U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025–2026 list of best U.S. high schools, and it ranked Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria as No. 5 in the country.
The outlet rated more than 24,000 public high schools in all 50 states. They were ranked based on their performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and how well they prepare students for college.
U.S. News & World Report noted that Thomas Jefferson uses a “STEM-focused curriculum that culminates with a technical lab project for seniors. The school offers courses like DNA science, advanced marine biology, automation and robotics, architectural drawing and design, research statistics and AP calculus.”
It also pointed out that the school offers “15 specialized research labs, ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to oceanography and geophysical systems.” And it noted that Thomas Jefferson’s extracurricular activities include clubs like orchestra and swing dance.
Other High School Rankings
The list ranked BASIS Tucson North in Arizona as the top school in the country. Signature School in Evansville, Indiana, was rated No. 2, followed by Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at No. 3. Davidson Academy in Reno, Nevada rounded out the top five at No. 4.
For Virginia schools, eight of the top 10 on the list are 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. 3
- Woodson High School in Fairfax at No. 5
- Oakton High School in Vienna at No. 6
- Meridian High School in Falls Church at No. 7
- McLean High School in McLean at No. 8
- Marshall High School in Falls Church at No. 9
- Madison High School in Vienna at No. 10
Feature image courtesy Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
