U.S. News and World Report has ranked Malibu and Santa Monica high schools in the top 120 schools in California, with rankings of 53 and 112, respectively, both in higher position from last year.
News rankings are determined by college readiness scores, based on demographics, state test scores and college prep exams. Both SMMUSD high schools ranked in the top 700 nationally.
The publication surveyed nearly 20,000 public high schools nationwide for its 2016 Best High Schools list and released its findings this week. Nationally, Malibu High ranked 351; Santa Monica ranked 692.
“This recognition by a highly respected publication illustrates that our stellar teachers, staff and leaders are truly supporting and preparing our students for college and career,” SMMUSD Superintendent
Sandra Lyon said. “We congratulate each school site team and our students for their hard work, dedication and forward-thinking.”
To create the rankings, U.S. News looked at overall student performance on state-required tests; factored how effectively schools educate their least-advantaged students, including those of African
American, Latino and low-income backgrounds; and assessed participation in and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.
In the national rankings, 500 high schools or 2.5 percent received gold medals; 2,173 or 10.9 percent of schools earned silver and 3,545 or 17.8 percent took home bronze, with 68.8 percent of schools not earning a medal. Malibu High was awarded a gold medal and Santa Monica High earned a silver medal.
In 2015, Malibu ranked 68 in the state and 360 in the country and Samohi ranked 147 in the state and 788 in the nation. Olympic High School is not included in this ranking, however, was awarded the prestigious Model Continuation High School award in California in 2014, for a three-year term.
