Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but its commitment to athletic excellence in high school sports is anything but small. With just 99 high schools across its 2,489 square miles, the state consistently produces top-tier athletes who go on to compete at elite college levels and even professionally. A recent comprehensive study has ranked the top 25 high schools in Delaware for student-athletes, based on a combination of factors including student and parent reviews, number of state championships won, overall student participation in athletics, and the diversity of sports offered.
The ranking provides insight into how these schools foster competitive environments while supporting academic achievement. Below is the list of the top 25 Delaware high schools for athletics:
Top 25 Delaware High Schools for Athletes
25. Delaware Military Academy (Wilmington)
With 28 sports available, this academy emphasizes discipline and leadership both on and off the field.
24. Sussex Central High School (Georgetown)
Offering 18 different sports, this school stands out for its strong community involvement and consistent athletic performance.
23. Brandywine High School (Wilmington)
Home to 23 sports programs, Brandywine nurtures talent across a wide range of athletic disciplines.
22. Caesar Rodney High School (Camden)
This school supports 20 sports teams, contributing significantly to the region’s athletic reputation.
21. Howard High School of Technology (Wilmington)
Providing 17 sports options, it blends technical education with solid athletic opportunities.
20. Sanford School (Hockessin)
Sanford offers 22 sports, combining rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on extracurricular athletics.
19. Appoquinimink High School (Middletown)
With 19 sports available, the school has steadily built a name for itself in regional competitions.
18. Delmar High School
Despite offering 13 sports, Delmar competes fiercely and maintains a strong athletic tradition.
17. Conrad Schools of Science (Wilmington)
Balancing science-focused education with 16 sports, this school supports well-rounded student development.
16. Mount Pleasant High School (Wilmington)
Mount Pleasant fields 22 sports teams, encouraging broad student participation and competition.
15. Concord High School (Wilmington)
With 25 sports programs, Concord is known for its robust athletic department and championship history.
14. Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Tower Hill supports 23 sports, fostering a culture where students excel both academically and athletically.
13. Dover High School
Dover offers an impressive 29 sports, making it one of the most diverse athletic programs in the state.
12. Ursuline Academy (Wilmington)
Ursuline provides 14 sports, focusing on developing female athletes through strong team programs.
11. Cape Henlopen High School (Lewes)
Cape Henlopen fields 20 sports and regularly competes for state titles across multiple categories.
10. Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School (Newark)
Hodgson offers 22 sports, integrating vocational training with active athletic participation.
9. Middletown High School
Middletown supports 19 sports and has become a powerhouse in several statewide athletic leagues.
8. St. Andrew’s School (Middletown)
St. Andrew’s offers 22 sports, emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and excellence.
7. Archmere Academy (Claymont)
Archmere fields 24 sports, maintaining a proud tradition of athletic success and college recruitment.
6. Smyrna High School
Smyrna offers 19 sports and is recognized for its strong fan support and winning traditions.
5. The Tatnall School (Wilmington)
Tatnall provides 16 sports, balancing competitive play with academic rigor.
4. Saint Mark’s High School (Wilmington)
Saint Mark’s supports 28 sports, creating numerous pathways for student-athletes to thrive.
3. Caravel Academy (Bear)
Caravel fields 16 sports and is particularly known for football and basketball programs that consistently rank among the best in the state.
2. Padua Academy (Wilmington)
Padua offers 16 sports, with a strong focus on women’s athletics and national-level competition.
1. Salesianum School (Wilmington)
Taking the top spot with 15 sports, Salesianum School combines Catholic tradition with elite athletic programs, especially in football, wrestling, and track and field.
These rankings reflect not only the number of sports available but also the depth of success each school achieves through championships, community engagement, and athlete development. Whether public or private, large or small, Delaware’s top athletic schools are united by their commitment to nurturing talent, teamwork, and excellence.
