success. This includes advanced courses, career and technical education programs, and college readiness programs. Hence, studying in Virginia will prepare you for college and career.
#5. Safe and Supportive Environment
Virginia high schools prioritize student safety and well-being, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. As a result, teachers, counselors, and administrators are available to provide guidance and support to students as they navigate high school and plan for the future.
#6. Beautiful Art And Scenery
Virginia is known for its beautiful scenery, with miles of beaches, mountains, and forests to explore. Similarly, Virginia played an important role in American history, with buildings like Monticello, Mount Vernon, and Colonial Williamsburg attracting people from all over the world. Thus, studying in Virginia might provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the state’s rich history and enjoy it outdoors.
Top 15 Best High Schools In Virginia
The following is our best pick of top high schools in Virginia:
#1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology – Alexandria, VA
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is the first on the list of best high schools in Virginia. TJHSST was established in 1985 as a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Public Schools and the business community. The school has a stringent admissions process and only accepts pupils in grades 9 and 10. Furthermore, admission is based on a combination of academic performance, standardized test scores, and other characteristics such as essays and teacher recommendations.
Additionally, TJHSST features a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes advanced coursework in science, mathematics, and technology education. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, and academic competitions.
#2. McLean High School – McLean, VA
McLean High School is a public high school located in McLean, Virginia, United States. It serves students in grades 9-12 in the Fairfax County Public Schools system. The school is located in the Langley neighborhood of McLean and has a student population of about 2,200.
McLean High School has a wide range of academic offerings, including AP classes, honors classes, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school also provides a Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) program, which includes classes in business, marketing, and technology.
In addition to academics, McLean High School boasts a strong athletic program, with teams playing football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis. Likewise, students can participate in several clubs and organizations at the school, including a student government association, the National Honor Society, and a range of cultural and interest-based clubs.
#3. Langley High School – McLean, VA
While considering the best high schools in Virginia Langley High School comes to mind. Langley High School is a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) school that serves students in grades 9 through 12. The school was named after Samuel Pierpont Langley, an American astronomer, physicist, and aviation pioneer, who died in 1965. The Virginia Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools both accredit Langley High School.
Langley High School also provides a diverse choice of courses, including Advanced Placement and honors programs, in areas like English, math, science, social studies, foreign languages, and fine arts. The school boasts a varied student body and a devoted faculty and staff that work hard to provide all students with a rigorous and supportive learning environment.
#4. George Mason High School – Falls Church, VA
George Mason High School is a public high school located in the city of Falls Church, Virginia, in the United States. It is part of the Falls Church City Public Schools system and serves students in grades 9-12. The school was founded in 1952 and is named after George Mason, one of the United States Founding Fathers and the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
George Mason High School has a rigorous academic program with a wide choice of courses, including honors and AP subjects. It also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, theater, and clubs, allowing students to pursue their interests and develop their talents outside of the classroom.
#5. Fairfax High School – Fairfax, VA
Fairfax High School is a public high school in Fairfax, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system, which is the largest in Virginia and one of the largest in the United States. The school was founded in 1936 and has undergone various modifications and extensions since then.
Fairfax High School has a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, the International Baccalaureate, and special programs in areas such as the arts and STEM.
Similarly, the school also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, clubs, and organizations. Fairfax High School alumni include actor and comedian Patton Oswalt, former NFL player Brandon Banks, and former MLB player Mike Epstein.
#6. Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School – Richmond, VA
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (MLWGS) is also among the best high schools in Virginia. The school educates students in grades 9-12 from the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Goochland in central Virginia. Furthermore, MLWGS is a selective school that admits students through a competitive application process that considers academic achievement, extracurricular activity, and other considerations.
MLWGS has a long heritage of community service and encourages its students to become active and involved citizens in addition to academic coursework. MLWGS is well noted for its rigorous academic curriculum and performance in national and regional academic competitions. Surprisingly, a considerable number of graduating seniors from the Governor’s School are admitted into top-tier colleges.
#7. Princess Anne High School – Virginia Beach, VA
Princess Anne High School is a public high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, located in the United States. It was established in 1954 as part of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system. With a present enrollment of about 2,000 students, the school serves grades 9-12 and has a diverse student body.
Princess Anne High School has an excellent academic curriculum, with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses available. The school has also been named a National Blue Ribbon School and a School of Excellence by the Virginia Board of Education.
In addition, Princess Anne High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and performing arts programs, for students to take part in. The school has a successful athletic program, with several state titles in a variety of sports.
#8. James Madison High School – Vienna, VA
James Madison High School is a public high school in Vienna, Virginia, USA. The institution was founded in 1957 and is named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers.
The school provides a variety of academic programs, including AP classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and the Madison College Partnership Program, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. Furthermore, the school places a major emphasis on athletics, with multiple teams competing in several sports, as well as a well-regarded music program.
#9. Yorktown High School – Arlington, VA
Yorktown High School is a public high school located in Arlington, Virginia. It is part of the Arlington Public Schools system and serves students in grades 9 through 12. The institution has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and has consistently been ranked among the best high schools in Virginia by various publications.
Yorktown High School has a diverse range of academic programs, including AP courses, honors courses, and vocational and technical education programs. Similarly, students can participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs. The school is located in a suburban region of Arlington, Virginia, and serves a diverse student body.
#10. Rock Ridge High School – Ashburn, VA
Rock Ridge High School is a public high school located in Ashburn, Virginia, United States. The school opened in 2014 and is part of the Loudoun County Public Schools system. It serves students in grades 9 through 12 and has a student population of around 1,900.
Rock Ridge High School provides a variety of academic options as well as dual enrollment with nearby colleges and universities. It also offers a range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in, such as clubs and groups focused on interests like music, theater, STEM, community service, and more.
In addition, Rock Ridge High School is devoted to providing a secure and inclusive learning environment for all children and offers a state-of-the-art campus with contemporary classrooms, labs, and athletic facilities.
#11. Oakton High School – Vienna, VA
Oakton High School is a public high school located in Vienna, Virginia, in the United States. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system and has roughly 2,600 students. Oakton High School has a wide range of academic offerings, including AP courses, honors courses, and many electives.
The school also offers several extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and student organizations. Some of the notable alumni of Oakton High School include actress Sandra Bullock, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden, and former MLB player and current ESPN analyst Doug Glanville.
#12. West Springfield High School – Springfield, VA
West Springfield High School is regarded as one of the best high schools in Virginia. The school was founded in 1966 and has since undergone numerous modifications and additions to meet its rising student body. West Springfield High School now includes approximately 2,500 students and a staff of more than 200 teachers and administrators.
Similarly, West Springfield High School has a long history of academic and athletic distinction, as well as a dedicated and passionate faculty and student body. As a result, it provides a diverse range of academic programs, including honors and AP courses, as well as vocational and technical education programs.
#13. Chantilly High School – Chantilly, VA
Chantilly High School is a public high school in Chantilly, Virginia. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system and educates students in grades 9-12. Chantilly High School has a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement classes, honors courses, and special programs such as the Academy for Health Professions, the Academy for Engineering and Technology, and the Academy for Science.
The school is also noted for its award-winning marching band, which has performed at various national and international competitions. Chantilly High School has a diverse student body and is dedicated to providing a friendly and inclusive environment for all students. As a result, it has garnered accolades for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusiveness, including being declared a No Place for Hate school by the Anti-Defamation League.
#14. W.T. Woodson High School – Fairfax, VA
W.T. Woodson High School was established in 1962 and named after William Thomas Woodson, a former superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. Today, W.T. Woodson High School is known for its strong academic programs, competitive sports teams, and wide range of extracurricular activities.
The W.T. Woodson High School provides a variety of academic offerings, including AP classes, honors classes, and a dual-enrollment program with Northern Virginia Community College. Likewise, multiple career and technical education programs are available at the institution, including business and marketing, engineering, and health and medical sciences.
Additionally, W.T. Woodson High School boasts a robust athletic department that includes basketball, football, soccer, track and field, swimming and diving, and other sports for all genders. Ultimately, the school is aimed at offering students a well-rounded education that will prepare them for success in college and their careers.
#15. Battlefield High School – Haymarket, VA
Battlefield High School is the last on the list of best high schools in Virginia. With nearly 2,800 students in grades 9 to 12, the school boasts a varied student body. It provides a variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment with local institutions, and Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) classes.
Generally, Battlefield High School is dedicated to providing a secure and welcoming learning environment for all students, and its instructors and staff are committed to assisting students in reaching their full potential. In addition, it boasts a robust athletic department with multiple varsity sports teams competing in the Virginia High School League. The school has earned several honors and medals, including recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School and the Governor’s Award for Educational Achievement.
FAQs About The Best High Schools In Virginia
Is Virginia a good place for education?
Well, Virginia has a long history of great academic institutions, including some of the country’s oldest and most prominent universities, such as William and Mary and the University of Virginia. Furthermore, Virginia has several great high school districts, notably Fairfax County Schools, which consistently ranks among the finest in the country. Therefore, Virginia is an excellent state for education.
Where is the best place to live in Virginia?
Virginia is a beautiful state with many beautiful areas to live in. However, the best place to live can depend on your individual preferences and needs. Some popular areas in Virginia include:
- Arlington
- Alexandria
- Richmond
- Virginia Beach
- Roanoke
Does Virginia have good public schools?
Yes, Virginia is widely regarded as having great public schools. Virginia is ranked ninth overall for education by U.S. News, with high marks for pre-K-12 education and higher education. It also ranks well in national assessments like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Conclusion
Finally, Virginia is an excellent area to study. Its high schools provide cutting-edge education with a range of different teaching approaches aimed at developing leaders and experts who will become change agents. Hence, if you’re looking for the top high schools for your kids in the United States, you should consider any of the best high schools in Virginia.