McLean High vs South Lakes High
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in Virginia, United States, 13 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
McLean High
McLean · Public high · Grades 9–12
2,428 students
South Lakes High
Reston · Public high · Grades 9–12
2,434 students
| Measure | McLean High McLean, Virginia | South Lakes High Reston, Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 92 Top 5% | 86 Top 5% |
| State rank | #3 of 317 | #42 of 317 |
| National rank | #150 of 16,910 | #536 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 2,428 | 2,434 |
| Enrollment | 2,428 | 2,434 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 13% | 34.3% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 11.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 96% | 88% |
| Math proficiency | 95% | 85% |
| city | McLean | Reston |
| state | Virginia | Virginia |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McLean High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (91.9 vs 86.2).
- •McLean High does better on math proficiency (95% vs 85%).
- •McLean High does better on reading proficiency (96% vs 88%).
- •McLean High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (13% vs 34.3%).
- •South Lakes High does better on students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.6).
- •South Lakes High is the larger school with 2,434 students compared with 2,428.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is McLean High better than South Lakes High?
On the Success Index (US), McLean High ranks higher (91.9 vs 86.2 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are McLean High and South Lakes High?
About 13 km in a straight line, between McLean and Reston in Virginia.
Which has the better Enrollment?
McLean High: 2,428. South Lakes High: 2,434. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do McLean High and South Lakes High rank in Virginia?
McLean High is 3rd of 317 and South Lakes High is 42nd of 317 among high schools in Virginia on the 2025 Success Index (US).