Best High Schools
in Columbus, Ohio
We ranked the 51 high schools in Columbus with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.1 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Columbus for 2026 are Bexley High School (8.8/10), Grandview Heights High School (8.8/10), and St Charles Preparatory School (7.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 51 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Columbus?
Every high school in Columbus 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.
Bexley High School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Grandview Heights High School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
St Charles Preparatory School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Columbus spans 47 ranked high schools, making it one of the more competitive metro markets for families weighing their options. Bexley High School leads the pack with a 9.3 out of 10, followed closely by Grandview Heights High School at 9.2. The gap between those two and the next tier is notable — only 8 schools, or 17% of the ranked pool, score 7 or above, and the metro's average composite sits at 5.9 out of 10. That spread matters: a school near the top is performing significantly above the norm for this area. The list includes a mix of traditional public schools and charter options like Horizon Science Academy Columbus and Road to Success Academy. Geography, school type, and individual scores all shift the picture depending on what a family prioritizes. Use the table below to sort by the metrics that matter most to you.
Bexley High School
Grandview Heights High School
St Charles Preparatory School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Columbus'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 51 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bexley High School Bexley City | 8.8 |
| 2 | Grandview Heights High School Grandview Heights Schools | 8.8 |
| 3 | St Charles Preparatory School | 7.8 |
| 4 | Cristo Rey Columbus High School | 7.5 |
| 5 | Akili Christian High School | 7.2 |
| 6 | Bishop Hartley High School | 7.0 |
| 7 | Metro Early College High School Metro Early College High School | 6.9 |
| 8 | St Francis De Sales High School | 6.8 |
| 9 | Columbus Scioto 6-12 Columbus City Schools District | 6.4 |
| 10 | Bishop Watterson High School | 6.3 |
| 11 | Horizon Science Academy Columbus Charter Horizon Science Academy Columbus | 6.0 |
| 12 | Columbus Alternative High School Columbus City Schools District | 5.9 |
| 13 | Franklinton High School Charter Franklinton High School | 5.6 |
| 14 | Graham School the Charter Graham School The | 5.4 |
| 15 | Central High School Charter Central High School | 5.4 |
| 16 | Yb Columbus Community School Charter YB Columbus Community School | 5.0 |
| 17 | Arts & College Preparatory Academy Charter Arts & College Preparatory Academy | 5.0 |
| 18 | Franklinton Prep High School Charter Franklinton Prep High School | 4.9 |
| 19 | Columbus Africentric Early College High School Columbus City Schools District | 4.9 |
| 20 | Road to Success Academy Charter Road to Success Academy | 4.8 |
| 21 | Capital High School Charter Capital High School | 4.7 |
| 22 | Centennial High School Columbus City Schools District | 4.6 |
| 23 | South High School Columbus City Schools District | 4.5 |
| 24 | Summit Academy Transition High School-columbus Charter Summit Academy Transition High School-Columbus | 4.2 |
| 25 | Fort Hayes Arts and Academic HS Columbus City Schools District | 4.1 |
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 Columbus
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Columbus's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Columbus
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Columbus's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Ohio, with 53 schools spanning 84 school districts, plus 21 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 Columbus, Ohio?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Bexley High School is the top-rated high school in Columbus 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 Columbus, Ohio?
Columbus has 53 high schools, including 21 charter schools. Of these, 53 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Columbus?
The average composite score for Columbus high schools is 4.5/10. 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 Columbus high school rankings?
Yes. Columbus has 21 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.