Best High Schools
in Baltimore, Maryland
We ranked all 65 high schools in Baltimore. The top 25 scored between 5.4 and 7.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Maryland education data
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.
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
Western High
Eager Street Academy
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Maryland so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MERCY HIGH SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 2 | Western High Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.8 |
| 3 | Eager Street Academy Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.8 |
| 4 | THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE | 6.8 |
| 5 | Achievement Academy at Harbor City High Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.7 |
| 6 | Eastern Technical High School Baltimore County Public Schools | 6.7 |
| 7 | Kenwood High Baltimore County Public Schools | 6.6 |
| 8 | CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL | 6.6 |
| 9 | Baltimore City College Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.4 |
| 10 | City Neighbors High Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.4 |
| 11 | Western School of Technology Baltimore County Public Schools | 6.4 |
| 12 | ISRAEL HENRY BEREN HIGH SCHOOL | 6.3 |
| 13 | Renaissance Academy Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.1 |
| 14 | Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy West Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.1 |
| 15 | Chesapeake High Baltimore County Public Schools | 6.1 |
| 16 | Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.0 |
| 17 | Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.0 |
| 18 | Baltimore School for the Arts Baltimore City Public Schools | 6.0 |
| 19 | Reginald F. Lewis High Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.7 |
| 20 | Baltimore Design School Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.6 |
| 21 | Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.5 |
| 22 | Coppin Academy Charter Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.4 |
| 23 | Bard High School Early College Baltimore City Public Schools | 5.4 |
| 24 | Pikesville High Baltimore County Public Schools | 5.4 |
| 25 | MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY | 5.4 |
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, MERCY HIGH SCHOOL is the top-rated high school in Baltimore with a composite score of 7.2/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.