Best High Schools
in Cleveland, Ohio
We ranked the 42 high schools in Cleveland with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.5 and 8.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Cleveland for 2026 are Cleveland School of Science & Medicine (8.2/10), Bard Early College Cleveland (8.1/10), and Benedictine High School (7.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 42 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Cleveland?
Every high school in Cleveland 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.
Cleveland School of Science & Medicine
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Bard Early College Cleveland
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Benedictine High School
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Cleveland's 37 ranked high schools span a wide performance range, with an average composite score of 6.4/10 across the metro. At the top sits Cleveland School of Science & Medicine, the clear standout at 9.3/10 — nearly a full point ahead of the next-highest performers, MC² STEM High School and John F. Kennedy High School, both at 7.8 and 7.7 respectively. Mayfield High School and Cleveland High School for the Digital Arts round out the top five. Notably, 10 schools — 27% of the ranked total — score 7.0 or above, giving families real options when targeting above-average performance. The data also reflects Cleveland's strong presence of specialized and theme-based schools, from STEM and digital arts to medical sciences. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors to find the right fit for your student.
Cleveland School of Science & Medicine
Bard Early College Cleveland
Benedictine High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Cleveland'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 Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 42 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Ohio education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Ohio. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Cleveland
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Cleveland's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Cleveland
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Cleveland's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Ohio, with 43 schools spanning 57 school districts, plus 9 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 Cleveland, Ohio?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Cleveland School of Science & Medicine is the top-rated high school in Cleveland with a composite score of 8.2/10. 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 Cleveland, Ohio?
Cleveland has 43 high schools, including 9 charter schools. Of these, 43 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Cleveland?
The average composite score for Cleveland high schools is 5.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Ohio).
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 Ohio, 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 Ohio, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Cleveland high school rankings?
Yes. Cleveland has 9 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.