News Summary
Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties boast ten high schools ranked in the top 100 in Pennsylvania according to U.S. News & World Report. Notably, New Hope-Solebury High School shines at 4th in the state, showcasing exceptional performance in advanced placement tests. Other recognized institutions include Central Bucks High School-East and Council Rock High School North. These rankings reflect diligent assessments considering graduation rates and college readiness, highlighting the area’s dedication to educational excellence and community support.
Philadelphia, PA – Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties have a strong presence in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for the 2025-2026 Best High Schools, with ten local high schools making it into the top 100 in Pennsylvania. This highlights the commitment to educational excellence in the region.
Among the ranked schools, New Hope-Solebury High School stands out, holding the impressive position of 4th in Pennsylvania and 308th nationally. The school has demonstrated a strong performance in advanced placement test results, which significantly contribute to its ranking.
Other notable schools in the rankings include:
- Central Bucks High School-East (#21)
- Council Rock High School North (#22)
- Central Bucks High School West (#43)
- Central Bucks High School South (#61)
- School Lane Charter in Bensalem (#62)
- Council Rock High School South (#75)
The latest rankings were conducted in collaboration with RTI International, a respected research firm that evaluated nearly 24,000 public high schools. Out of these, approximately 18,000 were ranked based on several performance metrics, including graduation rates, college readiness, and state assessment performance.
Schools were given scores on a scale ranging from 0 to 100, reflecting their position in the national percentile. The local high schools in the top 100 of Pennsylvania achieved scores between 87 and 99, showcasing their high performance and commitment to educational standards.
In addition to the Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties, two high schools in the Philadelphia City School District received high honors: Julia R. Masterman Secondary School ranks as the top school in Pennsylvania and 8th in the nation, while Central High School is positioned at 3rd in the state and 208th nationally. Additionally, Downingtown STEM Academy ranks 2nd in Pennsylvania and 22nd in the nation, further showcasing the area’s emphasis on STEM-based education.
The rankings are a result of thorough assessments that consider various factors such as the performance of underserved students and the breadth of college curriculum offered. These criteria are vital for determining a school’s readiness for higher education and overall educational outcomes.
District officials attribute the success of these high schools to robust academic programs and strong community support. The officials emphasize the importance of creating an environment that supports both academic and personal growth. For instance, New Hope-Solebury High School has prioritized the holistic development of its students, focusing on nurturing their academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Overall, these rankings reflect not only the hard work of students and educators but also a community’s shared commitment to supporting education and preparing students for future success.
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HERE Resources
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Exploring Philadelphia’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
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Philadelphia Metro Area’s Top Private K-12 Schools Revealed
Julia R. Masterman School Ranks 8th Nationally in High Schools
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Additional Resources
- Bucks County Courier Times: PA High School Girls Soccer
- Patch: Top High Schools in Bucks County 2025-26
- PhillyBurbs: Bucks County Schools Ranked in PA
- Bucks County Herald: Strong Showing for Bucks County Schools
- PhillyBurbs: PA Football Scores Week 1
- Google Search: Bucks County High School rankings
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
