Recent survey says these high schools are tops for athletes

Niche used data from Department of Education among other sources to compile list of best athletic schools.

Top 5 High Schools for Athletes in 2025 51,612 views 1:21

Survey company Niche recently released its look at the best high schools for athletes in America. Not surprisingly, many of the schools included were either among MaxPreps Cup staples or mainstays in various MaxPreps Top 25 rankings.

In fact, holding Niche's top spot is Columbus (Miami, Fla.), this year's boys basketball national champion. The Explorers finished No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25 behind NBA prospect and Duke commit Cameron Boozer.

St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), No. 5 on the list, is ranked third in baseball this season after winning a section title. The Braves have finished in the MaxPreps Top 25 football rankings every year since 2015 and been crowned national champions in 2019 and 2022.

Niche used data from the Department of Education, including statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Additionally, state championships, student participation in athletics and the number of sports offered were factors in the rankings.

Ohio's St. Edward is one of the top 25 high schools in America for athletes according to a recent survey from Niche.com. Since 1978, the school has captured 80 state championships while 11 teams have been recognized as a national champion. (PHOTO: Scott Mayberry)

Niche's top high schools for athletes

1. Columbus (Miami, Fla.)

2. St. John's Prep (Danvers, Mass.)

3. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

4. Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.)

5. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)

6. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick, R.I.)

7. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.)

8. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)

9. Boston College High (Boston, Mass.)

10. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)

11. Bedford (N.H.)