New York high schools continue to lead the nation when it comes to competitive and well-equipped athletic programs. From state-of-the-art training facilities to long-standing championship traditions, certain schools consistently rise above the rest in nurturing young athletic talent. A recent study by a national education platform has ranked the top 25 New York high schools for student-athletes in 2025, based on factors like sports participation rates, college recruitment, student and parent reviews, and athletic success across multiple sports.
If you’re a student-athlete or a parent looking to support your child’s sports dreams, this list could help guide your next step. Here’s a detailed look at the top schools, what makes them stand out, and how they support both academics and athletics.
What the Study Measured About New York High Schools
The rankings were created using data from school websites, athletic department reports, user-submitted reviews, college scholarship rates, and team performance in state competitions. Criteria included:
- Number of varsity sports offered
- Student participation in athletics
- Facilities and training programs
- College recruitment rates
- Coaching quality
- Academic-athletic balance
The goal was to highlight schools that provide both strong academic environments and robust sports opportunities.
1. Fordham Preparatory School – Bronx, NY
A powerhouse in multiple sports, Fordham Prep offers top coaching, elite-level competition, and a strong pipeline to NCAA schools. Their football, swimming, and soccer programs are especially strong.
2. Poly Prep Country Day School – Brooklyn, NY
Known for excellent baseball and football programs, Poly Prep also shines in track and field. The school invests heavily in sports science and student health programs.
3. Iona Preparatory School – New Rochelle, NY
Iona Prep athletes frequently go on to compete in Division I sports. Their track record in basketball and wrestling is especially impressive.
4. Archbishop Stepinac High School – White Plains, NY
A frequent state championship contender in football and basketball, Stepinac boasts a dedicated athlete development program and academic support for students balancing both demands.
5. Saint Anthony’s High School – South Huntington, NY
With over 40 varsity teams and strong female athletics, Saint Anthony’s is a well-rounded institution for young athletes. The school has won numerous state titles in lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball.
6. Chaminade High School – Mineola, NY
Chaminade has a reputation for discipline and athletic excellence. Their cross-country and track teams are nationally recognized, and student-athletes regularly earn scholarships.
7. Regis High School – Manhattan, NY
Though academically rigorous, Regis also supports a competitive sports culture, especially in soccer, fencing, and tennis.
8. Xavier High School – New York, NY
With strong football and rugby programs, Xavier has produced athletes who’ve excelled at Ivy League and NCAA programs.
9. Horace Greeley High School – Chappaqua, NY
A well-funded public school with excellent tennis, baseball, and field hockey programs. Student-athletes also benefit from strong academic counseling.
10. Rye High School – Rye, NY
Rye is a regular competitor in state-level swimming and lacrosse. The school provides dedicated academic support for traveling athletes.
More Schools That Made the Top 25 List
- Scarsdale High School – Excellent in soccer and track.
- Bronxville High School – Dominant in cross-country and tennis.
- Fieldston School – Top-notch basketball and baseball programs.
- Hackley School – Strong across athletics and college recruitment.
- St. Francis Prep – Competitive in volleyball, basketball, and football.
- Bethpage High School – Noted for its wrestling and track teams.
- John Jay High School (Cross River) – Strong in field hockey and lacrosse.
- Great Neck South High School – Excellent tennis and badminton program.
- Pelham Memorial High School – Successful across multiple sports.
- Locust Valley High School – A leader in soccer and basketball.
- Beacon High School (Manhattan) – Growing reputation for athletics.
- Manhasset Secondary School – One of Long Island’s sports strongholds.
- Bay Shore High School – Known for track and football.
- New Rochelle High School – A historic football program with strong facilities.
- Tappan Zee High School – Competitive in swimming and cheer.
Why These Schools Stand Out
The top 25 schools have a few things in common:
- Strong coaching staff: These schools attract experienced, certified coaches who are also great mentors.
- Excellent facilities: Many have full-size gyms, turf fields, pools, and strength-training centers.
- Academic-athletic balance: Students are supported both in the classroom and on the field with tutoring, flexible scheduling, and college prep.
- Scholarship success: Students regularly earn athletic scholarships and are recruited to NCAA programs.
- Inclusive sports culture: Programs for both boys and girls are well funded and supported equally.
How These Rankings Can Help Families
Choosing a high school with strong athletic programs can open doors to college scholarships, national tournaments, and even pro sports careers. These rankings provide a valuable starting point for parents and students who are considering options not just for education but also long-term athletic development.
It also helps families understand how important it is for schools to offer a healthy balance of sports, academics, and well-being. Training too hard without academic support or emotional guidance can harm a student’s future these schools seem to get the balance right.
The Future of High School Sports in New York
With New York continuing to invest in youth athletics and infrastructure, the competition among high schools is only growing. More public schools are upgrading their training facilities and hiring specialized athletic staff to match what top private schools offer.
At the same time, awareness around athlete wellness, mental health, and academic life balance is also increasing. Schools that perform well in all these areas are likely to stay at the top of future rankings.
Final Thoughts
From elite private academies to competitive public high schools, New York offers many excellent choices for student-athletes in 2025. These 25 schools lead the way in sports performance, college prep, and holistic student development.
Whether your goal is a college scholarship or simply the best high school experience possible through sports, the schools on this list are strong contenders.
Let me know if you’d like an interactive map, school comparison chart, or a version focused on a specific sport like soccer or basketball.
Read more – Hunter Biden Ambien Debate Comment: Inside the Controversial Revelation
