August 29, 2025

Jacksonville High Schools Achieve Top Rankings

News Summary

Several high schools in Jacksonville and surrounding regions have earned impressive rankings in the latest U.S. News & World Report for ‘Best High Schools.’ Stanton College Preparatory School leads the pack locally, ranked No. 6 in Florida and No. 65 nationally, showcasing the dedication of students and staff towards academic excellence. Other Jacksonville schools also made the top 100 list, reflecting their commitment to educational success. The rankings underscore the importance of evaluating school performance and college readiness in the local education landscape.

Jacksonville – Several high schools from Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia have achieved notable rankings in the recently released U.S. News & World Report’s “2025-2026 Best High Schools” list. This annual ranking evaluated approximately 25,000 public high schools across the United States, highlighting the academic performance and college readiness of institutions in the region.

In a comprehensive evaluation that encompassed nearly 18,000 ranked schools, the rankings were based on six critical indicators designed to assess school performance. These indicators include college readiness (30%), state assessment proficiency (20%), state assessment performance (20%), underserved student performance (10%), college curriculum breadth (10%), and graduation rate (10%). It is important to note that no private high schools were included in the rankings due to a lack of publicly available data, while charter and magnet schools were considered eligible for ranking as they are publicly funded.

Stanton College Preparatory School has emerged as the top-ranked school in the Jacksonville area, securing the No. 6 position within Florida and No. 65 nationally. Other notable high schools in Jacksonville that made the top 100 list in Florida include:

Paxon School for Advanced Studies: ranked No. 18
Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies: ranked No. 23
Darnell Cookman School of Medical Arts: ranked No. 26
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts: ranked No. 33

Additionally, several high schools from Southeast Georgia have also been recognized, with at least one making it to the top 100 in the state. These rankings reflect a commitment to academic excellence among local high schools.

While Stanton College Preparatory School leads in Jacksonville, the top high school in the nation is BASIS Tucson North located in Arizona. Other institutions rounding out the national top five include Signature School in Indiana, Central Magnet School in Tennessee, Davidson Academy in Nevada, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia.

The full ranking report is available for viewing on the U.S. News & World Report’s website. The rankings provide valuable insight into the educational landscape, helping parents, students, and educators to assess the performance of high schools throughout the nation.

Overall, the recognition received by Jacksonville high schools reflects the dedication and hard work of students, teachers, and administrators in striving for academic success. As more parents and students seek quality education, these rankings serve as a valuable resource for guiding educational choices and understanding the strengths of local schools compared to national standards.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic I-10 Crash Claims Life of Jacksonville Woman
Ventrell Miller Hosts Back-to-School Event for Local Students
Jacksonville High Schools Shine in Latest U.S. News Rankings
Navy Federal Credit Union Named Best Employer in Florida
Motorcycle Accident Leaves Rider in Critical Condition in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Jacksonville Leaves One Dead
Trump Administration Cancels $12.3 Million Grant for Sexual Education
Jacksonville Police Investigate Stabbing Death of Local Woman
Jacksonville Surf Park Proposal Submitted

Additional Resources

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!