Three Lawrenceville High Schools Ranked Nationally by Newspaper

Three Lawrenceville high schools received national rankings by Washington Post columnist Jay Matthews in his annual High School Challenge. In total, 17 Gwinnett County schools made the list.

The three local high schools ranked were , which was ranked 505 in the nation by Matthews, at 653, and  came in at 710.

Previously published annually in Newsweek and named “America’s Best High Schools,” the rankings are calculated on a number of factors that aren’t necessarily based on the best schools, but rather the school’s commitment to preparing average students for college.

"Ratings like the Post's Challenge Index provide information regarding the level of a high school's commitment to preparing students for college. Over the years, Gwinnett high schools have added rigor and relevance to the high school curriculum,” said Dr. Steve Flynt, associate superintendent for Gwinnett County’s School Leadership and Operational Support. “As a result, we have seen an increase in the number of students stretching out of their comfort zone to take more challenging classes. We are proud of our schools' recognition and know that it reflects their commitment to preparing our students for the demands they will face in the future as they continue their education and enter the workforce."

The figures were based on 2010 results and at that time just one year in, Archer reflected that 53 percent of its students were headed for a 4-year college.

Here is more information about The Washington Post’s High School Challenge and how the rankings are calculated.