Which high schools are best for college admissions success?

I'm trying to find high schools with a strong track record for getting students into good colleges. Are there particular ones that have a high college admission rate? Would love to hear any recommendations or experiences!

School choice can make a difference in a student's college admissions journey, but remember that a student's individual performance, efforts, and drive are paramount.

That being said, some prestigious private high schools are known for their reputation and college matriculation rates. For example, Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and Philips Academy Andover in Massachusetts are recognized for their rigorous academics and excellent college placement rates. Other schools like The Dalton School and Horace Mann School in New York City, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, and The Harker School in California are also known for their success in college admissions.

There are many public school districts that excel in college admissions too. Some renowned ones include Highland Park Independent School District in Texas, New Trier Township High School District in Illinois, and Palo Alto Unified School District in California, which are lauded for their academic rigor and high college matriculation rates.

Keep in mind though, attending a "feeder" high school is not the only path to success in college admissions. Many students from a broad range of high schools get accepted into top schools because they have maximized their opportunities, shown deep involvement in their extracurriculars, and done well academically.

It's also worth noting that college admissions officers consider the context of a student's high school environment, like the courses available and the relative rigor of the academic program. Thus, a student who takes full advantage of challenging courses and leadership opportunities at their local public school can be just as competitive.

So while some schools may have a higher college admission rate, the most important thing is how a student utilizes the resources available to them, wherever they may be.