Charter schools lead U.S. News ranking with increased presence among top high schools

For the second consecutive year, charter schools have secured the top two spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of public high schools for 2025-2026. BASIS Tucson North in Arizona was named the best public high school in the country, followed by Signature School in Evansville, Indiana. In total, 24 charter schools were included among the top 100 high schools nationwide, an increase from last year.

“These rankings are proof of what we see every day, charter schools are changing what’s possible in public education,” said Starlee Coleman, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “This year, 24 charter schools earned spots in the top 100, up from last year. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of dedicated educators, visionary school leaders, engaged families, and students who rise to the challenge. Families want high-quality public school options, and charter schools are delivering. We celebrate this recognition as a milestone in a movement that is only gaining momentum.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 18,000 high schools using several criteria such as college readiness, curriculum breadth at college level, state assessment proficiency and performance, graduation rates among underserved students, and overall student performance. Charter schools performed well across these measures and often exceeded both state and national averages.

Some of the highest-ranked charter schools include Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (#6), Haas Hall Bentonville (#7), BASIS Phoenix (#17), Haas Hall Academy (#24), BASIS Chandler (#28), Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School (#49), Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute (#54), University High School Fresno (#63), Pacific Collegiate Charter (#70), Charter School of Wilmington (#87), Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (#96), Young Women’s Leadership Academy (#98) and Benjamin Franklin High School (#99).

Charter schools make up about 8% of all public schools in the United States and educate approximately 3.7 million students—about 7.6% of all public school students—with two-thirds coming from low-income or minority backgrounds.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools advocates for policies supporting growth and innovation within charter education nationwide.

For more information on this year's rankings visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rankings-overview.