The 30 Best High Schools in Nassau County, NY: Rankings and Academic Performance Guide
Nassau County stands as one of New York’s premier educational regions, housing numerous high-performing schools that consistently rank among the state’s finest institutions.
The county’s educational landscape spans both public and private sectors, offering families diverse options for quality secondary education.
This comprehensive ranking examines the 30 best high schools in Nassau County, evaluating each institution based on academic performance, college preparation programs, graduation rates, and overall educational excellence.
The analysis covers distinguished schools from Jericho to Farmingdale, including both traditional public high schools and select private institutions that have earned recognition for their rigorous curricula and student outcomes.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Nassau County, NY:
1. Jericho Senior High School
Jericho Senior High School stands as Nassau County’s premier public high school. The school consistently ranks among New York state’s top 20 high schools and holds a 5-star rating from School Digger.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Jericho at No. 104 nationally in 2024, making it the highest-ranked Nassau County school. The institution serves 1,247 students in grades 9-12.
Academic performance remains exceptional at Jericho. Students significantly outperform state averages across all standardized assessments. The school maintains a 98 percent graduation rate.
The 2023 graduating class produced 15 valedictorians, demonstrating the school’s academic rigor. Ninety-two percent of students participate in advanced coursework and college preparatory programs.
Jericho earned an A+ overall grade in multiple ranking systems. The school receives top marks in academics, teaching quality, and college preparation categories across all major educational rating platforms.
2. Syosset High School
Syosset Senior High School stands as Nassau County’s premier educational institution. The school consistently ranks among the top 2% of high schools statewide.
Located in Syosset, New York, this single high school serves grades 9-12. It operates under the Syosset Central School District administration.
The school has maintained rankings among the top 21 high schools in New York over the past three years. SchoolDigger awards it a 5-star rating for academic excellence.
Students benefit from exceptional graduation rates and remarkably low dropout rates. The school provides comprehensive resources to support student achievement.
Syosset Senior High School earned recognition as one of the nation’s top 100 high schools according to recent rankings. Nassau County includes 15 schools among New York’s best 50 public high schools, with Syosset holding a prominent position.
The institution demonstrates consistent academic performance across standardized assessments. Its well-resourced environment supports diverse educational opportunities for students.
3. Manhasset Secondary School
Manhasset Secondary School serves grades 7-12 in Nassau County with approximately 1,200 students enrolled. The school consistently ranks among the top 18-37 high schools in New York state.
The institution has earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for its academic performance. Students achieve a remarkable 99% graduation rate, demonstrating the school’s commitment to student success.
Located in the Manhasset Union Free School District, the school maintains strong academic standards. Test scores and key statistics place it among Nassau County’s top educational institutions.
The school operates under the phone number (516) 267-7600 and maintains an online presence through manhassetschools.org. Parents and students can access resources and information through these channels.
Manhasset Secondary School’s reputation extends throughout Long Island as a premier public education option for families seeking quality academics.
4. Great Neck North High School
Great Neck North High School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in New York. The school serves 1,163 students in grades 9-12 and is located in Great Neck.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses to prepare students for college-level academics. It operates as one of three high schools within the Great Neck Union Free School District.
Great Neck North consistently appears among the top-ranked public high schools in Nassau County. The school maintains strong academic performance and receives high ratings in state assessments.
Students at Great Neck North benefit from comprehensive educational programs and services. The school’s reputation extends beyond local recognition to include state and national rankings.
The institution focuses on promoting student accomplishments and maintaining educational excellence within the community.
5. Garden City High School
Garden City High School stands as one of Nassau County’s top-performing educational institutions. The school serves 1,178 students with approximately 100 full-time teachers.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 12 to 1, which is better than Nassau County’s average of 13 to 1. This smaller ratio allows for more personalized attention and instruction.
Garden City High School ranked 24th out of 176 high schools in New York State. The school placed in the top 12 of community-based public high schools, excluding magnet and charter institutions.
The school belongs to the Garden City Union Free School District. It consistently appears on lists of Nassau County’s best public high schools for academic excellence and performance metrics.
6. Mineola High School
Mineola High School serves 1,092 students in grades 8-12 and ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in New York. The school is located in New Hyde Park.
The school maintains an 84.3% four-year graduation rate. This rate falls slightly below the state average.
Mineola High School received a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating average performance among New York schools. The school’s statewide ranking has declined from 465th out of 1,190 schools in 2021-2022 to 531st out of 1,242 schools in 2023-2024.
This downward trend suggests the school’s performance may be slipping compared to other institutions across the state. Despite these challenges, Mineola High School continues to provide educational services to students in Nassau County.
7. Baldwin Senior High School
Baldwin Senior High School serves approximately 1,505 students in grades 9-12 within the Baldwin Union Free School District. The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of about 13 to 1 with around 133 full-time teachers.
The school ranks in the top 20% of all New York schools for overall test scores. Math proficiency places in the top 30% statewide, while reading proficiency also reaches the top 30%.
Baldwin Senior High School consistently outperforms both district and state averages on Regents exams. The school shows particular strength in English Language Arts, Global History and Geography, and U.S. History and Government.
Located on Long Island’s south shore, the school operates as the sole high school serving Baldwin residents. Students benefit from the focused resources and attention that comes with being the district’s only secondary institution.
8. Roslyn High School
Roslyn High School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in New York. The school serves 1,066 students in grades 9-12 and is located in Roslyn Heights.
The school consistently demonstrates academic excellence through its rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty. Students benefit from outstanding educational opportunities that prepare them for college success.
Roslyn High School maintains impressive college placement rates. The institution has earned recognition as one of the best high schools in Nassau County according to multiple ranking organizations.
The school’s athletic department provides comprehensive sports programs for students. Physical education and athletic achievements are celebrated through annual awards ceremonies.
Roslyn High School operates as part of the broader Nassau County educational system. The school contributes to the county’s reputation for housing exceptional public high schools that deliver quality education to Long Island families.
9. Hewlett High School
George W. Hewlett High School serves as the primary high school for students in the Hewlett community. The school operates as a comprehensive high school with programs designed to meet diverse student needs.
The school encourages students to engage with various academic courses and participate in extracurricular activities. Athletics programs are also available for student participation.
Hewlett High School offers educational opportunities for grades 9-12. The institution focuses on providing a well-rounded educational experience for its student body.
The school maintains programs that aim to serve students with different academic interests and career goals. Summer school programs are available for grades 7-12, extending educational opportunities beyond the regular academic year.
Located in Nassau County, Hewlett High School contributes to the county’s educational landscape as one of the established public high schools in the region.
10. East Meadow High School
East Meadow High School serves grades 9-12 in the East Meadow Union Free School District. The school has earned consistent recognition for its academic performance over recent years.
The school ranks in the top 10% of New York state high schools. It has maintained a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years.
East Meadow High School offers accelerated coursework including AP classes and college-level programs. Students report that these advanced courses provide strong learning opportunities and resources.
The school serves a diverse student population with 28.7% of students receiving free or reduced lunch assistance. This rate falls below the state average of 58.6%.
Students and families rate the school 3.9 out of 5 stars on Niche based on 298 reviews. The East Meadow Union Free School District ranks better than 90.1% of districts statewide.
11. Port Washington High School
Port Washington High School, officially known as Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School, serves students in grades 9-12 within the Port Washington Union Free School District. The school maintains a solid reputation among Nassau County high schools.
Students and families rate the school at 3.9 stars based on user reviews. The school provides a comprehensive educational experience for its student body.
Port Washington High School offers various academic programs and extracurricular activities. The district focuses on preparing students for college and career readiness through its curriculum offerings.
The school’s performance places it among the notable high schools in the Port Washington area. Test scores and graduation rates contribute to its standing within Nassau County’s educational landscape.
Faculty and staff work to create an environment that supports student achievement across multiple academic disciplines.
12. Westbury High School
Westbury High School serves 1,561 students in grades 9-12 in Old Westbury, NY. The school operates as part of the Westbury Union Free School District.
The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in New York. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.1 to 1.
Westbury High School stands as the 94th largest public high school in New York state. Nationally, it ranks as the 3,319th largest high school.
The school’s size allows it to offer diverse programs while maintaining reasonable class sizes. Students benefit from the resources available at this well-established Nassau County institution.
The school’s location in Old Westbury provides students with access to both suburban amenities and proximity to New York City opportunities.
13. Carle Place High School
Carle Place Middle Senior High School serves students in grades 6-12 in Nassau County. The school ranks in the top 18% of high schools throughout New York state.
The institution has maintained a consistent 4-star rating from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years. This rating reflects the school’s reliable academic performance over time.
The school offers English as a New Language programs for students requiring additional language support. These students participate in educational field trips, including visits to local cultural institutions like the Nassau County Museum of Art.
Carle Place High School represents the sole high school option within the city of Carle Place. The school district focuses on serving its community through comprehensive educational programs.
Test scores and key statistics place the school among well-performing institutions in Nassau County. The school’s consistent rankings demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence.
14. Malverne High School
Malverne Senior High School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in New York. The school serves 638 students in grades 9-12 and maintains strong academic standards.
The school has earned recognition in U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools list for three consecutive years. It consistently places in the top 10% of schools nationwide.
Malverne High School achieves an 84.3% four-year graduation rate, which exceeds the state average. The school focuses on college preparation for its approximately 620 students.
The institution operates as part of the Malverne Union Free School District. The district ranks 271 out of 865 school districts in New York and holds a 3 out of 5-star rating.
15. Wantagh Senior High School
Wantagh Senior High School serves students in the Wantagh Union Free School District. The school is located at 3301 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, NY 11793.
The district operates several nearby elementary schools including Forest Lake School and Wantagh School on Beech Street. This creates a cohesive educational pathway for local students.
The school serves Nassau County students and can be reached at (516) 679-6401. Their district website is wantaghschools.org.
Wantagh Senior High School ranks among the top public schools in the Wantagh area according to 2025 school rankings. The school provides comprehensive high school education to students in this Long Island community.
The institution focuses on preparing students for college and career readiness. It maintains standards consistent with other Nassau County public high schools.
16. Half Hollow Hills High School West
Half Hollow Hills High School West stands as one of Long Island’s premier educational institutions. The school serves 989 students in grades 9-12 and is located in Dix Hills.
The school earned recognition as the top-ranked public high school in Suffolk County for 2025 according to Niche.com rankings. It also secured the 7th position statewide in New York.
Half Hollow Hills High School West maintains a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The institution ranks in the top 1% of all public schools throughout New York State.
Students benefit from a comprehensive academic program that includes Advanced Placement courses. The school also offers Project Lead The Way curriculum and supports six different sports programs.
The school demonstrates strong academic performance with a 4-year graduation rate exceeding 84%. Its dropout rate remains below 5%, reflecting the institution’s commitment to student success.
17. Massapequa High School
Massapequa High School has earned recognition as one of Nassau County’s top-performing institutions. The school consistently ranks among the top 64 high schools in New York state.
SchoolDigger awards the school a prestigious 5-star rating. This recognition reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
Students at Massapequa High School demonstrate strong performance on Regents and Common Core examinations. Proficiency rates frequently exceed 90 percent across various subject areas.
The school’s test scores surpass both district and state averages. This performance places Massapequa High School among the county’s most academically successful institutions.
The school serves students in the Massapequa community with a comprehensive educational program. Faculty and staff maintain high academic standards while supporting student growth and development.
18. Friends Academy
Friends Academy stands as Nassau County’s top-ranked private high school according to multiple 2025 rankings. The Quaker school serves 769 students from nursery through 12th grade in Locust Valley.
The school holds the number one position in four categories on Niche for three consecutive years. These include Best Private K-12 School, Best Private High School, Best College Prep Private High School, and Best Christian High School in Nassau County.
Friends Academy ranks within the top 20% of private schools statewide in New York. The institution maintains strong academic standards while offering comprehensive college preparatory programs.
The school participates uniquely as an independent institution in the Nassau County Public High School Athletic Association. Despite competing in a larger conference, Friends Academy has secured multiple Regional and State titles across various sports in recent years.
19. Locust Valley High School
Locust Valley High School serves 613 students in grades 9-12 in Nassau County. The school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in New York state.
The institution maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. It consistently places among the top 27% of high schools in New York.
Located in the community of Locust Valley, the school provides comprehensive secondary education. It operates as the sole high school serving the local district.
The school’s academic performance places it among Nassau County’s higher-performing institutions. Students benefit from programs designed to prepare them for college and career success.
Locust Valley High School’s consistent rankings demonstrate sustained academic excellence. The school maintains its reputation through strong educational standards and student achievement.
20. North Shore High School
North Shore High School is located in Glen Head, Nassau County, on Long Island’s North Shore. The school serves as the sole high school for the North Shore Central School District.
The school currently enrolls 742 students in grades 9-12. It has earned recognition for its academic performance across multiple ranking systems.
North Shore High School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in New York State. The school was positioned at #335 out of 1,000 in national “Best High Schools” rankings.
Among Long Island public high schools in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, North Shore earned the #8 ranking. This placement reflects the school’s strong academic programs and student outcomes.
The school maintains its reputation through consistent performance in standardized testing and college preparation programs. Students benefit from the district’s focus on academic excellence and comprehensive educational opportunities.
21. Long Beach High School
Long Beach High School stands as a distinguished institution in Nassau County’s educational landscape. The school demonstrates exceptional academic performance with a 92% math proficiency score, significantly exceeding New York’s state average of 67%.
Reading proficiency reaches 85%, well above the statewide average of 59%. These strong test scores contribute to the school’s impressive 8/10 ranking, placing it in the top 30% of New York public high schools.
The school recently celebrated its 102nd Annual Commencement Ceremony in June 2025. This milestone reflects the institution’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence and community service.
Long Beach High School maintains its reputation through rigorous academic programs and dedicated faculty. The school consistently provides students with quality educational opportunities that prepare them for college and future careers.
22. Hicksville High School
Hicksville High School ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in New York. The school serves 1,866 students in grades 9-12.
Located in Hicksville, Nassau County, the school maintains strong academic standards. It consistently appears in annual rankings of top-performing schools in the region.
The school’s size allows it to offer diverse programs while maintaining manageable class sizes. Students benefit from comprehensive educational opportunities across multiple disciplines.
Hicksville High School has established itself as a competitive institution within Nassau County’s educational landscape. The school’s performance metrics place it among the county’s notable high schools.
The institution serves the Hicksville community with a focus on preparing students for post-secondary education. Its ranking reflects consistent academic achievement and student outcomes.
23. Garden City South High School
Garden City South High School serves students in the Garden City South area of Nassau County. The school is part of the Garden City Union Free School District.
The high school offers comprehensive academic programs for students in grades 9-12. Students have access to various courses across core subject areas including mathematics, science, English, and social studies.
The school provides extracurricular activities and sports programs for student participation. These programs aim to support student development beyond the classroom setting.
Garden City South High School maintains facilities that support both academic instruction and student activities. The school works to prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities.
The school follows New York State education standards and curriculum requirements. Faculty members hold appropriate certifications and qualifications for their teaching assignments.
Garden City South High School continues to serve its local community as an established public education institution in Nassau County.
24. Bellmore-Merrick Senior High School
Bellmore-Merrick Senior High School operates within the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District on Long Island’s South Shore. The district serves students from Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, and North Merrick communities.
The school district ranks 114 out of 865 districts statewide and holds a 4 out of 5-star rating. This represents strong academic performance compared to other New York school districts.
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District includes three high schools and two middle schools. The district serves grades 7-12 across its facilities.
Recent rankings show the district jumped 14 positions in statewide comparisons. The district now performs better than 89% of school districts throughout New York state.
Students at Bellmore-Merrick Senior High School benefit from the district’s established reputation for academic excellence. The school maintains its position as a solid educational option in Nassau County.
25. Bethpage Senior High School
Bethpage Senior High School serves as the sole high school in Bethpage, New York. The school operates within the Bethpage Union Free School District and educates students in grades 9 through 12.
The school maintains an enrollment of 954 students. It ranks as the 300th largest public high school in New York state.
Bethpage Senior High School features a student-teacher ratio of 11.9 to 1. This ratio allows for more individualized attention in classroom settings.
The school has earned recognition for its academic performance within Nassau County. It consistently ranks among competitive high schools in the region.
Students at Bethpage Senior High School benefit from strong graduation rates. The school demonstrates solid community engagement and maintains established academic programs that serve its student population effectively.
26. Levittown Memorial High School
Levittown Memorial High School serves students in the Levittown school district within Nassau County. The school operates as part of a community known for strong academic performance across its educational institutions.
Levittown high schools collectively maintain an average ranking of 9/10 among New York public schools. This places them in the top 20% statewide for academic achievement and student outcomes.
The graduation rate for Levittown public high schools reaches 97%, surpassing the New York state average of 89%. This demonstrates the district’s commitment to student success and completion.
Nassau County schools generally perform well, with an average graduation rate of 95%. Levittown Memorial High School benefits from being part of this high-performing educational region.
The school contributes to Levittown’s reputation as a community with quality educational options for families seeking strong academic programs.
27. Nassau BOCES High School
Nassau BOCES High School operates as part of the Nassau BOCES School District in Garden City. The school serves 1,595 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The institution maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.8 to 1. This ratio reflects the school’s approach to balancing class sizes with available teaching resources.
Nassau BOCES ranks as the 103rd largest public high school in New York State. On a national level, it holds the position of 2,975th largest among public high schools.
Nassau BOCES represents the largest BOCES organization in New York State. The system serves 56 school districts throughout Nassau County, focusing on providing innovative educational services.
The school emphasizes cost-effective educational solutions while maintaining accessibility for students of varying abilities. Nassau BOCES continues to enhance public education opportunities across the region.
28. Lawrence High School
Lawrence High School serves as the sole public high school in the Lawrence Public Schools district. The school is located in Cedarhurst, New York, on Long Island’s South Shore.
The school enrolled 770 students as of the 2022-23 academic year. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.0:1 with 64.4 full-time equivalent classroom teachers.
Lawrence High School serves grades 9-12 and ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in New York state. This ranking reflects the school’s academic performance relative to other institutions statewide.
The school’s mission emphasizes ensuring all learners reach their individual potential through rigorous academics. Lawrence High School focuses on creative, student-centered teaching methods and promotes lifelong learning among its student body.
The institution serves a diverse community and positions itself as a unifying educational force within the district.
29. Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School
Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School serves 1,614 students in grades 9-12 in Port Washington. The school ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in New York.
Located in Nassau County, Schreiber is the only high school in the Port Washington Union Free School District. The school offers Advanced Placement courses to prepare students for college-level work.
Schreiber competes in Section VIII of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The school fields teams in multiple sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field.
The school’s mission emphasizes empowering students to become self-sufficient and socially conscious community members. It provides comprehensive education in what it describes as a safe learning environment.
Schreiber competes effectively against both public and private schools at county and state levels in athletics.
30. Farmingdale High School
Farmingdale High School serves students in the Farmingdale School District in Nassau County. The school provides comprehensive academic programs for students in grades 9-12.
The school focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education through various academic offerings. Students have access to core curriculum subjects and additional educational opportunities.
Farmingdale High School maintains connections with its community through various programs and activities. The school emphasizes academic achievement while supporting student development.
The campus serves as the primary high school for the Farmingdale area. Students from the district attend this institution to complete their secondary education before moving on to college or career paths.
The school operates within Nassau County’s educational framework, providing students with the foundation needed for their next steps after graduation.
Key Factors That Distinguish Nassau County’s Top High Schools
Nassau County’s elite high schools excel through rigorous academic programs with advanced placement offerings, comprehensive student support systems, and extensive extracurricular activities. These institutions maintain graduation rates above 95% while preparing students for competitive college admissions.
Academic Excellence and Curriculum
Nassau County high schools demonstrate exceptional academic performance with an average math proficiency score of 78%, significantly higher than the state average of 67%. Reading proficiency reaches 68% compared to New York’s 59% statewide average.
The top schools offer extensive Advanced Placement programs with 20-30 course options. Students typically take multiple AP classes, with participation rates exceeding 85% in leading institutions.
Key academic features include:
- Rigorous college preparatory curricula
- STEM-focused programs with research opportunities
- Dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges
- International Baccalaureate programs at select schools
Jericho Senior High School exemplifies this excellence with a 98% graduation rate. The school’s 2023 graduating class produced 15 valedictorians, reflecting the depth of academic achievement.
Faculty qualifications remain consistently high across top-ranked schools. Most teachers hold advanced degrees in their subject areas and participate in ongoing professional development.
Diversity and Student Support Services
Nassau County’s premier high schools serve diverse student populations while maintaining strong support systems. These institutions recognize that academic success requires comprehensive student assistance beyond classroom instruction.
Counseling and academic support includes:
- College and career counseling with dedicated staff
- Mental health services and wellness programs
- Tutoring and academic intervention programs
- Special education services with inclusion models
Many schools employ student-to-counselor ratios below the national average. This allows for personalized attention during college application processes and academic planning.
Language support programs serve English language learners effectively. Schools provide ESL instruction while maintaining access to advanced coursework.
The districts prioritize inclusive environments through anti-bullying initiatives and diversity programs. Student clubs focused on cultural awareness and social justice operate in most top-ranked schools.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Top Nassau County high schools offer extensive extracurricular programs that enhance college applications and personal development. These activities span athletics, arts, academics, and community service.
Athletic programs compete at varsity, junior varsity, and freshman levels across 20-25 sports. Many schools achieve sectional and state championships in multiple sports annually.
Arts programs include theater productions, concert bands, orchestras, and visual arts exhibitions. Students regularly earn recognition at state and national competitions.
Academic competitions feature debate teams, Science Olympiad, Math League, and Model United Nations. These programs consistently place at regional and state levels.
Service learning requirements engage students in community partnerships. Many schools mandate 40-100 hours of community service for graduation.
Student government opportunities allow meaningful participation in school governance. Leadership development programs prepare students for future civic engagement and professional roles.
Navigating the Admissions Process for Nassau County Public and Private High Schools
Public high school enrollment primarily follows district zoning boundaries, while private schools require competitive applications with specific deadlines and requirements. Understanding these distinct pathways helps families prepare effectively for their preferred educational setting.
Zoning and Enrollment Criteria
Nassau County public high schools operate under strict district zoning policies. Students automatically qualify for their assigned high school based on residential address within district boundaries.
Families must provide proof of residency through utility bills, lease agreements, or property tax records. Districts verify addresses to prevent enrollment violations.
Transfer requests require approval from both sending and receiving districts. Valid reasons include:
- Parent employment changes
- Medical needs
- Educational program requirements
- Safety concerns
Some districts offer school choice programs allowing enrollment outside zoned schools. These programs typically use lottery systems when applications exceed capacity.
Specialized programs like STEM academies or performing arts tracks may have additional requirements. Students often need portfolio submissions, auditions, or entrance exams regardless of district residency.
Registration typically occurs in spring for the following school year. Late enrollments face potential scheduling challenges and limited course availability.
Application Tips for Private Institutions
Private high schools in Nassau County maintain individual admission requirements and deadlines. Most applications open in fall for the following academic year.
Application components typically include:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts from previous two years
- Standardized test scores (SSAT, ISEE, or entrance exams)
- Teacher recommendation letters
- Personal essays or statements
Interview processes vary by institution. Some schools conduct formal interviews while others host informal meetings or group sessions.
Financial aid applications require separate submissions with tax returns and financial statements. Many schools offer need-based assistance and merit scholarships.
Application deadlines range from December to February. Late applications face reduced acceptance chances and limited financial aid availability.
Students should apply to multiple schools to maximize acceptance opportunities. Campus visits help families assess school culture and academic fit before committing.
