6 Pierce County high schools ranked among nation’s best

Six Pierce County high schools have been ranked among Washington state’s and the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.

The publication evaluated data from 21,500 public high schools to identify schools that, in the opinion of the evaluators, are best preparing students for college and careers.

The ratings use graduation rates for the first time this year. Other factors include enrollment, diversity, free and reduced-price lunch statistics, and the results of state assessments and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests.

Pierce County high schools named in the rankings include Curtis (ranked No. 1,469 nationally and 27th in the state), Lakes (ranked No. 1,928 nationally and 40th in the state), Peninsula (ranked No. 2,126 nationally and 44th in the state), Bonney Lake (ranked No. 2,150 nationally and 46th in the state), Gig Harbor (ranked No. 2,231 nationally and 49th in the state) and Franklin Pierce (ranked No. 2,371 nationally and 55th in the state.)

For more about the rankings, check the U.S. News & World Report website.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 7:36 AM with the headline "6 Pierce County high schools ranked among nation’s best."