News Summary
Several high schools in Jacksonville have made a mark in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with five schools listed among the top 50 in Florida. Leading the pack is Stanton College Preparatory School, ranked sixth statewide, followed by other notable institutions. The rankings highlight the importance of education in the region and serve as a resource for families navigating academic choices.
Jacksonville High Schools Shine in Latest U.S. News State Rankings
Several high schools in Jacksonville have received notable recognition in the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, placing them among the highest-performing schools in Florida. Five schools from the area have been listed in the top 50 statewide, demonstrating the strength of education in the region.
Top Rankings in Florida
Leading the pack, Stanton College Preparatory School has secured the sixth position in Florida and is also the highest-ranked high school in the greater Jacksonville area. It holds a national ranking of 65th. Following Stanton, Paxon School for Advanced Studies is ranked 18th, Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies occupies the 23rd spot, Darnell Cookman School of Medical Arts is 26th, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is ranked 33rd in the state.
Assessment Criteria
The rankings are part of the 2025-2026 Best High Schools report, which evaluates around 25,000 public high schools across the United States. Almost 18,000 schools were assessed based on six key indicators that measure educational quality:
- College readiness – 30%
- State assessment proficiency – 20%
- State assessment performance – 20%
- Underserved student performance – 10%
- College curriculum breadth – 10%
- Graduation rate – 10%
Charm schools and magnet schools were included in these rankings, as they are publicly funded institutions that cater to diverse educational needs.
National Context
In the broader national context, the highest-ranked high school is BASIS Tucson North located in Arizona, which has been recognized as the top school in the country. Following closely are Signature School in Indiana and Central Magnet School in Tennessee, which rank second and third nationally, respectively. This national comparison highlights the competitive landscape of secondary education in the U.S.
Highlighted Schools in Jacksonville
The featured schools in Jacksonville, including Darnell Cookman School of Medical Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, are particularly noted for their specialized curricula. Darnell Cookman focuses on medical arts, preparing students for future careers in health-related fields, while Douglas Anderson provides a vibrant arts education experience, catering to students interested in pursuing careers in various artistic disciplines.
Accessing the Rankings
The full rankings from U.S. News & World Report are available for public access, providing detailed insights into the performance and educational standards of each institution evaluated. The website offers a comprehensive breakdown of school performance metrics, allowing parents and students to make informed choices about their educational paths.
Conclusion
The recognition of these Jacksonville high schools marks a significant achievement for the community, emphasizing the importance of educational excellence in shaping future leaders. The comprehensive assessment from U.S. News & World Report serves as a valuable resource for families seeking quality education for their children in Florida’s competitive academic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- The Florida Times-Union
- Action News Jax
- U.S. News & World Report
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: High School
- Google Search: Jacksonville high schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Google News: Jacksonville high schools
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.
