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For families prioritizing education, the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings reveal a significant trend: the nation's top public high schools are concentrated in the West and South, and living in their districts commands a substantial real estate premium. From May to July 2025, the average median list price in zip codes associated with these top-rated schools was $1.21 million—135% higher than in their surrounding metropolitan areas.
What Methodology Defines a "Best" High School? The rankings evaluate over 24,000 public high schools based on a weighted formula designed to assess college preparedness and academic performance. The six factors, with their respective weights, are:
Where Are the Top-Ranked High Schools Located? Contrary to the common perception of Northeastern dominance in education, the 2025-26 top 10 list is dominated by schools in Western and Southern states, with BASIS Tucson North in Arizona securing the number one spot. The first Northeastern school appears at number 25. The top 10 schools, all boasting near-perfect graduation rates and college readiness scores, are:
| High School Name | City, State | College Readiness (out of 100) | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASIS Tucson North | Tucson, AZ | 100 | 100% |
| Signature School | Evansville, IN | 100 | 100% |
| Central Magnet School | Murfreesboro, TN | 100 | 100% |
| Davidson Academy of Nevada | Reno, NV | 100 | >95% |
| Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology | Alexandria, VA | 100 | 100% |
| Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science | Albuquerque, NM | 97.3 | ≥90% |
| Haas Hall Bentonville | Bentonville, AR | 96.7 | >95% |
| Julia R. Masterman Secondary School | Philadelphia, PA | 95.8 | 99% |
| The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) | Dallas, TX | 99.3 | 100% |
| Aiken Scholars Academy | Aiken, SC | 100 | 100% |
What Is the Real Estate Cost of a Top-Tier School District? The desire to secure a spot in these high-performing schools creates intense demand for housing in their designated zones, leading to significant price premiums. According to recent data, the school districts with the highest cost premiums relative to their metro areas are not always the ones with the absolute top-ranked schools, but they represent the most substantial financial barriers to entry. The top three districts by premium percentage are:
Is the Housing Premium for a Top School District Worth It? From a financial perspective, the premium paid for a home in an elite school district can be viewed as an investment in education. Based on our experience assessment, the cost is often comparable to or less than private school tuition, with the crucial difference that real estate is an asset that can appreciate. Anecdotal evidence from families who made the move suggests long-term benefits. One real estate professional who purchased in a premium district noted that his children achieved advanced degrees with scholarships and no student debt, leading him to conclude the initial premium was a worthwhile investment.
Prospective homebuyers should carefully research each school's specific admissions criteria, as some top-ranked schools are magnet or charter institutions that may not require district residency. For traditional public schools, however, the link between district boundaries and home value is clear. When evaluating a move, weigh the potential long-term educational benefits against the immediate financial commitment of a higher-priced home.
