2025 Best Magnet High Schools in Maryland

Alum: I had a fantastic experience at Poolesville High School. The courses offered in the Humanities program did a great job of preparing me for college-level writing and critical thinking-based courses, and most teachers are incredibly passionate about helping their students to succeed. My one critique would be that the arts/music programs at Poolesville are undervalued and undersupported by the administration and school community. There's only one music teacher, one art teacher, and one photography teacher, and humanities electives are frequently cut in exchange for more STEM-based electives. I understand that STEM electives are more popular with the student body, but it puts students interested in humanities in a tough spot (my friend had half his schedule cancelled senior year and had to scramble to find new classes).... Read 382 reviews

Sophomore: The school is the number 1 ranked school in Maryland but it does not really feel like it. The school itself is very old and worn down with a lot of its utilities being commonly broken and needing fixing, causing problems like closed bathrooms, air quality issues, and not accommodating temperatures in school. Not only that the teachers and administration are 50/50 either being the best or the absolute worst people to communicate with. It seems like some teachers are very cocky and treat students very poorly.... Read 703 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Western Tech has been a rollercoaster of mixed emotions. The goal of the school is to have the students college ready and to be successful in life and honestly they succeed at there goal with most of the graduating class of 2024 getting into Ivy League schools. I would like to see change in the cafeteria food because if they want students to give their best the school also has to be willing to give their best as well not the same pizza pie everyday day after day after day. I love how understanding the staff is and how safe and accepted you feel at this school.... Read 633 reviews

Junior: The Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC offers a challenging academic experience, allowing students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. This exposure to college-level courses prepares students for their future education while still in high school. The diverse student body adds a rich environment for learning, and the recent addition of clubs helps students engage beyond the classroom, though sports options remain limited. One of the best aspects of the program is the academic rigor, which pushes students to excel and prepares them for health-related careers. However, the lack of sports remains a drawback, despite the recent inclusion of cheerleading. Expanding athletic opportunities could create a more balanced student experience. While the program is excellent for academic growth, adding more extracurriculars would improve the overall experience.... Read 282 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman at Carver Center for Arts and Technology. I study in the Visual Arts sector, I would like to say that this school is amazing - my first impression leaves me baffled. The first thing you need for great education is great educators, and Carver has just that! The teachers at this establishment are understanding, and try to adjust their ways to make it easier for their students to learn more difficult topics. The staff members have made this learning experience much better. For the next topic, I would like to discuss the resources available to students at Carver Center. This place supplies their students with some of the best education I have ever seen. This school pinpoints different educational section's needs. Visual arts gets a bunch of art supplies, digital instrumental music and IT/IMP gets the proper technology, Culinary gets proper ingredients and everyone gets their fair share. Overall amazing school, and I am proud to have applied to such a great program.... Read 619 reviews

Senior: Roosevelt is a place where I have learned a lot from, both actually in education and about being a person and helping my community. There are plenty of opportunities to help around, Greenbelt has a good connection with the school's National Honor Society that participates and hosts many community events. Our sports games are enjoyable, winning multiple championships in both men and women's sports. The Science and Technology program offers opportunities that schools in the area cannot give, many of my peers interning at NASA, John Hopkins, or NIH. Our language departments are exceptional, hosting exchange students and multiple cultural events each year. Our school spirit is like no other, we rock our class colors every year, (I love purple). Our club availabilities are amazing, from interests, cultural, talents and activities, there is something for everyone. BSU modeling, JClub, International Club, ASL Club, Construction Club, Latin Club, Club Club, just to name a few of our almost 50.... Read 1,409 reviews

Senior: Barbara Ingram School For the Arts is entirely built to allow students to pursue their artistic passion while also getting high-level, all honors and AP courses, to prepare them for the industry of their art and college. Barbara Ingram School For the Arts heavily pushes their career readiness by ensuring students understand what is required in order to succeed in their field of study. They also provide student-led tutoring options so that others do not fall behind the strict standards at Barbara Ingram School For the Arts. In the future, I would love to see more diversity within the Barbara Ingram School For the Arts community. Although there is absolutely no racial discrimination within the community itself, there overall seems to be a lack in the diversity and spread of other cultures within the Barbara Ingram student and parent community.... Read 177 reviews

Alum: As a recent May 2024 graduate of Harford Technical High School I would recommend Harford tech to any student interested in applying. Harford Tech is a great school for any soon to be high schooler and has a variety of programs to choose from. I believe almost all programs give you the opportunity to receive a certificate or license by your senior year of high school. The teachers push the students to excel and become college ready. We have great consulars, administrators and school resource officers that care very much about students. We have an excellent sports team and the track team often goes to states. Our consular, Mr.Berg always looks out for students and often sends our job opportunities and scholarships. Our technical programs often include work opportunity and internships. Due to the technical program, Harford Tech doesn’t offer early graduation to students. Be mindful of this if graduation high school early is your goal. Overall Harford Tech is a great school!... Read 264 reviews

Alum: The Baltimore School for the Arts is an amazing resource for young people looking to further develop their artistic abilities. I received clear and constructive feedback on my work as a visual artist. I was able to explore dozens of different mediums thanks to the school's extensive range of artistic spaces and teachers. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in my art classes, however the academics in some cases, were lacking a bit. Overall, very informative and fun experience.... Read 152 reviews

Senior: My experience at OHHS was pretty good. I am a current senior in the Science & Technology magnet program! Our school propels students to success through the required classes and their curriculum. It is a requirement to take financial literacy which is very beneficial. Our school has over 3 specialty programs that create a thriving experience of excellence. The students have some of the highest grades in the county and community service hours. There is a wide variety of courses you can take. Such as business, culinary, science, and fine art classes. So many clubs allow expression, and you can also create your own club! There are always chances to serve our community through volunteer work and helping our faculty. Our school creates a safe environment with metal detectors and security officers. As for chance, I would love for the lunch menu to be revamped. We're faced with the same options each day and they are mediocre, which do not propel us to learn. The best part is the culture!... Read 734 reviews

Sophomore: The overall unity and community at Charles Herbert Flowers is something to join and be apart of! Students here are helped by faculty and staff to rise in education and awareness to become their best self. This schools provides many different connects and opportunities. The school provides information about upcoming college fairs, scholarships, and mentors that can help guide you into what field or college you want to pursue. Many students have been offered recommendations on the spot from this school and have left this school very successful. The school spirit never if dull when you attend the Mecca of Excellence! This schools helps every student and keeps their best interest in mind while coaching them. Counselors at this school are very genuine with helping students get where they need to be as we all grow into individuals stepping into our next journey of life. At Charles Herbert Flowers academics is highly valued but they also make sure to incorporate fun activities at the school.... Read 1,229 reviews

Senior: Throughout my years at Chesapeake I've learned many things and I've been involved with the school. One of the best parts of this school is that you are able to feel like you have a place and there are many different clubs and sports that you are able to be involved in while attending this school which is one of their best expects of this school. And since I have been very involved, I myself know that it is a good experience to have while transitioning through the years at this school. Meanwhile, some of the "worst" parts of this school would probably be the lack of school spirit that this school engages in. Many activities aren't taken place and many things are changing throughout the years without any notice which I feel as though that isn't one of the strong suits I have seen. Changes I would like to see is having the student body be able to create activities and school spirit activities that are being said and brought up to the higher ups to allow etc.... Read 185 reviews

Alum: During my time at Largo High School, I really did enjoy my 4 years there. The best part of the experience was being able to create the bonds that I made with my friends that I can now say some are like family to me. The worst part of my experience was the mental health challenges I had to face. The thing I would like to see change is students actually being in the classroom and not walking around the hallway as much.... Read 309 reviews

Senior: My school is kind of looked at as a bad school, but I believe it’s just like any other Baltimore County high school. The best part is the sense of community-there's a diverse range of students, and l've had the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds. The variety of classes offered has also been a highlight, especially the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses that involve hands-on lab work. This program has been especially meaningful because I'm passionate about working in the laboratory field, and the PLTW classes give me valuable, practical experience. However. I feel like there could be more focus on preparing students for specific careers.... Read 263 reviews

Senior: Laurel High School provides a supportive environment with dedicated teachers who work hard to help students succeed academically and personally. The school offers a variety of programs, including honors and AP courses, extracurricular activities, and sports, allowing students to explore their interests and talents. While some facilities could benefit from updates, the sense of community and school spirit create a positive atmosphere. Overall, Laurel High is a great place for students to grow, challenge themselves, and prepare for the future.... Read 611 reviews

Junior: I think Fairmont Heights High School is a high school I'll recommend for every child. Although, I haven't been in FHHS for that long, but the school facillities are everything a student can ask for while in a high school. I might not be familar with the school yet, but some of the school administrators and staffs member has already makes me feel comfortable, whenever I'm in school or class. Especially my grade counselor, I think he's just the best counselor my school could ever ask for. Because Mr. Marshall is very professional with students and knows his way around students and their issues. Not to speak of the teachers I've interacted with in school. They're not just professional but they're also friendly, loveable, and caring too. The school administrators and staffs might seem so friendly and easy-going with students but yet, the school also have rule and regulation which is applied to every students in the school. There, every students have the same equal rights and privileges.... Read 210 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience with Parkdale Highschool has been one of enlightenment and encouragement. Meeting the different students and staff, taking down the different tasks, as well as managing the various fun activities. It has been an amazing couple of years that I can confidently say ive learned a lot from.... Read 409 reviews

Senior: Being at Central High for 4 years has been a wild roller coaster.I have had ups and downs.I met people and lost people throughout the process of high school.One of the best years in high school was my 10th grade year.I can say it was a bunch of school spirt and many activities to do.Central is a hidden school and not mentioned for its excellent sports program.I have been on the dance team called “Central Sensations” for all years old high school.I can say dance has taught me a lot, such s friendships, relationships, being social, and many more.... Read 157 reviews

Junior: Currently, the entire class of 2026, a class of over 600 students, only has one counselor. Although our counselor works hard, being that there’s not enough counselors makes it so that many students don’t have a relationship with their counselor at all. Counselors are essential to college/after high school readiness. The ratio of faculty to student is quite upsetting. I personally, have only spoken to my counselor a few times, but I know students who have never spoken to them.... Read 351 reviews

Senior: I am in my last year of high school here at Crossland High School and my experience been a great journey. Teachers, staff members, administrators, and principal are very helpful not only for academic but also with personal issues as they provide a therapist for those who are in need of help or someone to talk to. We have events to collect donations such as uniform, sanitary items, and hygiene supplies to help those who may not have the same opportunities as others to gain these supplies. Of course there are times when situations occur (usually external) but our principal is always in check to make ensure students, staff members, and teachers feel and are safe. I personally feel our academic are great as well, most students are advanced in their studies and teachers are extremely helpful. We have great career and technical education (CTE) programs from business, auto, to cosmetology. Our facilities are always cleaned and taken care of. Overall, Crossland High School is a great school.... Read 272 reviews

Alum: I graduated in 2024; I had a good time in my four years at Suitland High School. While attending I was enrolled in the Performing Arts Program, studying the Theatre. They taught me more things than regular classes had done. They took us on trips and taught us how to prepare for college.... Read 663 reviews