U.S. News & World Report has published its 2026-2027 ranking of the best high schools in the country. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria landed at No. 6 on the list.
U.S. News ranks schools based on state assessments, scoring on college-level exams, and graduation rates. More than 27,000 public high schools were rated across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The outlet noted that Thomas Jefferson uses “STEM-focused curriculum that culminates with a technical lab project for seniors.” It offers courses such as “DNA science, advanced marine biology, automation and robotics, architectural drawing and design, research statistics and AP calculus.”
The school also has “15 specialized research labs, ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to oceanography and geophysical systems.” Extracurricular activities include orchestra and swing dance clubs, various athletic teams, and the school’s science, technology and math publication.
Additional High School Ranking
Central Magnet School in Tennessee was ranked the top school in the country. Signature School in Indiana was No. 2, and Julia R. Masterman Secondary School in Philadelphia was No. 3. Davidson Academy in Nevada and School Without Walls in Washington, DC, were rated No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.
The list also ranked high school by state. Seven of the top 10 Virginia high schools are located in Northern Virginia. They include:
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria at No.1
- Langley High School in McLean at No. 4
- Meridian High School in Falls Church at No. 5
- McLean High School in McLean at No. 6
- Woodson High School in Fairfax at No. 7
- Oakton High School in Vienna at No. 8
- Marshall High School in Falls Church at No. 9
Feature image courtesy Thomas Jefferson High School For Science and Technology
