by LISA METCALF | Thursday, Oct 01, 2026
A.D. Henderson University School and Florida Atlantic University High School were ranked No. 1 both in the nation and in Florida among “Best Public K-12 Schools,” in Niche’s 2027 rankings. The recognition marks the first time that FAU Lab Schools have earned the nation’s top ranking out of the 1,903 schools evaluated across the nation by Niche, the largest website for researching public and private K-12 schools.
Innovation and opportunity are central to FAU Lab Schools’ model for education, where the direct connection between K-12 students and our top-tier public research university provides unique pathways for learning, discovery and preparation for success,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “This No. 1 national ranking reflects the extraordinary work of our educators and their students, whose dedication to excellence continues to help shape the future.”
Nationally, FAU High rose eight spots to No. 15 from No. 23 last year in the “Best Public High School” category. The school also ranked No. 5 in the country for “Best College Prep Public High School,” improving 12 spots from last year.
In Florida, FAU High climbed to No. 2 from No. 3 last year in both the “Best Public High School” and “Best College Prep Public High School” categories. FAU Lab Schools’ educators were ranked No. 1 for “Best Teachers in Florida” at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
To be recognized as the No. 1 public K–12 school in the nation is an extraordinary honor, and this recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our educators, staff, students, families, university colleagues and partners who continually challenge what is possible in public education,” said Joel D. Herbst, Ed.D., superintendent of FAU Lab Schools and vice president for PK–12 and pre-baccalaureate programs at Florida Atlantic. “Woven within a top 100 Carnegie R1 research university, our students are part of a learning ecosystem that extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of K–12 education. They learn alongside university faculty and researchers, engage in authentic research, work with industry and community partners, explore their individual interests, and apply their knowledge to some of the most complex challenges facing our nation and world. We want our students not simply to learn about the future, but to have the experiences, knowledge and confidence to help build it. We are tremendously proud of this recognition, but even more excited about what it represents — an opportunity to demonstrate what public education can become and help shape its future.”
ADHUS received an overall A+ Niche grade, as well as A+ marks in the areas of administration, academics, teachers, college prep and diversity. Niche examines thousands of K-12 schools across the United States and ranks them based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
For the ADHUS and FAU High School rankings, visit here . For the complete list of the 2027 Best Schools in America rankings, visit here .
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