High school is where students begin shaping their future careers, college paths, and life skills. Delaware offers a powerful mix of charter schools, magnet programs, and traditional public schools, each designed for different types of learners.
But here’s the reality most parents overlook 👇
👉 The best high school is not the same for every child.
Some students thrive in STEM-focused environments, others in creative arts schools, while some excel in structured or career-oriented systems.
This guide will help you not just compare schools — but actually choose the right one.
🧭 How to Choose the Right High School in Delaware
Before making a decision, consider:
- ✔ Academic Focus: STEM, arts, general, or career-based
- ✔ School Type: Charter, magnet, or traditional
- ✔ Student–Teacher Ratio: Attention vs independence
- ✔ Programs Offered: AP, extracurriculars, internships
- ✔ Your Child’s Personality: Creative, analytical, disciplined
💬 Parent Tip:
Don’t just ask “Which school is best?”
👉 Ask: “Which school is best for MY child?”
Comparison Table
| Rank | School | City | Grades | Students | Ratio |
| #1 | Charter School of Wilmington | Wilmington | 9–12 | 242 | 19:1 |
| #2 | Cab Calloway School of the Arts | Wilmington | 6–12 | 311 | 20:1 |
| #3 | Conrad Schools of Science | Wilmington | 6–12 | 387 | 18:1 |
| #4 | Appoquinimink High School | Middletown | 9–12 | 233 | 15:1 |
| #5 | Concord High School | Wilmington | 9–12 | 253 | 14:1 |
| #6 | Middletown High School | Middletown | 9–12 | 205 | 14:1 |
| #7 | Brandywine High School | Wilmington | 9–12 | 235 | 14:1 |
| #8 | Kent County Secondary ILC | Dover | 6–12 | 86 | 6:1 |
| #9 | Christiana High School | Newark | 9–12 | 335 | 17:1 |
| #10 | Delaware Military Academy | Wilmington | 9–12 | 567 | 17:1 |
1. Charter School of Wilmington
One of the most prestigious schools in Delaware, this charter school is known for its strong STEM focus and academic rigor. Students here are highly motivated and often aim for top universities.
👉 Best for: STEM-focused & high-achieving students
👉 Choose this if: Your child loves science, math, or technology
Address: 100 North duPont Road, Wilmington, DE, 19807
Ranking: #1 High School in Delaware
Grades: 9–12
Students: 242
Student–Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Link: Visit this school
2. Cab Calloway School of the Arts
A unique magnet school focused on performing and visual arts, offering students the chance to combine academics with creativity.
👉 Best for: Creative & artistic students
👉 Choose this if: Your child is passionate about music, dance, or art
Address: 100 North duPont Road, Wilmington, DE
Ranking: #2
Grades: 6–12
Students: 311
Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit this school
3. Conrad Schools of Science
This school provides a specialized STEM and healthcare-focused curriculum, preparing students for future careers in science and medicine.
👉 Best for: Future doctors, scientists & engineers
👉 Choose this if: Your child wants a STEM career
Address: 201 Jackson Avenue, Wilmington, DE
Ranking: #3
Grades: 6–12
Students: 387
Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
4. Appoquinimink High School
A modern high school offering a balanced mix of academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
👉 Best for: All-round development
👉 Choose this if: Your child wants both academics and activities
Address: 1080 Bunker Hill Road, Middletown, DE
Ranking: #4
Grades: 9–12
Students: 233
Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
5. Concord High School
Concord High offers a traditional high school experience with strong academic and extracurricular programs.
👉 Best for: Balanced education
👉 Choose this if: You want a well-rounded school
Address: 2501 Ebright Road, Wilmington, DE
Ranking: #5
Grades: 9–12
Students: 253
Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
6. Middletown High School
This school is known for its consistent academic performance and structured environment.
👉 Best for: Stable academic growth
👉 Choose this if: You want reliability in education
Address: 120 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE
Ranking: #6
Grades: 9–12
Students: 205
Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
7. Brandywine High School
Brandywine High provides a community-focused environment with strong academic support and extracurricular activities.
👉 Best for: Community-based learning
👉 Choose this if: Your child prefers a supportive environment
Address: 1400 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE
Ranking: #7
Grades: 9–12
Students: 235
Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
8. Kent County Secondary ILC
This school stands out with an extremely low student–teacher ratio, offering highly personalized learning.
👉 Best for: Individual attention & alternative learning
👉 Choose this if: Your child needs focused support
Address: 631 Ridgley Street, Dover, DE
Ranking: #8
Grades: 6–12
Students: 86
Ratio: 6:1
Link: Visit this school
9. Christiana High School
Christiana High offers a strong academic and career preparation program, helping students plan their future paths.
👉 Best for: Career readiness
👉 Choose this if: Your child wants practical learning + academics
Address: 190 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE
Ranking: #9
Grades: 9–12
Students: 335
Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
10. Delaware Military Academy
A unique school offering military-style discipline and leadership training, preparing students for structured careers.
👉 Best for: Discipline & leadership
👉 Choose this if: Your child thrives in structured environments
Address: 112 Middleboro Road, Wilmington, DE
Ranking: #10
Grades: 9–12
Students: 567
Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
⚖️ Pros & Considerations
✅ Pros
- Wide variety of school types (STEM, arts, military)
- Strong academic and career programs
- Charter and magnet options available
- Good student–teacher ratios
⚠️ Considerations
- Competitive admission in top schools
- Specialized schools may not suit every student
- Some schools have strict systems
🧠 Did You Know?
- Delaware is known for its top-performing charter and magnet schools
- Many schools offer career-focused pathways from early grades
- STEM and arts specialization is growing rapidly
📌 Quick Summary
- 🏆 Best Overall: Charter School of Wilmington
- 🎨 Best for Arts: Cab Calloway School
- 🔬 Best for STEM: Conrad Schools of Science
- 👩🏫 Best Ratio: Kent County Secondary ILC
🎯 Which School Fits Your Child?
👉 This is where you make the decision easier:
- 🧠 STEM-focused child: Charter School or Conrad
- 🎨 Creative child: Cab Calloway
- 🎯 All-rounder: Appoquinimink or Concord
- 🤝 Needs extra support: Kent County ILC
- 🪖 Disciplined learner: Delaware Military Academy
Conclusion
Delaware offers some of the most diverse high school options — from academic excellence to creative arts and leadership training.
👉 The goal is not to pick the #1 school —
👉 but to choose the one where your child will grow, succeed, and feel confident.
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FAQs
Charter School of Wilmington is ranked #1 for its strong STEM focus.
Yes, Cab Calloway School of the Arts is a top choice.
10:1 to 15:1 is ideal.
They are more specialized but not always suitable for every child.
Focus on your child’s interests, goals, and learning style.
