Dana Hills High School Makes U.S. News 2016 Best High Schools

Four Capistrano Unified high schools received silver medals in the U.S. News & World Report 'Best High Schools' ranking.

Aliso Niguel High, San Juan Hills High, Dana Hills High, and Capistrano Valley High all earned silver medals while the remaining schools in the district went unranked.

The four schools were singled out because of the opportunities their students have to take Advanced Placement courses. At Aliso Niguel High, 48 percent of students enrolled in advanced placement classes, San Juan Hills High had 53 percent, Dana Hills High had 47 percent and Capistrano Valley High had 48 percent.

"The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 21,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia," states U.S. News & World Report. "Schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments, their graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college."

The report includes information about curriculum, test scores and student demographics. You can read the full methodology here.

Here are the Capistrano Unified school rankings statewide, along with their corresponding national rank (in parentheses):

• 155 (974) Aliso Niguel High in Aliso Viejo
• 156 (983) San Juan Hills High in San Juan Capistrano
• 201 (1,179) Dana Hills High in Dana Point
• 210 (1,216) Capistrano Valley High in Mission Viejo