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2022 College Success Award winners — coming this fall!

The GreatSchools College Success Award

Now in its fourth year, the GreatSchools College Success Award recognizes and celebrates public high schools across the country that excel at helping students enroll and succeed in college. In 2021, 1,838 schools from 25 states won the annual College Success Award.

National spotlight schools

Explore the educational approaches of these extraordinary Award-winning schools.

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Best practices

Browse key strategies many Award-winning schools have in common.

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Methodology

Learn about the methodology and data used to determine Award winners.

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Browse Award-winning high schools by state:


CSA Gold Badge

College Success Award – Gold

In 2021, the College Success Award carries an extra layer of celebration through the College Success Award – Gold. This elevated distinction is given to schools with a multiyear track record of preparing students to enroll and succeed in college.

GreatSchools is proud to recognize 1,770 schools with the College Success Award – Gold for their ongoing dedication to students’ postsecondary success.

Learn how we determine Gold winners.

National spotlight schools

What does it look like when a high school helps all students succeed?

Get a behind-the-scenes look at a few extraordinary Award-winning schools.

What is early college high school?

What is early college high school?

These public high schools give students the opportunity to complete up to 2 years of college during high school.

Culturally responsive teaching is… good teaching

Culturally responsive teaching is… good teaching

From helping kids relate to their schoolwork to limiting bias, learn how teachers are designing lessons to support all students.

Giving students voice and choice

Giving students voice and choice

When students get a say in what they learn and how to show it, they become more involved in their education.

Innovations that will outlast the pandemic

Innovations that will outlast the pandemic

During the pandemic, educators found amazing ways to reach students. Some innovations are so great, they’re here to stay.

Accommodations for all

Accommodations for all

Legally every child with a learning disability gets accommodations. This innovative school gives them to all students.

Tracking each student's path to graduation

Tracking each student’s path to graduation

At this high-performing high school, every student has a 4-year plan and they track each student’s progress.


Best practices

Our research reveals educational strategies that are integral to the success of Award-winning high schools. Explore articles and survey insights from school leaders on practices that help students succeed.

COVID-19 insights: Silver lining for learning

COVID-19 insights: Silver lining for learning

Find out how creativity in a crisis may change education for the better, forever.

COVID-19 insights: Technology comes of age

COVID-19 insights: Technology comes of age

Here’s what happens when modern technology meets the moment of remote learning.

COVID-19 insights: College counseling in 1-click

COVID-19 insights: College counseling in 1-click

How remote counseling helped schools deliver more equitable and effective support for students.

COVID-19 insights: Rethinking family engagement

COVID-19 insights: Rethinking family engagement

When meeting parents where they are means not making them come to meetings at all.

The power of positive school culture

The power of positive school culture

How people treat each other has a huge impact on learning. Here’s what to look for.

Why student-centered education should be the norm

Why student-centered education should be the norm

Allowing students to exercise their voice and choice helps them embrace their own learning paths.

The value of student-staff connections

The value of student-staff connections

Positive, meaningful relationships between students, teachers, and principals are the foundation for a great school.

Access to advanced academics

Access to advanced academics

Making rigorous classes widely available is crucial if a school wants to help all students succeed in college.
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The power of pathways

The power of pathways

Hands-on, real-world learning opportunities give kids purpose and make school relevant.
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College counseling

College counseling

Intensive, 1:1 college counseling has a big impact on student success.
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