There are roughly 24,000 public high schools and about 10,000 private high schools in the United States as of 2026, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These numbers include traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools that serve grades 9 through 12. Understanding the total count helps families and students evaluate their educational options.
The exact number changes slightly each year as new schools open and others close. But the overall range has stayed stable for the past decade. This article breaks down the numbers by school type, location, and enrollment size so you can see the full picture.
Public High Schools vs. Private High Schools
Public high schools are funded by local, state, and federal taxes. Private high schools rely on tuition and donations. The difference in funding often leads to different class sizes, course offerings, and extracurricular programs.
| School Type | Approximate Number | Average Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Public High Schools | 23,800 | 750 students |
| Private High Schools | 10,100 | 250 students |
Public high schools serve about 15 million students. Private high schools serve around 1.3 million. These figures come from the most recent NCES data available. Parents should note that private schools are not evenly distributed across the country.
How Many High Schools Are in Each State?
High school numbers vary widely by state. Texas, California, and New York have the most. Smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have far fewer. Here is a quick look at a few examples:
- California: roughly 1,300 public high schools and 900 private high schools.
- Texas: about 1,800 public high schools and 600 private high schools.
- New York: around 1,000 public high schools and 500 private high schools.
- Florida: approximately 900 public high schools and 400 private high schools.
These numbers include both traditional high schools and combination schools that also serve middle grades. For a complete state-by-state list, visit the NCES website. But even a rough breakdown shows that larger states offer more options.
What Counts as a High School?
The definition matters. The NCES counts schools that offer grade 9 through 12 or at least include grade 12. Some schools are combined middle and high schools, and they are included if they offer grade 12. Charter schools and magnet schools are counted as public schools.
Charter and Magnet High Schools
Charter schools are public schools run by independent groups under a contract with a school district. Magnet schools offer specialized programs like STEM or the arts. Both are included in the public school count. There are about 3,500 charter high schools nationwide. Magnet high schools number around 2,000.
Vocational and Alternative High Schools
Vocational high schools focus on career training. Alternative high schools serve students who need a different learning environment. These schools are also counted in the NCES totals. They make up a small percentage of the total high schools but provide valuable options.
How Many High School Students Are There?
Enrollment matters when comparing schools. In 2025-2026, about 16.5 million students attend high school in the US. That number includes both public and private school students. Public schools enroll 93% of these students. Private schools enroll the remaining 7%.
This means the average public high school has over 700 students. The average private high school has fewer than 300. But these averages hide a wide range. Some urban public high schools have 4,000 students, while rural schools might have fewer than 100.
Urban, Suburban, and Rural High Schools
Location affects how many high schools a student can choose from. Urban areas often have many schools within a few miles. Rural areas may have only one high school for the entire county.
- Urban districts: often have multiple high schools, including magnet and selective enrollment schools.
- Suburban districts: typically have 2 to 5 high schools per district.
- Rural districts: many have a single high school that serves all local students.
According to the NCES, about 30% of high schools are in rural areas. Another 40% are in suburbs, and 30% are in cities. This distribution affects transportation, extracurricular options, and class sizes.
Does the Number of High Schools Affect College Admissions?
Colleges look at the number of high schools a student has available when evaluating applications. A student from a small rural high school may have different opportunities than one from a large urban school. However, admission officers consider the context of each school.
Students should research their local high schools and understand what each offers. If you live in an area with many high schools, you can shop around by attending open houses. If you only have one option, look into dual enrollment programs or online courses to expand your choices.
Actionable Tips for Parents and Students
- Check your state’s department of education website for an official list of high schools.
- Visit at least three schools before deciding where to enroll.
- Ask about graduation rates, college acceptance data, and class sizes.
- Consider both public and private options if your budget allows.
These steps will help you make an informed choice. The number of high schools in America is large, but the right one for you depends on your goals and needs.
In summary, the United States has around 24,000 public high schools and 10,000 private high schools. The total number stays fairly constant from year to year. Students and parents can use this information as a starting point to explore what their local area offers. Knowing the big picture helps you ask the right questions when choosing a high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public high schools are in the US?
There are about 23,800 public high schools, including charter and magnet schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
How many private high schools are there in America?
There are roughly 10,100 private high schools across the country, serving about 1.3 million students.
How many high schools are in California?
California has approximately 1,300 public high schools and 900 private high schools, making it one of the states with the most high schools.
Do charter schools count as high schools?
Yes, charter schools that offer grade 12 are counted as public high schools in official NCES statistics.
How many high school students are there in America?
As of the 2025-2026 school year, about 16.5 million students attend high schools in the United States.
