The 30 Best High Schools in Franklin County, OH: Rankings and Performance
Franklin County, Ohio contains numerous high-performing public and private high schools that serve students across the Columbus metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
The county’s educational landscape includes both highly-ranked suburban districts and specialized programs designed to meet diverse academic needs.
This comprehensive ranking examines 30 top high schools in Franklin County based on academic performance, graduation rates, college preparation programs, and student outcomes.
The evaluation considers factors such as standardized test scores, Advanced Placement offerings, extracurricular opportunities, and post-graduation success rates to provide families with essential information for educational decision-making.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Franklin County, OH:
1. Dublin Coffman High School
Dublin Coffman High School stands as one of Franklin County’s premier educational institutions. The school serves 1,878 students in grades 9-12 within the Dublin City School District.
The school ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Ohio. It maintains a strong academic reputation with impressive test scores and high performance metrics.
Dublin Coffman High School operates with a student-teacher ratio of 17.4 to 1. This ratio supports effective classroom instruction and student engagement.
The school achieves a graduation rate of 98.3%, demonstrating strong student success. Its chronic absenteeism rate remains relatively low at 14.8%.
Dublin Coffman High School ranks as the 27th largest public high school in Ohio. Nationally, it holds the position of 1,853rd largest among all public high schools.
The institution consistently receives recognition for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational programs.
2. Olentangy Liberty High School
Olentangy Liberty High School ranks 12th within Ohio according to U.S. News & World Report. The school performs better than 97.2% of high schools in the state.
Located at 3584 Home Road in Powell, the school operates within the Olentangy Local School District. Most of the district lies in Delaware County, with a small southern portion extending into Franklin County.
The school achieved notable recognition in 2013 when U.S. News & World Report awarded it a gold medal ranking. This placed Olentangy Liberty as the fifth best high school in Ohio and 175th nationally.
Olentangy Liberty holds the top position among four ranked high schools in the Olentangy Local School District. The school maintains a performance index score of 104.155 based on state assessment data.
3. Upper Arlington High School
Upper Arlington High School consistently ranks among Ohio’s top educational institutions. The school maintains a position in the top 34 high schools statewide and receives a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Academic performance remains exceptional with a 98.8% four-year graduation rate. Students demonstrate strong achievement on Ohio’s state assessments across multiple subjects.
The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, arts opportunities, and diverse club activities. These programs complement the rigorous academic curriculum.
Upper Arlington High School serves grades 9-12 within the Upper Arlington Schools district. The institution attracts students seeking high-quality education with extensive opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Students and families consistently rate the school highly for its combination of academic excellence and extracurricular offerings. The school’s reputation extends throughout Franklin County as a premier educational destination.
4. Westerville Central High School
Westerville Central High School ranks #83 in Ohio and holds the #1 position in Westerville City Rankings. The school consistently performs in the top 40% of Ohio high schools.
Students can access Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The school ranks #32 of 779 for Best College Prep Public High Schools in Ohio.
Westerville Central earned recognition as #67 of 872 Best Public High Schools in the state. The institution serves students in grades 9-12 within the Westerville City School District.
The school demonstrates strong academic performance with a math proficiency rate of 54% and reading proficiency of 71%. These scores reflect student achievement on state assessments.
Westerville Central maintains its position among Franklin County’s competitive high schools through rigorous academics and college preparation programs.
5. New Albany High School
New Albany High School receives a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, marking it as one of Ohio’s top-performing schools. The school consistently demonstrates academic excellence through superior test performance.
Students at New Albany High School significantly outperform state averages across multiple subjects. The school achieves a 95.3% proficiency rate in American Government, compared to Ohio’s state average of 72%.
The school maintains an impressive 97.1% graduation rate. This metric reflects the institution’s commitment to student success and completion.
New Albany High School operates within the New Albany-Plain Local School District. The campus is located at 7600 Fodor Road in New Albany, Ohio.
The school’s strong academic performance and high graduation rates establish it as a leading educational institution in Franklin County.
6. Gahanna Lincoln High School
Gahanna Lincoln High School serves over 2,300 students in grades 9-12. The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 17:1, which is below the Franklin County average of 18:1.
The school features a diverse student population. The demographic breakdown includes 53.58% White students, 31.27% African American students, 6.56% Hispanic students, and 5.25% Asian students.
Located at 140 S. Hamilton Road in Gahanna, the school operates from 8:35 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. It employs approximately 133 full-time teachers to support its large student body.
Gahanna Lincoln High School is part of the Gahanna-Jefferson City School District. The school provides comprehensive educational services and maintains multiple contact lines for different departments including attendance and health services.
7. Hilliard Darby High School
Hilliard Darby High School serves 1,634 students in grades 9-12 within the Hilliard City School District. The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio.
Located in Hilliard, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.8 to 1. This ratio provides students with reasonable access to individual attention from faculty.
Hilliard Darby High School stands as the 63rd largest public high school in Ohio. The school’s size allows it to offer diverse academic programs and extracurricular activities.
The Panthers, as they are known, represent one of several high schools in the Hilliard district. The school serves the growing suburban community in Franklin County.
Academic performance data shows the school meets state standards across various subjects. Students have access to college preparatory courses and career-focused programs.
8. Bexley High School
Bexley High School consistently ranks among Ohio’s top-performing public high schools. The school holds the #2 position among more than 1,000 high schools statewide and ranks as the highest-rated high school in Central Ohio.
Located in Bexley, Ohio, this institution serves grades 9-12. The school earned national recognition with a #152 ranking in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report.
Bexley High School is an original member of the Central Buckeye League. The school’s rankings are based on state testing performance, graduation rates, and college preparation metrics.
The institution maintains strong academic standards and receives adequate financial resources to support its educational programs. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment that emphasizes college readiness.
The school’s consistent top rankings demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence in Franklin County’s competitive educational landscape.
9. Columbus Academy
Columbus Academy ranks among the top private schools in Franklin County. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with rigorous curriculum standards.
Students at Columbus Academy benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention. The faculty consists of experienced educators committed to student success.
The academy offers diverse extracurricular activities including athletics, arts programs, and community service opportunities. Students can participate in various clubs and organizations that match their interests.
Columbus Academy serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes college preparation and critical thinking skills development.
The campus provides modern facilities and resources to support learning. Technology integration enhances the educational experience across all grade levels.
Admission to Columbus Academy is competitive and requires an application process. The school seeks students who demonstrate academic potential and commitment to learning.
10. Thomas Worthington High School
Thomas Worthington High School stands as one of Franklin County’s top-performing educational institutions. Located at 300 W Granville Road in Worthington, the school serves grades 9-12 within the Worthington City School District.
The school consistently ranks among the top 20% of high schools in Ohio. Students at Thomas Worthington perform significantly better than the state average on Ohio State Tests.
Thomas Worthington offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school also provides a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced students.
The Worthington City School District holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The district ranks 166 out of 839 districts statewide in Ohio.
As one of two high schools in the Worthington City School District, Thomas Worthington High School attracts families seeking quality public education in Franklin County.
11. Franklin Heights High School
Franklin Heights High School serves students in grades 9-12 within the South-Western City School District in Columbus. The school maintains an enrollment of approximately 1,144 students with about 70 full-time teachers.
The student-to-teacher ratio stands at roughly 16:1, which is below the Franklin County average of 18:1. This ratio allows for more individualized attention in classroom settings.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and participates in the Project Lead The Way curriculum program. These programs provide students with college-level coursework and career-focused STEM education opportunities.
Franklin Heights High School is one of five high schools operating within the South-Western City School District. The school emphasizes campus safety and maintains a structured environment for student learning.
Principal Ronald R. Meyer leads the school’s administrative team. The campus focuses on supporting student academic achievement while providing extracurricular activities including athletics programs.
12. Canal Winchester High School
Canal Winchester High School serves 1,136 students in grades 9-12. The school is located at 300 Washington Street in Canal Winchester, Ohio.
The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio. Some sources place it in the top 34% of schools statewide for academic performance.
Canal Winchester High School operates as part of the Canal Winchester School District. The district actively engages with the community on facility planning and educational improvements.
The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio that supports classroom instruction. Faculty members work to provide educational programs across core academic subjects and electives.
Students at Canal Winchester High School participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The school offers programs designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities.
13. Grove City High School
Grove City High School serves 1,794 students in the South-Western City School District. The school employs approximately 87 full-time teachers, creating a student-to-teacher ratio of 21 to 1.
This ratio exceeds the Franklin County average of 18 to 1. The higher ratio means students may receive less individual attention compared to other county schools.
The school’s academic performance shows mixed results. Math proficiency stands at 38%, slightly below Ohio’s public high school average of 40%.
Reading proficiency reaches 68%, significantly above the state average of 57%. This strong reading performance demonstrates the school’s effectiveness in literacy education.
Grove City High School ranks in the bottom 50% of Ohio public high schools with an average rating of 5 out of 10. Despite this overall ranking, the school’s reading scores indicate particular strengths in English language arts instruction.
14. Hilliard Bradley High School
Hilliard Bradley High School serves 1,663 students in grades 9-12 in Hilliard, Ohio. The school is located at 2800 Walker Road and operates within the Hilliard City School District.
The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio for 2025. This ranking places Bradley among the better-performing high schools in the state.
Bradley High School is situated in Franklin County and serves as one of the primary high schools in the Hilliard area. The school’s mascot is the Jaguars.
Students at Bradley have access to various educational programs and resources through the district. The school maintains its position as a competitive option among Franklin County public high schools.
The facility provides education for a substantial student population while maintaining academic standards that contribute to its statewide ranking.
15. Whetstone High School
Whetstone High School serves students in grades 9-12 as part of the Columbus City School District. The school enrolls 958 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.4 to 1.
Located in Columbus, Whetstone ranks as the 171st largest public high school in Ohio. The school offers Advanced Placement courses for students seeking college-level coursework.
The institution operates a Gifted and Talented program for academically advanced students. Amy M. Dennis serves as the school’s principal.
Whetstone High School holds Title I status, indicating it serves a significant population of students from low-income families. The school is one of 23 high schools within the Columbus City School District.
Students have access to various academic programs designed to prepare them for post-secondary education. The school’s size allows for diverse course offerings while maintaining manageable class sizes.
16. Bishop Watterson High School
Bishop Watterson High School serves students in grades 9-12 as a private Catholic institution in Columbus. The school operates as a comprehensive, co-educational facility located in a residential area in the northwest part of the city.
Founded in 1954, Bishop Watterson holds the distinction of being Franklin County’s first co-educational diocesan high school. The school opened to honor Bishop Watterson and has maintained its Catholic educational mission for over 70 years.
The school receives a B+ rating on Niche and ranks among the top private high schools in Franklin County. It places 52nd out of 175 schools for best college prep private high schools in Ohio.
Bishop Watterson has earned recognition as a Gerber Analytics Top Academic Ohio High School. The institution focuses on college preparation while maintaining its Catholic educational values and traditions.
17. Reynoldsburg High School
Reynoldsburg High School serves grades 9-12 in the Reynoldsburg City School District. The school has an enrollment of approximately 2,268 students according to recent data.
The campus is located at 6699 E Livingston Ave in Reynoldsburg. It operates with about 88 full-time teachers, creating a student-to-teacher ratio of roughly 20:1.
This ratio is slightly higher than Franklin County’s average of 18:1. The school serves students from diverse backgrounds within the Reynoldsburg community.
Academic performance at Reynoldsburg High School falls below state averages in several key metrics. The school faces challenges common to many large urban high schools in Ohio.
Despite these challenges, the school provides educational opportunities for a significant student population in eastern Franklin County. Students have access to various programs and resources within the district’s framework.
18. Pickerington North High School
Pickerington North High School ranks 270 out of 864 Ohio high schools according to SchoolDigger. The school maintains a consistent 3-star rating and stands as the highest-performing among Pickerington’s three high schools.
Located in Pickerington within Fairfield County, the school serves grades 9-12 as part of the Pickerington Local School District. Students can access Advanced Placement courses and participate in the Project Lead The Way curriculum.
The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for academically advanced students. Pickerington North provides comprehensive educational opportunities while maintaining strong academic standards within the district.
The institution recently conducted strategic planning surveys involving families, staff, students, and community members. This feedback helps guide future educational initiatives and improvements at the school.
19. Pickerington Central High School
Pickerington High School Central serves 1,738 students in grades 9-12 in Pickerington, Ohio. The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio.
Located at 300 Opportunity Way, the school operates as one of four high schools in the Pickerington Local School District. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum.
The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. These academic options provide students with diverse educational pathways.
Pickerington Central maintains a comprehensive high school environment with standard grade levels from ninth through twelfth grade. The school serves the broader Pickerington community alongside other district high schools.
The institution focuses on college and career preparation through its various academic programs. Students can pursue rigorous coursework that prepares them for post-secondary education and future careers.
20. Linden McKinley High School
Linden McKinley High School operates as a STEM-focused academy in Columbus’s South Linden neighborhood. The school serves approximately 500 students in grades 9-12 within the Columbus City Schools District.
The school maintains a 31% AP participation rate among its student body. Total minority enrollment reaches 93% of the student population.
Linden McKinley STEM Academy represents one of 21 high schools in the Columbus City School District. The school operates from its location at 1320 Duxberry Avenue in Columbus.
The academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through its STEM curriculum focus. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses as part of their academic options.
The school serves the local South Linden community while participating in the district’s school choice program. Rankings and performance data are available through various educational rating services for comparison with other Franklin County high schools.
21. Metro Early College High School
Metro Early College High School operates as Ohio’s first early college STEM school. The school is located in Columbus on the Ohio State University campus.
Metro ranks 344th within Ohio’s high schools. The school serves a diverse student population with 68% minority enrollment and 48% economically disadvantaged students.
The institution has received recognition as one of the best public high schools in Ohio for 2023. Metro has also been named among Columbus’ top public high schools by local publications.
As a STEM-focused school, Metro has influenced programming development across Ohio. The school combines high school coursework with early college opportunities for students.
Metro operates as a semi-public, non-charter privately funded institution. This unique structure allows the school to offer specialized programming while maintaining public school accessibility.
22. DeSales High School
St. Francis DeSales High School operates as a private Catholic institution serving grades 9-12 in Columbus. The school functions as a college preparatory high school within the Columbus Diocese.
DeSales currently enrolls 893 students across four grade levels. The institution maintains its foundation in Catholic educational traditions while providing comprehensive academic programs.
The school ranks within the top 20% of private schools throughout Ohio. This positioning reflects its academic performance and educational offerings compared to other private institutions statewide.
DeSales emphasizes college preparation through its curriculum and programming. The school combines religious education with traditional academic subjects to serve students in the Franklin County area.
The institution has established itself as a notable private school option for families seeking Catholic education in central Ohio. Students receive instruction that integrates faith-based learning with college readiness preparation.
23. Grandview Heights High School
Grandview Heights High School in Grandview Heights, Ohio serves grades 9-12 and is the only high school in its city school district, which also includes the village of Marble Cliff.
The school has around 330 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 13 to 1. Reading proficiency is extremely high, with over 90 percent of students meeting state standards, while math proficiency is strong, at roughly 70 to 75 percent.
The graduation rate is around 95 percent. Advanced Placement courses are well represented, nearly four in ten students take AP classes, with solid pass rates on those exams.
The overall Performance Index for the district is among the highest in its county, reflecting consistently strong outcomes across student groups.
While minority population is smaller compared with many Ohio schools, the school is praised for small class sizes, academic rigor, and preparing students well for college and beyond.
24. Eastmoor Academy
Eastmoor Academy is a public high school located on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. The school operates as part of the Columbus City Schools district.
The academy serves 720 students with approximately 42 full-time teachers. This creates a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which is better than the Franklin County average of 18:1.
Eastmoor Academy offers Advanced Placement courses with a 23% student participation rate. The school also provides Project Lead The Way curriculum and maintains a Gifted & Talented program.
The total minority enrollment reaches 98% of the student body. The school’s colors are red, white, and blue, with the warrior serving as its mascot.
Eastmoor Academy was formerly known as Eastmoor High School. It stands as one of 20 high schools within the Columbus City School District system.
25. Westland High School
Westland High School serves 1,864 students in grades 9-12 in Galloway, Ohio. The school operates as part of the South-Western City School District in southwestern Franklin County.
Founded in 1970, Westland offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. These programs provide students with college-level coursework and STEM-focused learning opportunities.
The school ranks within the bottom 50% of public high schools statewide. This ranking reflects performance on standardized assessments and other academic metrics compared to Ohio schools.
Westland High School is located at 146 Galloway Road in Galloway. The facility serves as one of multiple high schools within the South-Western City Schools system.
The school provides educational services to students from the southwestern portion of Franklin County. Families in this area rely on Westland for comprehensive high school programming and graduation preparation.
26. Linden McKinley STEM High School
Linden McKinley STEM High School operates as a magnet school within the Columbus City School District. The school serves 757 students across grades 7-12, making it the 246th largest public high school in Ohio.
The academy maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.9 to 1. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses and participate in the Project Lead The Way curriculum, which focuses on engineering and technology education.
The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. As part of its STEM focus, the academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education throughout its curriculum.
Linden McKinley STEM High School is located at 100 East Arcadia Avenue in Columbus. The school ranks within the bottom 50% of public schools statewide according to performance metrics.
27. Marion-Franklin High School
Marion-Franklin High School serves approximately 450-473 students in grades 9-12 as part of Columbus City Schools District. The school is located at 1265 Koebel Road in Columbus.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and participates in the Project Lead The Way curriculum. It also provides a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.
Marion-Franklin ranks in the bottom 50% of Ohio public schools according to state assessments. The school faces challenges with academic performance and attendance rates.
The student body is predominantly African American. The school is one of 23 high schools within the Columbus City School District.
Marion-Franklin provides standard high school programming despite facing demographic and academic challenges common to urban schools.
28. South High School
South High School operates as a public institution in Columbus, serving students in Franklin County. The school is located at 1160 Ann St and functions as one of 118 schools within the Columbus City School District.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses to provide college-level academic opportunities. Students can participate in the Project Lead The Way curriculum, which focuses on STEM education and engineering concepts.
South High School maintains a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced students. The school’s contact number is (614) 365-5541 for families seeking additional information.
The institution serves a diverse student population with various demographic backgrounds. South High School provides free and reduced lunch assistance programs to support students from different economic circumstances.
The school’s website operates under southbulldogs.com, reflecting their Bulldogs mascot and school identity.
29. Buckeye Valley High School
Buckeye Valley High School serves students in Delaware, Ohio, operating within the Buckeye Valley Local School District. The school district recently earned a 5-star rating on the Ohio School Report Card, the highest possible designation.
The district showed significant improvement in state rankings, jumping 62 positions and performing better than 79% of Ohio school districts. This represents substantial progress in academic performance metrics.
Buckeye Valley Local Schools received particular recognition for earning 5-star ratings in Progress and Gap Closing categories. These ratings indicate students receive adequate instruction and support to meet academic expectations.
The Buckeye Valley Board of Education conducts monthly meetings at the high school in Baron Hall. These meetings begin at 6:30 pm and are accessible to the public through live streaming on YouTube.
30. Fairbanks High School
Fairbanks High School serves 365 students in grades 9-12 in Milford Center, Ohio. The school operates within the Fairbanks Local School District and ranks in the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio.
The school maintains strong academic performance with a 98% four-year graduation rate. This rate significantly exceeds the state average and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to student success.
Fairbanks High School consistently earns recognition for academic excellence. The school has achieved a top 10% ranking among Ohio high schools and shows sustained performance over multiple years.
The Fairbanks Local School District has improved its statewide ranking, jumping 16 positions recently. The district now ranks better than 90.7% of districts across Ohio, reflecting the quality of education provided at Fairbanks High School.
How to Navigate High School Admissions in Franklin County
Public school enrollment typically follows residency-based boundaries, while private and charter schools maintain specific application requirements and deadlines that vary significantly across institutions.
Enrollment Criteria
Public Schools in Franklin County operate under district residency requirements. Students must provide proof of residence within their designated school district boundaries. Documents include lease agreements, utility bills, or property deeds dated within 30 days.
Charter Schools accept applications from any Franklin County resident regardless of district boundaries. These schools often use lottery systems when applications exceed available spots. Some charter schools prioritize siblings of current students or children of staff members.
Private Schools maintain individual admission standards. The Columbus Academy and Columbus School For Girls require entrance exams, transcripts, and interviews. Many private institutions request standardized test scores and teacher recommendations.
Magnet Programs within public districts have specialized criteria. STEM programs may require math and science prerequisites. Arts programs often mandate portfolio submissions or auditions.
Application Deadlines
Public School enrollment occurs year-round for district residents. Families moving into new districts can register immediately upon establishing residency. School choice transfers typically have February deadlines for the following academic year.
Charter Schools generally accept applications from December through March. Popular charter schools may close applications early when they reach capacity. Late applications often join waiting lists.
Private Schools have varied deadlines ranging from December to March. Early admission programs may have November deadlines. Financial aid applications typically align with admission deadlines.
Magnet Programs within public districts usually require applications by February or March for fall enrollment.
