Everyone wants the best education for their children, but every school is different, and every student has different needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of some of the best public high schools in Cincinnati.

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1. Walnut Hills High School

Overview:

Walnut Hills High School is a public school for grades 7-12 operated by Cincinnati Public Schools. It’s ranked in the top 100 schools in the nation and has a 99% graduation rate. 87% of the graduates enter college with advanced standing, and students’ test scores are above average. They require three years of Latin for incoming 7th and 8th graders. Their Advanced Placement Program offers 30 courses. The school is also very ethnically diverse. Walnut Hills High School is rated 9 out of 10.

Extracurriculars:

Their arts program includes five dramatic/musical productions each year, AP studio art, and award-winning bands and orchestras. There are 90 sports teams and more than 50 extracurricular activities. Students can participate in science and foreign language competitions, the National Mathematical Examination, First Lego Robotics, the Model United Nations, and the National Scholastic Art and Writing competition.

2. Madeira High School

Overview:

Madeira High School is a public school part of the Madeira City Schools district, including Madeira Elementary School, Madeira Middle School, and Madeira High School. Cincy Magazine ranked them #1 of the top 15 communities in 2017 because of their strong city school district. Madeira High School has been recognized by US News & World Report for its college readiness, and ranked #5 in Ohio (#6 in 2016), #163 in the nation (#242 in 2016), and #70 in STEM high schools (#187 in 2016). They’re rated 9 out of 10.

Extracurriculars:

Madeira High School offers 9 different sports for boys and 10 for girls, as well as cross-country and track, which are co-ed. Students can also join the marching band and perform in competitions. The district even has a Library Arts & Crafts program for 6th graders and up.

3. Mariemont High School

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Overview:

Mariemont High School is a public school part of the Mariemont City Schools district, which includes Terrace Park Elementary, Mariemont Elementary School, Mariemont Junior High School, and Mariemont High School. Their curriculum includes college prep and Advanced Placement, and they’ve been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School on four separate occasions. They’re ranked 9 out of 10.

Extracurriculars:

Mariemont High School offers 18 different sports. They have four-student academic teams who compete in quiz-style competitions. The AFS International Exchange Club hosts social events for foreign exchange students. They also have an art club, a book club, a chess club, DECA (which provides leadership and marketing experience), an Environmental Club, a seasonal theater performance, the Green Envy Investment Club, a band, and much more.

4. Indian Hill High School

Overview:

Indian Hill High School is a public school part of the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, which includes Indian Hill Primary School, Indian Hill Elementary School, Indian Hill Middle School, and Indian Hill High School. Their curriculum includes 27 Advanced Placement classes, including unique options such as television production and technical theater. Newsweek rated them #1 in Ohio for 2016, as well as in the top 100 high schools nationally for six years in a row. Cincy Magazine rated them #1 in Ohio for 2017. They’re rated 9 out of 10.

Extracurriculars:

Indian Hill High School offers 19 different sports. They have over 30 clubs, including DECA, a drama club, an engineering club, a gay-straight alliance club, an Indian culture club, the Indian Hill Television Network/Braves Beat Club, a jazz ensemble, a key club, a literary magazine, a mock trial team, a quidditch club, and much more.

5. Anderson High School

Overview:

Anderson High School is a public school part of the Forest Hills School District, which includes 9 different schools. It’s a college prep school that offers 24 Advanced Placement classes as well as honors classes. On average, teachers have 15 years experience. The school also allows students to participate in a College Credit Plus program and vocational programs at Great Oaks Career Campuses. Anderson High School has been named top high school in the nation by Newsweek for five years in a row. They’re rated 9 out of 10.

Extracurriculars:

Anderson High School offers 20 different sports teams. They have tons of clubs including an a capella club, a vinyl club (where kids listen to records), a computer club, a conspiracy theory club, DECA, a drama club, a debate club, a gay-straight alliance club, and much more.

A good high school prepares its students for college with a strong curriculum and extracurricular options. Cincinnati has lots of great schools, and there are lots of factors to consider, so the process of choosing can be overwhelming. We hope this list makes the process easier.