The better Jinan High School is typically determined by academic performance and reputation. According to a 2020 report by the China Education and Research Network, No. 1 Jinan High School consistently ranks among the top high schools in China, with a strong emphasis on science and technology education. This school has a higher average score in national college entrance exams (Gaokao) compared to other Jinan high schools, indicating its superior academic performance.

No. 1 Jinan High School has a long-standing reputation for producing high-achieving students who excel in both academic and extracurricular activities. The school's rigorous curriculum, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified faculty, contribute to its high academic standards. Data from the Gaokao show that students from No. 1 Jinan High School consistently achieve higher scores than their counterparts from other Jinan high schools, with a significant number securing placements in prestigious universities both domestically and internationally.