Local schools earn high national rank
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Several local high schools have been recognized as the best in the country, according to the latest ranking by U.S. News and World Report.

Out of nearly 19,000 public high schools analyzed by the magazine, Oak Park, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park and Santa Susana High in Simi Valley were among 405 schools to earn a silver ranking.

The top 100 schools were named gold medal winners and 1,086 received bronze awards.

The magazine published the findings of its first-ever high school ranking list in the Nov. 30 issue. The ranking process took two years using an indepth methodology developed by a K-12 education data research business.

"To be named one of 405 silver medal schools out of over 18,000 public high schools in the United States is a testament to the high quality of the program that we offer," said Oak Park Unified School District Superintendent Tony Knight.

In California, 116 schools earned gold or silver awards, including 23 gold medals. Two state schools made it into the top 10: Pacific Collegiate Charter in Santa Cruz at second place and Preuss School UCSD in La Jolla at 10th place.

Schools from 40 states were included in the magazine's study, representing more than 88 percent of all high schools in the country for the 2005-06 school year. Ten states and the District of Columbia were not included due to lack of data provided for the study.

Oak Park High School Principal Lynn McCormack credited teachers, students and a "supportive community" for the school's positive recognition.

"Although we are certainly pleased with being awarded a silver medal, we would much rather be recognized as one of the top 100 schools in the nation," McCormack said. "Next year we will definitely shoot for the gold!"