Largest High Schools in the United States (2023 Updated)
Before we make the list of the largest high school in the United States, it’s only fair to clarify which high schools are considered large. The average high school size is between 1100 and 1200 students, while the number of students in the largest high schools in the United States is over 2000 students. Imagine all those students walking through the high school halls for the first time. That’s quite a sight!
When we think of the largest high schools, it’s crucial not to feel intimidated by a large number of students. Usually, we feel overwhelmed, but the important thing is to stay calm and consider the benefits of the large high school instead.
Whether you’re a student or a parent searching for the largest high schools in the United States, you’ve come to the right place! This article covers the basics of the largest high schools in the United States. Starting with the number of students, curriculum, rankings, school’s vision, mission, and what sets them apart from the rest of the high schools in the U.S.
Before you check out our list of the largest high schools in the United States, a little reminder of the benefits that await you! Imagine thousands of students alongside teachers and other employees creating a perfect school harmony. Large machinery that works out well speaks for itself! As a student in a large high school, you can also benefit from the wide selection of facilities, events, activities, clubs, diverse population, and great socialization.
What’s the Largest High School in the US (by enrollment)?
Penn Foster High School is the largest high school in the US with over 60,000 high school students. This impressive number of students is yet another proof of the online school phenomenon that changed the perception of traditional high school education as we know it. Penn Foster High School, with headquarters in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a well-known accredited online high school. High school students choose it for its affordability, convenience, accessible learning on the go, career-focused courses, supportive coaching, and accreditation. All courses are interactive, fun, and supported by personal instructors.
Penn Foster High School’s curriculum is a total of 21 credits and includes:
- Basic educational requirements like English and mathematics
- Five elective credits (including American literature, algebra, and career electives).
Penn Foster High School offers a unique online experience designed to assist you on your educational journey. Its objective is to help you develop personally, academically, and professionally through:
- Learning (find out and use, new, exciting, and interactive learning methods)
- Applying (present and use your newly acquired skills and knowledge)
- Achieving (be successful by reaching your goals)
No matter where you live, thanks to online schooling, you can be the next high school student to earn a diploma in the largest high school in the US.
Also Read: 11 Free High School Diploma Online no Cost for Adults (2 Are 100% Free)
10 Largest High Schools in the United States
Since we’ve answered the question about the largest high school in the US, here’s the list of the largest high schools state-wise. We want you to be fully informed and know your options when becoming a student in one of the largest high schools in the United States.
1. Largest High School in Texas
Allen High School the largest high school in Texas is a public high school situated in Allen, Texas. This school is known as the home of the Allen Eagles. According to the 2021-2022 school profile, the total number of enrolled students is 6,954. This impressive number placed Allen High school on our list of largest high schools in the United States, for the state of Texas.
Allen High School assists its students in the selection of courses through class meetings and posted resources. The students and parents are advised to use the Academic Planning Guide before making choices for the upcoming school year.
The Academic Planning Guide (APG) contains the following information:
- Overall academic information
- Course offerings
- Course description
- Codes for fast reference
- Graduation summary
- Allen High School’s graduation requirements
- GPA grade scale
If your goal is to be one of the many high school students in the largest high school in Texas, Allen High School is the way to go!
2. Largest High School in New York
According to U.S. News, Brooklyn Technical High School is the largest high school in New York. The total number of enrolled students in 2023, from 9-12 grades is 5,943 with a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. It’s a public high school located in Brooklyn, also known as Brooklyn Tech. This influential high school run by the New York Department of Education specializes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Every year, between 8,000 and 9,000 middle school students give their best to pass the admission test and become the next students in Brooklyn Technical High School. The largest high school in New York is ranked 6th in New York and 46th in the National Rankings, according to their accomplishment on state tests, graduation, and students’ preparation for college.
The school’s vision is to provide and develop an innovative educational environment with the possibility of social and emotional growth. Brooklyn Technical High School teachers guide and prepare students to reach their highest potential and be future leaders accomplished in their professional roles in life.
As you can see Brooklyn Technical School, the largest high school in New York has much to offer to its students. Enroll and enjoy its benefits!
3. Largest High School in Indiana
Carmel High School is a four-year comprehensive, fully accredited high school. It’s also the largest high school in Indiana with 5,414 students in grades nine through twelve. With this number of enrolled students and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 Carmel High School made it to our list of largest high schools in the United States.
Situated in Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High Schoolis considered part of the Carmel Clay schools. This public school is ranked 6th in Indiana and 349th in the 2022 National Rankings. The professional staff at the largest high school in Indiana has over 300 classroom teachers and another 400 employees (clerical, custodial, food service, technical, and other support positions) bringing the total high school staff up to over 700.
With its clear vision of providing equal opportunities for each student to realize his/her potential Carmel High School attracts many students who try to give their best and earn their high school diploma.
4. Largest High School in Illinois
Waukegan High School the largest high school in Illinois offers its services to 4,609 students in grades 9-12. According to the enrollment number the student-teacher ratio is 16:1, higher than the Illinois state level of 15:1.
This public high school is located in Waukegan (a city to the north of Chicago), Illinois. Waukegan High School students can attend classes at two campuses (Washington Campus -EAST Campus, and Brookside Campus-WEST Campus).
According to 2022 rankings, Waukegan High School is ranked 438-673rd in Illinois and 13,383-17,843rd in theNational Rankings. This school’s AP participation rate is 18%. The largest high school in Illinois is the only high school in theWaukegan Community Unified School District 60.
Waukegan High School encourages its students to take education seriously and keep up with their schoolwork, and class assignments. The school strives for 100% of graduated students in four years.
If you decide to choose the largest high school in Illinois for your high school home there are plenty of clubs, sports, and activities to choose from. These activities will help you connect with students with similar interests as you, and who knows maybe even become your life-long friends.
5. Largest High School in California
Paramount High School, the largest high school in California offers its services on two campuses (West Campus for 9th-grade students, and Senior Campus for grades 10–12). According to U.S. News’ latest information, the total number of enrolled students in Paramount High School from 9-12 grades is 4,211, with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1.
The largest high school in California situated in Paramount is ranked 756th in California and 5,205th in the 2022 National Rankings, according to their accomplishment on state tests, graduation, and students’ preparation for college. Paramount High School offers students the possibility to take Advanced Placement projects and tests.
Paramount High School is committed to:
- Students’ academic, social and personal growth
- Student-centered environment
- Students’ preparation for college and future careers
Because of that commitment, Paramount High School scholars are PIRATES (Productive individuals, Inquisitive, Ready for college, Accepting diversity, Technologically proficient, Effective communicators, and Striving for excellence).
If you like Paramount High School, become a PIRATE and join the students’ community in the largest high school in California.
6. Largest High School in Virginia
According to High-schools.com, there are 623 high schools in Virginia, 386 public and 237 private schools. Alexandria City High School is the largest high school in Virginia by the number of students. The total enrollment number from 9-12 grades is 4,173 making the student-teacher ratio 14:1.
Alexandria City High School is located in the heart of the city of Alexandria, Virginia. Amongst students and locals, the school has informally been referred to as Titans. Until 2021 this public school was known asT. C. Williams High School.
The largest high school in the United States, in the state of Virginia, offers many advanced placement courses to its students.
Alexandria City High School is ranked 247th in Virginia and 12,072nd in the 2022 National Rankings. As we’ve already mentioned the school’s rankings are based on their overall performance (state tests, graduation, and college preparation).
Alexandria City High School’s mission is to:
- Create lifelong learning
- Stimulate civil responsibility
- Provide students with the educational resources necessary for success.
If you want to learn more about this fully accredited largest high school in Virginia check out theVirginia School Report Card.
7. Largest High School in Georgia
Mill Creek High School is the largest high school in Georgia by enrollment (by the number of students). With a total enrollment of 3,742 students from 9-12 grades, it was easy for Mill Creek High School to find its spot on the list of largest high schools in the United States, for the state of Georgia. The student-teacher ratio in this high school is 20:1.
The largest high school in Georgia located in Hoschton is ranked 36th in Georgia and 1,478th in the 2022 National Rankings. This is another high school where students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement projects and tests.
Mill Creek Hawks SOAR to Excellence (Strive to Overachieve through Accountability and Respect) is the school’s vision. The high school’s mission is to create a culture of excellence through:
- Development of students’ characters
- Academic success
- Nourish talent and leadership
Therefore if you live in Georgia and you aspire to study in its largest high school, Mill Creek High School is the perfect place to continue your education.
8. Largest High School in Ohio
William Mason High School is the largest high school in Ohio. The total number of enrolled students from 9-12 grades is 3,544. This public school located in Mason, Ohio is also called Mason High School. William Mason High School’s student-teacher ratio is 23:1, higher than the Ohio national level of 18:1. The largest high school in Ohio is ranked 13th in Ohio and 440th in the 2022 National Rankings. The Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate at William Mason High School is 69%. This data placed William Mason High School on the list of the largest high schools in the United States.
William Mason High School’s mission is to:
- Prepare students for success
- Encourage students to use the provided resources to maximize their high school experience
It’s a school with a well-known tradition of excellence. The school promotes extra-curricular activities as a way of creating a powerful bond with the school. If you want to achieve your future goals at William Mason High School you’ll surely have a warm welcome.
9. Largest High School in Michigan
Dakota High School is the largest high school in Michigan. This year’s number of enrolled students in Dakota High School is 2,826 from 9-12 grades. According to the enrollment numbers, the student-teacher ratio in this high school is 21:1.
This public high school located in the Metropolitan Detroit region is ranked 128th in Michigan and 3,712th in the National Rankings. Dakota High Schoolis located in the suburb of Macomb Township in Michigan and is accredited by Cognia since 1996.
Dakota High School’s mission statement is to:
- Challenge and empower students
- Educate students to contribute to society
The largest high school in Michigan believes in:
- High expectations
- Students’ responsibility and accountability
- Doing what’s best for its students and their learning
- Creating successful students
- Keeping high academic standards
- Reliable instruction, assessment, and discipline
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Safe, encouraging environment
If Dakota High School is in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to become a part of it, and help the school achieve its mission and fulfill its beliefs.
10. Largest High School in Wisconsin
Public School Review gives Indian Trail High School and Academy the first spot in the list of largest high schools in Wisconsin. The number of students is 2,280 for the 9-12 grades and the student-teacher ratio is 19:1.
Indian Trail High School and Academy is a public high school located in Kenosha Unified School District. The largest high school in Wisconsin houses two schools under its roof (a comprehensive high school and an alternative school)
Indian Trail High School and Academy is ranked 229th in Wisconsin and 7,848thin the 2022 National Rankings.
If you choose to enroll and become a student in Indian Trail High School and Academy you’re obligated to live within the Indian Trail boundary and try to live up to its mission and achieve:
- Academic growth
- Career readiness
- Social responsibility
Conclusion
During our research on the largest high schools in the United States, we’ve come to the conclusion that American high schools can handle many students. The number of students in high schools went even higher with the accessibility of online schooling. Online schools took the number of students to a whole new level! Study the numbers carefully, if your primary goal is to become a part of a big high school family.
Follow our advice, and use the summer break to weigh your options and consider which high school to choose for your next educational path. It’s essential to choose carefully from the variety of high schools all across the United States. Hopefully, our list will help you do that and start the 2022/2023 school year in one of the largest high schools in the United States that suits you best.
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