As of the 2024–2025 school year, there are approximately 23,500 public high schools in the United States. This number includes traditional high schools, magnet schools, and charter high schools, but it does not include private schools or online-only programs. The exact count changes slightly each year as new schools open and others close, but the total has remained stable over the past decade.
Where Do These Numbers Come From?
The most reliable source for this data is the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education. NCES publishes an annual report called the Digest of Education Statistics that tracks the number of schools at every level.
For the 2024–2025 school year, NCES reported 23,519 public high schools. This includes schools that serve grades 9 through 12, as well as schools that also include lower grades, such as 7–12 or K–12. The count does not include alternative schools that are not classified as regular high schools.
How Does This Compare to Other School Levels?
To put the number in context, here is a quick comparison of public schools in the U.S. for the same school year:
| School Type | Number of Schools | Approximate Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | 67,000+ | 24 million |
| Middle Schools | 20,000+ | 12 million |
| High Schools | 23,500 | 16 million |
| Combined (K-12) | 5,000+ | 2 million |
High schools make up about 20% of all public schools in the country. While there are fewer high schools than elementary schools, they tend to be larger in size, with an average enrollment of about 700 students.
State-by-State Differences
The number of public high schools varies widely by state. California has the most, with over 2,500 high schools, while Wyoming has fewer than 100. States with large rural populations often have many small high schools, while densely populated states may have fewer but larger schools.
Here are a few examples for the 2024–2025 school year:
- California: 2,540 high schools
- Texas: 2,200 high schools
- New York: 1,400 high schools
- Florida: 1,200 high schools
- Wyoming: 95 high schools
These numbers include regular public high schools, but they also include charter schools and magnet schools that are publicly funded. They do not include virtual schools that operate entirely online without a physical campus.
Why Does the Number Matter?
Knowing how many public high schools exist helps policymakers, educators, and families understand the educational landscape. For parents, this number can indicate the range of options available in their state or district. For students, it can affect everything from school choice to funding per student.
For example, states with more high schools per student often have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more individualized attention. Conversely, states with fewer, larger high schools may offer more advanced courses and extracurricular activities because they have more resources to pool together.
Trends Over Time
The number of public high schools has remained relatively stable since 2010. In 2010, there were about 23,000 high schools. The count rose slightly to 23,500 by 2020 and has stayed near that level since. However, the distribution has shifted, with more charter schools opening and some traditional schools consolidating.
Charter high schools now account for about 10% of all public high schools. Magnet schools, which offer specialized programs, make up about 5%. The remaining 85% are traditional neighborhood high schools.
How to Find Your Local High School
If you are looking for a specific high school, the best approach is to use the NCES School Search tool on their website. You can search by city, state, or ZIP code to find a list of public high schools in your area. The tool provides contact information, enrollment numbers, and even test score data.
Another option is to visit your state’s department of education website. Most states publish a directory of all public schools, including high schools, with links to their websites and report cards.
What About Private and Online Schools?
The 23,500 figure applies only to public high schools. If you include private high schools, the total rises to about 30,000. Online high schools, which are fully virtual, are not included in the standard count because they do not have a physical campus. However, many states now count virtual schools as public schools for funding purposes, so the definition can be tricky.
For most families, the number that matters is the count of public high schools in their own state or district. That number can be found through the NCES or state education agency.
Actionable Tips for Parents
When researching high schools, do not rely on the total count alone. Instead, look at the specific schools in your area and compare their graduation rates, test scores, and college readiness programs. You can also check the school’s performance rating on your state’s report card website.
Visit a few schools in person if possible. Talk to the principal, ask about class sizes, and see if the school offers the courses or activities your child is interested in. The best high school for your child may not be the largest or the most well-known—it may be the one that fits their needs best.
Summary
In short, there are about 23,500 public high schools in the United States as of the 2024–2025 school year. This number is stable and well-documented by the NCES. While the national figure is useful, the most important number for you is the number of high schools in your own community. Use that information to explore options, visit campuses, and choose the school that will help your child succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public high schools are in the US in 2026?
As of the most recent data, there are approximately 23,500 public high schools in the United States, and the number remains close to that figure in 2026.
What is the average size of a public high school in the US?
The average public high school enrolls about 700 students, though sizes range from fewer than 100 in rural areas to over 3,000 in large urban schools.
Which state has the most public high schools?
California has the most public high schools, with over 2,500, followed by Texas and New York.
Do charter schools count as public high schools?
Yes, charter schools are publicly funded and are included in the count of public high schools, along with magnet schools.
How can I find public high schools near me?
You can use the National Center for Education Statistics school search tool or visit your state’s education department website to find a list of public high schools in your area.
