Top 10 Best High Schools in Connecticut for Academic Sucess

We have compiled a list of the top 10 high schools in Connecticut, blending both public and private institutions, ranked based on a combination of acceptance rates (for private schools), student-to-teacher ratios, academic performance, college readiness, and other relevant factors like graduation rates and extracurricular offerings.

We included tuition costs where applicable. Public schools are free and provide links to their official websites. Since exact acceptance rates and student-to-teacher ratios can fluctuate year to year, we used the most recent data available, from sources like school websites, U.S. News & World Report, and Niche. Let’s get into it!

1. Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)

Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: ~16% (highly selective)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Tuition: $67,380 (boarding), $50,670 (day) for 2024-2025
Why It Ranks High: Choate is a national standout, often ranked among the top private high schools in the U.S. It boasts a rigorous curriculum with over 300 courses, including signature programs like robotics and global studies, plus a 96% college matriculation rate to top-tier universities.
Website: choate.edu

2. Darien High School (Darien, CT)

Type: Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A (public school, open to district residents)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Tuition: Free
Why It Ranks High: Darien consistently tops Connecticut public school rankings with a 98% graduation rate, 78% AP participation, and strong test scores (e.g., 88% math proficiency). It’s a leader in college prep and extracurriculars like sports and arts.
Website: darienps.org/dhs

3. Connecticut IB Academy (East Hartford, CT)

Type: Public Magnet
Acceptance Rate: N/A (selective admission based on application)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Tuition: Free
Why It Ranks High: This small school (under 200 students) shines with its International Baccalaureate program, ranking #117 nationally by U.S. News. It’s got a 100% graduation rate and excels in serving a diverse student body with top-notch academics.
Website: easthartford.org/ciba

4. The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT)

Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: ~13% (extremely selective)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Tuition: $69,850 (boarding), $59,150 (day) for 2024-2025
Why It Ranks High: Hotchkiss offers a world-class education with small classes, a 280-acre campus, and a focus on sustainability and global learning. Graduates frequently attend Ivy League schools, and its arts and athletics are top-tier.
Website: hotchkiss.org

5. New Canaan High School (New Canaan, CT)

Type: Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A (public school)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Tuition: Free
Why It Ranks High: Known for academic excellence and a vibrant community, New Canaan boasts a 97% graduation rate and high college acceptance rates. It’s ranked #2 in Connecticut by Niche, with strong sports and arts programs.
Website: ncps-k12.org/nchs

6. The Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, CT)

Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: ~20%
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Tuition: $66,390 (boarding), $49,790 (day) for 2024-2025
Why It Ranks High: Loomis Chaffee blends tradition with innovation, offering over 200 courses and unique programs like its writing center. Its low student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention, and it’s a feeder to elite colleges.
Website: loomischaffee.org

7. Marine Science Magnet High School (Groton, CT)

Type: Public Magnet
Acceptance Rate: N/A (application-based admission)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Tuition: Free
Why It Ranks High: Ranked #225 nationally, this school combines a specialized marine science focus with strong academics (94% graduation rate, 67% AP participation). It’s perfect for students passionate about STEM and the environment.
Website: marinesciencemagnet.org

8. Hopkins School (New Haven, CT)

Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: ~30%
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Tuition: $52,050 (day) for 2024-2025
Why It Ranks High: One of the oldest private schools in the U.S. (founded 1660), Hopkins offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a 100% college matriculation rate. Its proximity to Yale adds academic prestige and opportunities.
Website: hopkins.edu

9. Staples High School (Westport, CT)

Type: Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A (public school)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Tuition: Free
Why It Ranks High: Staples is a Westport gem with a 98% graduation rate and stellar arts programs (its theater troupe is nationally recognized). It ranks high for college readiness and student satisfaction.
Website: westportps.org/staples

10. Kent School (Kent, CT)

Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: ~42%
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $67,797 (boarding), $51,053 (day) for 2024-2025
Why It Ranks High: Kent offers a balanced mix of academics, athletics (17 sports), and over 30 clubs. It’s less selective than some peers but still delivers a top education with a focus on character and community.
Website: kent-school.edu

How We Rabk Schools

I weighed acceptance rates (for private schools, where exclusivity often signals prestige), student-to-teacher ratios (lower is better for individualized attention), and academic outcomes like test scores, graduation rates, and college placement.

Public schools got a boost for accessibility and performance relative to resources, while private schools were judged on their ability to leverage tuition into exceptional opportunities.

Tuition reflects current costs from school websites or recent reports; public schools win on affordability, naturally! Links take you straight to each school’s homepage for more details.