I currently go to a High School in Seattle. It is one of the best high school academically in the United States. I am struggling quite a bit and am very stressed and therefore considering transferring to a public high school where the workload and stress level would be significantly less. I am expecting a 3.5 GPA at Lakeside and 1-3 honors classes if I choose to stay. My question is as far as getting admission to a top college would it be more appealing to receive a 3.5 GPA at my current high school and take 1-3 honors classes or transfer to a public high school and receive a 4.0 GPA and 4-6 AP classes by graduation? Even with taking AP classes and getting a 4.0 at a public high school I believe the workload would be significantly less than what it takes for me to get a 3.5 now. Let me know and thank you!
Do not choose your high school based on what you think would look better to colleges. Go to the HS that suits you better. Don’t squander your teenage years drowning in stress.
There is no guarantee that you will receive higher grades at the supposed lb easier school. You would have to learn a well established culture, expectations of teachers, and social and academic interactions with new less. Changing school is not an easy glide into new academic expectations. There is nothing beyond guesswork to support your belief the colleges will prefer you application from the new school. Remember admission decisions are based on your complete profile and not the name on the building.
So, choose the high school you prefer. Your speculating about the impact of the new school over the current school in college admissions is simply that…speculation. Guessing is not a good basis for decision making.
I agree with everything @zannah writes. In addition, for most HS students, there is no option on where to go to HS - you go where your parents tell you to go. Admissions Officers recognize this so will not weight HS choice as a factor in the admissions decision.