When it comes to which area high schools are the best for athletes, how do they stack up?

A study from niche.com puts that question into perspective. Based on participation numbers, the number of sports offered, success at the state championship level, and surveys of students and parents, the website ranked 866 Ohio high schools and, separately, 749 Michigan schools.

The best in Ohio? Lakewood St. Edward, followed by Cincinnati St. Xavier and Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller.

Locally, area Catholic schools rise to the top, with a perennial multi-sport contender from the Northern Lakes League also in the mix. Here’s the top area schools listed in the Niche study (all schools in Ohio unless noted).

1. Central Catholic (12th statewide)

2. St. Ursula (16th)

3. St. Francis de Sales (18th)

4. Perrysburg (20th)

5. St. John’s Jesuit (21st)

6. Archbold (79th)

7. Anthony Wayne (125th)

8. Notre Dame (135th)

9. Bowling Green (136th)

10. Start (149th)

11. Gibsonburg (157th)

12. Liberty Center (161st)

13. Rogers (171st)

14. Southview (176th)

15. Whitmer (183rd)

16. Ottawa Hills (191st)

17. Patrick Henry (200th)

18. Eastwood (213th)

19. Wauseon (214th)

20. Bedford (215th in Michigan)

21. Liberty-Benton (217th)

22. Erie Mason (231st in Michigan)

23. Woodmore (249th)

24. Northview (266th)

25. Lake (296th)

First Published April 8, 2025, 1:04 p.m.