High myopia is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide, with increasing prevalence linked to environmental and educational factors. This study compared the prevalence of high myopia among students in private and public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 2,045 students aged 10–18 years (1,018rnpublic and 1,027 private school students). Visual acuity was measured with Snellen charts, and cycloplegic autorefraction determined refractive errors. High myopia was defined as spherical equivalent ≤ −6.00 diopters. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26; p < 0.05 was significant. High myopia prevalence was 3.93% (40/1,018) in public schools and 5.06% (52/1,027) in private schools (p = 0.00008). Mild myopia (−0.25 to < −1.25 D) was more common in private schools (61.05%) than public schools (35.85%). Public school students had a higher percentage of low myopia and emmetropia. Females representedrn54.17% and 67.58% of public and private school samples, respectively. Mean age was similar: 11.76 years (public) and 11.93rnyears (private). Private school students reported 5 hours/week of indoor near work versus 0.5 hours/week in public schools, while outdoor activity was 1 hour/week and 5 hours/week, respectively. Private school students exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of high myopia, likely related to increase near work and reduced outdoor time. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as vision screening and myopia control programs in private schools to prevent progression and ocular complications.