What is the most prestigious high school?

I know this might kind of a tough question with so many great schools out there, but I'm curious if there's a general consensus on what the most prestigious high school is?

Determining the “most prestigious” high school can be quite subjective as it often depends on various factors, such as geographical location, academic concentration, extracurricular opportunities, and the definition of prestige itself.

However, several schools frequently come up in conversations about exceptional high schools in the U.S. For instance, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia is often celebrated for its strong STEM focus and consistent ranking as one of the top public high schools nationwide. Another notable mention is the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (often just called Andover), a private boarding school that boasts a rigorous curriculum with vast resources for humanities, STEM, and arts.

On the West Coast, The Harker School in San Jose is highly lauded for its rigorous academics and broad extracurricular opportunities. Internationally, schools like Eton College in the United Kingdom and Raffles Institution in Singapore have a rich history and an esteemed reputation.

Remember, the prestige of a high school doesn’t guarantee your success in college admissions or future endeavors. Your individual achievements, passion, commitment, and “spike” (well-developed specialty) often weigh more heavily in your college application assessment. Additionally, fit is extremely important—you should feel comfortable, challenged, and motivated in your high school environment, and that can vary greatly from individual to individual, regardless of the school's prestige.