TL;DR: According to the 2025 ranking (2024 baccalaureate data), the top 5 schools in Nice are: 1) Sasserno, 2) Stanislas, 3) Saint-Barthélémy, 4) Don Bosco, 5) Saint-Joseph. We detail for each high school the success and honors rates, the status (public/private), and the strengths. Use the comparative table and the IVAL method for a truly informed choice.
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Definitions, Method & IVAL
Media rankings are based on the results of the baccalaureate (2024 session for the 2025 ranking) and on the value-added indicators of high schools (IVAL) published by the DEPP (Ministry of Education). The IVAL compares observed results to an “expected” level, taking into account student profiles and pathways (notably the rate of progression from 10th grade to the baccalaureate). This avoids confusing selectivity with the school’s own effect.
- Success rate: proportion of students who passed the baccalaureate.
- Honors rate: proportion of those who passed with honors (AB, B, TB).
- 10th grade → baccalaureate progression rate: probability that a student entering 10th grade obtains the baccalaureate in the same school.
- IVAL: difference between observed and expected results, expressing the “value added” by the high school.
To remember: the “best” school on paper is not necessarily the best for your child. Look at the specialty offerings (advanced math, NSI, LLCE, HLP…), the sections (European, international), the school climate, and the transport logistics.
Top 5 Best High Schools in Nice (2025 Ranking, 2024 Baccalaureate)
- Sasserno — Private — 99% success | 92% honors.
- Stanislas (Nice) — Private — 100% success | 92% honors.
- Saint-Barthélémy — Private — 100% success | 84% honors.
- Don Bosco — Private — 99% success | 72% honors.
- Saint-Joseph — Private — 100% success | 78% honors.
Reading: figures include all baccalaureates combined (general/technological depending on the schools), 2024 session. Data from the “Nice” page of the 2025 ranking.
Key to reading: the 2025 Nice top 5 is dominated by private high schools. On the public side, the emblematic Lycée Masséna ranks just behind (6th in Nice; 99% success and 70% honors), with a recognized offering of specialties and sections.
Quick Profiles of the 5 Schools
1) Sasserno Private
Why number 1? Very high academic level (99% pass rate and 92% honors), close supervision and continuity of learning up to Parcoursup.
Profiles comfortable here: autonomous, ambitious students seeking a structured environment and an active community.
Points to watch: high demand at entry into 10th grade; check the combinations of specialties (advanced math, NSI, LLCE, HGGSP, etc.).
2) Stanislas (Nice) Private
Strengths: 100% pass rate and 92% honors. Personalized support, tradition of rigor and success towards selective tracks (CPGE/schools).
For whom? students aiming for strong academic records for higher education, with sustained methodological support.
Note: some options may be limited; anticipate open house days and registrations.
3) Saint-Barthélémy Private
Strengths: 100% pass rate, 84% honors; institution known for its supervision and stability.
For whom? families seeking close monitoring and a good balance between academic demands and school life.
To watch: availability of rare options (languages/arts) depending on the year.
4) Don Bosco Private
Strengths: 99% pass rate, 72% honors. Recognized educational environment, good guidance for orientation.
For whom? students looking for a human-scale environment and concrete projects.
Point of caution: carefully check the offer of specialties and optional courses according to the streams.
5) Saint-Joseph Private
Strengths: 100% pass rate, 78% honors. Culture of solidarity within the institution, individualized follow-up.
For whom? profiles wishing to progress within a structured framework with constant support.
To know: high demand in 10th grade and for certain sections; prepare the application in advance.
Comparative table & key figures
| High School | Status | Bac pass rate | Honors | Strengths | To check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sasserno | Private | 99% | 92% | Rigor, supervision, progression towards higher education | Admission procedures and option places |
| Stanislas (Nice) | Private | 100% | 92% | Individualized support, tradition of excellence | Capacity in streams and specific options |
| Saint-Barthélémy | Private | 100% | 84% | Stable school climate, support | Range of options depending on the year |
| Don Bosco | Private | 99% | 72% | Human scale, concrete projects | Check offer by stream |
| Saint-Joseph | Private | 100% | 78% | Structured framework, regular follow-up | High demand at entry into 10th grade |
| Masséna (public benchmark) | Public | 99% | 70% | Solid specialty offer, academic reputation | Selection/assignment, highly demanded sections |
Figures from the 2025 ranking (bac 2024) for the city of Nice. Before making any decision, cross-check with the IVAL (added value) and the access rate 2nd→bac.
Choosing the right high school in Nice
1) Compare beyond raw rates
- Evaluate success + honors + access rate + IVAL for a complete view.
- Qualitative: school climate, Parcoursup support, international openness, student life.
- Check the specialties actually offered (advanced math, NSI, LLCE, HLP, HGGSP, SES, etc.) and the sections (European, international).
2) Align the choice with the project
- Scientific/digital profile, languages, arts, sports: select a high school aligned with the post-bac goal.
- Consider the logistics: travel time (tram/bus/bike), safety, daily balance.
- Public/private: beyond status, look at the supervision and the school culture.
3) Anticipate deadlines
- Open days, interviews, tests for international sections: get information early.
- From 9th grade, take care of report cards and attendance; in 10th grade, set a coherent triplet of specialties.
- Prepare Parcoursup: projects, oral exams, extracurricular experiences, balanced grades.
Trends & points of caution
High school reform and choice of specialties
Since the reform, the structure of specialties (and “expert” options in the final year) weighs heavily in family strategy. In Nice, top schools commonly offer advanced math, complementary math, NSI, LLCE, HLP, HGGSP, etc. To aim for selective programs, prioritize a demanding but manageable combination (quality > quantity) and a coherent project.
Read rankings with perspective
Media use different weightings (honors, access, added value…). Hence variations from one site to another. To decide, compare at least two sources and refer back to the official IVAL, which position a high school’s performance relative to statistical expectations.
Public vs private on the Côte d’Azur
The top of the 2025 Nice ranking is very private. However, public high schools like Masséna, Les Eucalyptus, Albert Calmette, or Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves offer a solid academic level and interesting options. The right choice depends on the fit with the student’s profile and their post-bac project.
Equity and added value
The IVAL highlight “high-performing” high schools (beyond expectations) and others that are “selective” (high success but lower admission rates). In Nice as elsewhere, these nuances explain why a less “publicized” high school can have excellent added value for certain profiles.
FAQ — Best High Schools in Nice
How is this top 5 established?
Based on the 2025 ranking (2024 baccalaureate results) and the IVAL indicators published by the ministry (DEPP). We also cross-reference with specialized portals and local press.
Why are so many private high schools at the top in Nice?
The 2025 top 5 includes only private institutions with high success/mention rates. This does not exclude public excellence: Masséna (6th in Nice), Les Eucalyptus, or Calmette have serious strengths.
What is “added value” (IVAL)?
An official indicator comparing observed and expected results, considering student profiles and the 2nd→bac admission rate. A positive added value indicates that the high school advances its students beyond expectations.
Where to verify the figures for a high school in Nice?
On the ministry’s IVAL engine, the “Nice” page of the 2025 ranking, and portals like L’Internaute. Local media (Nice-Presse, BFMTV Côte d’Azur) also publish summaries.
How to maximize admission chances?
Plan ahead: attend open house days, maintain good report cards, have a coherent specialty project, participate in rewarding activities, respect the registration calendar (international sections: tests/applications possible).
Does a “very good” high school guarantee better post-bac admission?
No. Personal results, the coherence of the application, chosen specialties, and extracurricular engagement weigh as much as the institution’s prestige.
Sources & Resources (EEAT)
- 2025 Ranking — Le Figaro Étudiant, “Nice” page (local ranking and percentages): high school ranking in Nice
- Le Figaro Étudiant — 2025 national page (method based on 2024 bac and IVAL indicators)
- Ministry of Education — IVAL Indicators (DEPP) • IVAL engine
- L’Internaute — Ranking/indicators of high schools in Nice (complementary reference)
- BFMTV Côte d’Azur (04/02/2025) — 2025 Alpes-Maritimes ranking
- Nice-Presse (04/02/2025) — best high schools 2025 in Nice and the department
- Academy of Nice — Academic portal (presentations of schools and orientation information)
Advice: consult the official pages of the high schools and check the offer of specialties/sections, the admission procedures and the most recent added value (IVAL).
Conclusion
The top 5 best high schools in Nice in 2025 — Sasserno, Stanislas, Saint-Barthélémy, Don Bosco and Saint-Joseph — illustrate an academic excellence mainly driven by the private sector, with very high success and honors rates. To choose the right school, do not stop at the percentages: look at the IVAL, the offer of specialties, the sections, the climate and the logistics. Meet the teams during the open house days: adherence to the educational project and the human “fit” remain decisive.