Best High Schools
in Baltimore, Maryland
We ranked the 58 high schools in Baltimore with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.3 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Maryland education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Baltimore for 2026 are Western School of Technology (8.8/10), Eastern Technical High School (8.8/10), and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (8.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 58 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Baltimore?
Every high school in Baltimore is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Western School of Technology
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Eastern Technical High School
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Baltimore, MD. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Baltimore's 50 ranked high schools span a meaningful range of performance, with an average composite score of 5.2/10 across the metro. Western High leads the list at 6.8/10, tied with Eager Street Academy and closely followed by Achievement Academy at Harbor City High and Eastern Technical High School. That cluster at the top reflects a competitive upper tier worth examining closely. Charter schools make up 10% of the ranked pool — five schools total — so the landscape skews heavily toward traditional public options. Scores, student-to-teacher ratios, and other key metrics vary considerably from school to school, which is why sorting the table below by the factors that matter most to your family will get you further than any single ranking. Use the columns to cut through the noise and zero in on the schools that fit your student's needs.
Western School of Technology
Eastern Technical High School
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Baltimore's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level:Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades.Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations.Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance.College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Maryland so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 58 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western School of Technology Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 2 | Eastern Technical High School Baltimore County Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 3 | Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 4 | Baltimore School for the Arts Baltimore City Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 5 | Baltimore City College Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.9 |
| 6 | Bard High School Early College Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 7 | Baltimore Design School Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.3 |
| 8 | Mercy High School | 7.2 |
| 9 | Western High Baltimore City Public Schools | 7.0 |
| 10 | Reginald F. Lewis High Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.8 |
| 11 | The Catholic High School of Baltimore | 6.8 |
| 12 | Cristo Rey Jesuit High School | 6.6 |
| 13 | Israel Henry Beren High School | 6.3 |
| 14 | Catonsville High Baltimore County Public Schools | 6.2 |
| 15 | The Seed School of Maryland SEED School of Maryland | 6.1 |
| 16 | Claremont School Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.1 |
| 17 | Achievement Academy at Harbor City High Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.0 |
| 18 | Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.9 |
| 19 | City Neighbors HighCharter Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.9 |
| 20 | Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.8 |
| 21 | Rosedale Center Baltimore County Public Schools | 5.8 |
| 22 | Pikesville High Baltimore County Public Schools | 5.6 |
| 23 | Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.5 |
| 24 | Mount De Sales Academy | 5.4 |
| 25 | Baltimore Leadership School for Young WomenCharter Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Maryland education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Maryland.Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Baltimore
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Baltimore's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Baltimore
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Baltimore's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Maryland, with 65 schools spanning 4 school districts, plus 5 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Baltimore, Maryland?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Western School of Technology is the top-rated high school in Baltimore with a composite score of 8.8/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore has 65 high schools, including 5 charter schools. Of these, 59 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Baltimore?
The average composite score for Baltimore high schools is 5.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Maryland).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Maryland, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Maryland, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Baltimore high school rankings?
Yes. Baltimore has 5 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.