News Summary
U.S. News & World Report has released its latest rankings for high schools across the nation, with notable recognition for several institutions in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Stanton College Preparatory School stands out as the top-ranking school in the greater Jacksonville area, achieving 6th in Florida and 65th in the U.S. The rankings evaluate schools based on indicators like college readiness and graduation rates, showcasing the commitment to educational excellence in the region. The report serves as a helpful guide for students, parents, and educators navigating school choices.
Jacksonville, FL – The recently released “2025-2026 Best High Schools” rankings by U.S. News & World Report have highlighted several high schools in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia for their outstanding educational programs. These rankings analyzed data from approximately 25,000 public high schools across the United States, marking a significant recognition for local institutions.
Nearly 18,000 schools were assessed based on six critical indicators, such as college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and overall graduation rates. Each indicator was weighted differently; college readiness accounted for 30% of the overall score, while state assessment performance and proficiency contributed 20% each. Additionally, the performance of underserved students made up 10%, while college curriculum breadth and graduation rates each accounted for the final 10%.
Among these rankings, Stanton College Preparatory School emerged as the highest-ranked institution in the greater Jacksonville area, earning the 6th position in Florida and 65th in the nation. This prestigious accolade is indicative of both academic excellence and a commitment to preparing students for post-secondary education.
Other high schools in Northeast Florida also secured places among the top 100 schools in Florida, though specific names were not disclosed in the report. Similarly, several Southeast Georgia high schools were recognized in their state, also ranking within the top 100 schools in Georgia.
Top National Schools
The rankings revealed that the top high school in the country is BASIS Tucson North in Arizona. This school led the national list, followed closely by other prestigious institutions, including:
- Signature School in Indiana
- Central Magnet School in Tennessee
- Davidson Academy in Nevada
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia
The methodology behind these rankings does not include private high schools due to the limitations in publicly available data. However, charter and magnet schools were eligible for ranking since these institutions receive public funding and exhibit transparent performance metrics.
Importance of Rankings
The “2025-2026 Best High Schools” report serves as a valuable resource for parents, students, and educators alike. By breaking down performance indicators, it not only provides insights into individual schools but also helps stakeholders understand broader educational trends across the U.S. The rankings are often used to inform decisions about school choice and highlight areas where improvement and investment may be needed.
For those interested in exploring the complete rankings and learning more about various schools across the nation, the full list is available for viewing online. This comprehensive dataset allows for a deeper understanding of where each institution stands in terms of academic performance and resource allocation.
As educational demands continue to evolve, such rankings will remain a critical tool in fostering excellence and accountability in high schools nationwide.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Top High Schools in Jacksonville Area 2025
- Jacksonville.com: Florida High School Football Scores Week 1
- First Coast News: JSO Student Hit and Run at First Coast High School
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Jacksonville.com: Five Fun Things to Do Aug 22-24
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
