How Many High Schools Are in the US? Statistics & Student Numbers
Quick Answer: According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are approximately 27,000 public high schools and over 12,000 private high schools in the United States. In total, there are around 39,000 high schools in the US.
The scale of the American education system is immense. Understanding the number of schools and students helps to appreciate the diversity and complexity of secondary education in the country. This page provides key statistics on US high schools based on reliable data.
Key Statistics from the NCES
The primary source for education data in the United States is the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education. Their “Digest of Education Statistics” provides the most accurate numbers.
| Statistic (Approximate Numbers) | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Public Schools (All Levels) | 98,500 |
| Total Private Schools (All Levels) | 30,500 |
| Public Secondary/High Schools | 27,000 |
| Private Secondary/High Schools | 12,400 |
| Total High Schools (Public + Private) | 39,400 |
| Students in Public Schools (All Levels) | 49.4 million |
| Students in Private Schools (All Levels) | 4.7 million |
Public vs. Private High Schools
The vast majority of American students attend public high schools, which are funded by federal, state, and local governments and are free to attend.
Public High Schools
- Funding: Government-funded through taxes.
- Enrollment: Open to all students within a specific geographic district.
- Types: Includes traditional high schools, charter schools, and magnet schools.
- Percentage of Students: Roughly 90% of all K-12 students attend public schools.
Private High Schools
- Funding: Privately funded through tuition, fees, and donations.
- Enrollment: Selective admissions process.
- Types: Includes parochial (religiously-affiliated) and independent schools.
- Percentage of Students: Roughly 10% of all K-12 students attend private schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which state has the most high schools?
The states with the largest populations naturally have the most high schools. California, Texas, and New York lead the nation in the total number of public secondary schools.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently of the local district’s rules and regulations. They have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods but are held accountable for academic performance by their “charter” or contract.
How many students graduate high school each year?
According to the NCES, the national adjusted cohort graduation rate is around 87%. With roughly 4 million students per grade cohort, this means approximately 3.5 million students graduate from high school each year in the United States.
Last Updated: April 2025