Filled with luscious gardens or stunning architecture, many high schools in the United States arguably rival distinguished universities in terms of aesthetic beauty. There are many reasons a school could be considered beautiful, and today we will list off the most stunning US campuses.
Many of these campuses made this list due to architectural beauty, natural landscape, or a commitment to modern facilities.
30. City High School City High School 30. City High School
Nestled among gorgeous forests and shrouded in a clean red-brick style located on the east side of Iowa City, Iowa, City High School was opened in 1939 and still maintains the mid-century charm alumni have studied in throughout the years.
The school is notable for its distinguished journalism program. Next one is Gulf Breeze High School.
29. Gulf Breeze High School
Settled near the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Breeze High School in Florida fits well into its open-air surroundings, nestled only a mile from the coastal city of Pensacola.
This campus is most notable for its open-air environment and commitment to state-of-the-art sports facilities. Have a look at the Gulf Breeze High School.
28. Gulf Breeze High School
With its grand architecture settled in the heart of Wichita, Kansas, Grand Breeze High School provides students a picturesque view of lovely gardens and historic statues.
The school’s Gothic architecture provides a look into the past as students prepare for the future. Have a look at the next High School.
27. Montgomery Central High School
Opened in 1971, this high school earns a large portion of its place on this list due to its unique architecture style. Structures akin to concrete tents make up much of the campus.
A lake also surrounds the campus and is consistently cared for and upkeep by students and locals.
26. Asheville School
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee, Asheville High School contains an enrollment number that is less than its overall average per square foot.
A European, Tudor-style architecture distinctly separates this school from others on the list, giving students a nice view into a foreign culture while studying from their home state.
25. Academy of the Sacred Heart
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, this all-girls academic institution.
The biggest draw of the religious high school is its incredible location in the historic and central portion of New Orleans, within one of the most storied districts as well. This is also benefited by the state of the art facilities, such as a large auditorium.
24. Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools
This lovely high school campus located in the nature of Jackson, Wyoming provides students with dealing experiences when it comes to their education.
While also being a highly regarded educational institution, it also displays a beautiful remote campus made up of modernly built cabins. Students will have the opportunity to learn about subjects such as math and science while also enjoying picturesque views of the Wyoming wilderness.
23. Grosse Pointe South High School
The most obvious and notable example of the beauty of Grosse Pointe South is its towering Georgian revival main building. This building towers tall among an institution that excels in STEM subjects.
The perfected lawn care of the school is also stunning, as landscaping is certainly not a failing grade at this school.
22. Kodiak High School
Accessible via only boat or plane, Kodiak High School in Alaska is notable for its sheer isolation.
Within a short distance of the Bering Sea, this modern campus provides students with modern facilities packed with a strong academic track record that would surprise many considering its extreme location. Next one is Baltimore City College.
21. Baltimore City College
Opened in 1839, this hilltop high school provides students with a stunning view that would be difficult to rival anywhere else in the world.
One of Baltimore City College’s most exquisite features is the main Gothic-style tower that sports a stern architecture that shines above the city skyline. Have a look at the next school.
20. The International Preparatory School
Decorated by pristine lawns and gorgeously crafter brick buildings, The International Preparatory School is hard to rival in comparison in terms of landscapes.
Students here are known for being extremely multi-lingual, which is a welcome addition to the community of the western Buffalo community. Have a look at the next High School in Oklahoma City.
19. Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Nestled in one of the nicest parts of the Oklahoma city of Tulsa, Cascia Hall Prep has been providing a Catholic faith-based education for just under a century.
This may sound out of place in such a midwestern city, yet this Hogwarts look-alike is akin to the French Norman style, quite unique for any other campus in this part of the country. Dorms, sports facilities, and chapels all integrate neatly into this state-of-the-art campus.
18. St. Albans School
Washington D.C. is an expected city to be featured on this list, but St.Albans School takes the cake. Its campus is near many historical monuments and overlooking some of the most impressive views of the city.
The high school was built with the intention of naturally integrating its design into the city itself, and in this rating, it can be considered a massive success.
17. Emma Willard School
Although there are many schools that display great achievements in their Gothic architecture design, few can compare to Emma Willard in Troy, NY.
Open for more than two centuries, this all-girls boarding school has been providing women of the future with a stunning backdrop meant to inspire even the greatest of innovation. Even better, it is only a short distance to the Hudson River.
16. Seabury Hall
Nestled in the tropical location nestled along the volcano of Haleakala, this villa-style radiates a specific charm that residents of Maui have been learning at for decades.
The Pacific Ocean is practically at the backdoor of this lovely campus, providing an excellent atmosphere to learn and study a vast array of topics.
15. Murphy High School
This Spanish Revival-style campus nestled in the unassuming location of Mobile, Alabama. The Spanish have stayed true to their original architectural style even through years of trials and tribulations.
This is especially true considering the massive damage the school received during a hurricane in 2012. The administration did the school and the community a great favor by accurately reproducing its original building integrities and style.
14. Santa Catalina School
Even though Santa Catalina may appear to be an Italian village with its stunning brock design, it is actually a top-quality education institution nestled within the gorgeous city of Monterey, California.
An all-girls learning institution founded by nuns, this sprawling campus accommodates a multitude of academic and athletic structures available for student use.
13. El Paso High School
This Neoclassical style high school in El Paso, Texas has one of the more uniquely American styles of design, as its building exterior front faces a wonderfully crafted concrete-built football stadium.
The stadium is so beautiful it was also once home to one of the most renowned college bowl games for decades, the Sun Bowl. Not only that, it was the very first concrete football stadium built in the nation.
12. John Handley High School
Another wonderful Neo-Classical example of high school architecture is John Handley High School. Founded in 1923 in Winchester, Virginia, this school’s most notable characteristic is its long white marble steps that lead the main center of the campus.
Not only recognized for its academics but it also has been granted a place among the National Register of Historic Places.
11. Volcano Vista High School
One of the newer institutions mentioned on this list is Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This sprawling campus has an extremely modern, open-air design that provides resources for all types of learners.
The building is dominated by glass as its main design material, allowing for a natural and modern look.
10. Stadium High School
The appropriately titled Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington is perched beautifully atop a stone football stadium utilized in movies for its noticeable stunning look.
The views of this school are also a wonderful motivator to study, as students are capable of receiving a wonderful view of the Puget Sound from that height of the campus.
9. The Bolles School
The Bolles School opened in 1933 in Jacksonville, Florida right next to the flowing streams of the St. Johns River. The building was originally a high-end hotel. This can explain its wonderful Castilian-style design
During the 1920s, the San Jose Hotel was located at the location. Luckily today, the structure is properly utilized to accommodate the educational needs of aspiring youth in the area.
8. Baylor School
Baylor School opened in 1893 in Chattanooga along the picturesque Tennessee River. Beautiful brick buildings and clean walkways line the campus, providing students a breath of fresh air as they stroll to their next class.
A statute of the Icarus from Greek Mythology is a wonderful highlight, coupled with the stunning treelines that surround the area.
7. Withrow High School
Nestled within a multi-acre campus directly in the middle of the city of Cincinnati, Withrow High School is another addition on the list that was added to the National Register for Historic Places. This honor is obvious once you step foot on campus, as the sprawling walkways and trees line the wonderful layout.
A long, sprawling bridge that centers around a steep watchtower gives students plenty of aesthetic motivation to study at this esteemed institution. Renovations are also on the agenda recently thanks to a local NFL team making large payments in donations.
Rosemary Clooney, the aunt of award-winning actor George Clooney, is a notable alumnus who had a stellar singing career and is still considered a jewel among Cincinnati natives.
6. Mission High School
It should come as no surprise that the technology hub of the United States also contains one of the most beautiful high schools.
Mission High School is within walking distance of some of the best views available in San Francisco, and also includes a massive theater known to put on school and local performances. This should come as no surprise, as one of the best guitarists of all time is an alumnus of the school, Carlos Santana.
5. Taft School
A jewel of Connecticut high schools, Taft has consistently ranked near the top in every aspect of academic performance. This can be easily noticed by its massive campus with state-of-the-art facilities.
The campus covers a wonderful 226-acre campus that is constantly being upgraded. Do not worry though, special care is taken to ensure the modern renovations do not overtake the modern charm of the original structures.
Notable alumni include Peter Berg, creator of “Friday Night Lights” and “Lone Survivor”.
4. Lake Forest High School
A beautiful lawn where students can participate in various sporting activities is another wonderful addition to this list. Situated in a suburb of Chicago, Lake Forest provides students with a mix of classical and modern architecture to allow them to thrive in their studies.
The campus is so beautiful it has also been the site of an award-winning film, as the Vince Vaugn starring film “Ordinary People” was shot here. Vince Vaughn is also an alumnus of this beautiful school.
3. President William McKinley High School
We have now another Hawaii educational institution on the list, this one nestled in the heart of Honolulu. President William McKinley High School is another stunning campus with architecture done in the Spanish Revival style.
Besides being a stunning campus, this school consistently turns out leaders in academia, politics, and business. Notable alumni include U.S. Senator and Medal of Honor recipient Daniel Inouye.
2. St. George’s School
With a location steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, St. George’s School in Rhode Island appears to be more of a movie set than an actual high school. Yet, it consistently turns out the best and brightest students the nation has to offer.
The school is also noticeable for the extremely well-off and wealthy student body that has walked through its halls. Prescott Bush, the grandfather, and father of two presidents attended here.
1. Diamond Ranch High School
To top our list, we have Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, California. This school was designed in the expressionist style and looks more like a science fiction movie rather than a high school. The school was designed by famous architect Thom Mayne. It also has been the natural setting for many large film features.
Notable alumni include Charles Brown, a successful American football lineman who played for 6 years.
