Top 15 Academy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

15 Novels

Academy settings provide natural structure for web novels: built-in progression systems, peer competition, instructor mentorship, and clear power hierarchies. Korean novels particularly favor this framework, often combining it with regression or hidden-strength premises. The school environment creates instant social dynamics and recurring cast members.

The quality varies based on whether authors use the academy setting meaningfully or just as backdrop. Good academy novels integrate the educational framework into the plot and power progression. Weaker ones drop characters into schools that function identically to any other setting. These selections favor entries that leverage what makes academy settings distinctive.

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TOP PICK
Coiling Dragon
4.5
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake.
First Impressions
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Coiling Dragon. It was like finding a hidden gem in the vast ocean of web novels. The title itself, "Coiling Dragon," had this mythical ring to it, and the summary promised a tale of growth, power, and the bonds of family. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Linley's journey from a young boy with dreams to a sovereign of the multiverse was a ride I couldn't put down. - The World-Building: The way the universe is structured, with its layers of realms and the intricate system of cultivation, is nothing short of impressive. It’s a testament to...
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RUNNER UP
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss
4.4
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
She was a peerless genius in the 24th Century – all she needed was a silver needle and she could practically bring anyone back from the dead. After an explosion, she crossed over into a strange world; everyone calls her “Miss.
First Impressions
"Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan adventure that I found myself both captivated and occasionally frustrated by. With a strong female lead, plenty of scheming, and a slow-burn romance, it definitely has its hooks. But it's also a commitment, and not without its flaws. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of satisfying revenge and a protagonist who isn't afraid to play dirty. The setup is familiar – a reincarnation story with a genius MC – but the execution felt fresh enough to keep me engaged. I was eager to see how Jun Wu Xie would navigate...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu
4.6
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: comedy, school life, shoujo
It was something that happened while I was waiting for the day of the primary school entrance exam. I realised that I had become one of the characters of a shoujo manga that I loved reading in my old life, ‘You Are My Dolce’.
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride! I dove in expecting your typical reincarnation story, but what I found was something much more charming and relatable. It's easy to see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. Initially, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a bit cliché, hitting the usual beats of establishing the premise. Reika's constant internal monologues about her past life were a little heavy-handed at first, making it hard to connect with her new reality. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because the story truly finds its footing as Reika grows and develops....
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EDITORS CHOICE
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)
4.4
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Just like how everyone adores heroes in their childhood, a certain boy adored those who hid in the shadows. One day, after living the mediocre life of a side character while undergoing frenzied training by night, he reincarnates in a different world and gains ultimate power.
First Impressions
I dove into "To Be a Power in the Shadows!" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I've come out the other side with quite a few thoughts. This web novel is definitely... something. It's a wild ride that blends action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that's both incredibly entertaining and, at times, utterly baffling. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a protagonist who's convinced he's living out a chuunibyou fantasy, only for it to actually be real, is comedy gold. The early chapters had me laughing out loud. It's a unique twist on the isekai genre, and I appreciated the author'...
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EDITORS CHOICE
Kidnapped Dragons
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
– The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.
First Impressions
"Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...
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#6 PICK
I Favor the Villainess
4.4
(624 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
“I am the heroine of an otome game, so is it wrong to like the villainess? ” Corporate s*ave OL, Oohashi Rei, reincarnated as the heroine Rei Taylor in the world of the otome game 「Revolution」.
First Impressions
"I Favor the Villainess" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise: a protagonist reincarnated into an otome game who's far more interested in wooing the villainess than any of the male leads. It's a refreshing twist on the isekai formula, and I found myself eager to see how Rei, the main character, would charm the prickly Claire. Initially, I was drawn in by the humor and the dynamic between Rei and Claire. Their interactions are genuinely funny, and the story has a light-hearted feel that makes it easy to pick up and enjoy. It felt like a fun, fluffy yuri romance with a comedic ed...
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#7 PICK
The Villainous Daughter’s Butler ~I Raised Her to be Very Cute~
4.5
(539 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, romance
Regaining the memories of his previous life, Cyril realised that he was an otome game’s character, the villainous daughter– Sophia’s butler. At the rate things were going, Sophia would eventually have the prince stolen away from her by the heroine, fall into darkness, and be executed.
First Impressions
This web novel offers a fresh twist on the villainess trope, and I found myself quite engrossed in the dynamic between Cyril, the reincarnated butler, and Sophia, the "villainous daughter" he's tasked with protecting. The premise alone is intriguing, and the execution, for the most part, lives up to the initial promise. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the unique perspective. Instead of focusing on the villainess herself, we experience the story through the eyes of her loyal butler. This immediately sets it apart from other novels in the genre. The slow-burn romance aspect, while perhaps n...
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#8 PICK
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e
4.5
(599 ratings)
Genre: drama, psychological, school life
The story takes place at Advanced Nurturing High School, a leading prestigious school with state-of-the-art facilities where nearly 100% of students go on to university or find employment. The students there have the freedom to wear any hairstyle and bring any personal effects they desire.
First Impressions
"Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e," or "Classroom of the Elite," has been a wild ride, and after diving into it, I can see why it's so popular, but also where some readers might get turned off. It's a series that definitely has its strengths, but it's not without its quirks. The premise is intriguing: a school where students compete fiercely, using points earned through academic and extracurricular achievements to "buy" their way to a better life. Our protagonist, Ayanokouji, starts in the lowest class, and it seems like the goal is to rise through the ranks. But right away, the...
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#9 PICK
Shini Yasui Kōshaku Reijō to Shichi-nin no Kikōshi
4.5
(638 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
On one spring evening when I was eight years old, I, Erica, Duke of Aurelia’s daughter, realized something. Huh, I have reincarnated into a fantasy world, haven’t I?
First Impressions
"Reincarnated as a villainess" stories are a dime a dozen, so I went into Shini Yasui Kōshaku Reijō to Shichi-nin no Kikōshi with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, I quickly found myself pulled in by the unique premise and the promise of more than just your typical otome game fare. The detailed world-building and hints of mystery piqued my interest from the start, and I was eager to see how Erica would navigate her perilous situation. The strongest aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is its world-building. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the intricacies of the world, fro...
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Conclusion

Academy novels work well for readers who enjoy structured progression and social dynamics. If the school setting appeals in these selections, the subgenre has considerable depth, particularly in Korean web novels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

First Impressions

Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu

First Impressions

To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

I Favor the Villainess

First Impressions

The Villainous Daughter’s Butler ~I Raised Her to be Very Cute~

First Impressions