Chapin, Dutch Fork & Lexington Among Nation's Best High Schools

Three local high schools are among the nation's best, according to a recent report by U.S. News and World Report. 

Chapin and Dutch Fork high schools in Lexington-Richland 5 and Lexington High School in Lexington School District 1 made the 2012 list.

The schools ranked fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, out of the 16 South Carolina schools named in the rankings.

Topping the list was Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston.

U.S. News partnered with American Institutes for Research, which implemented the rankings methodology. 

About 22,000 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia were analyzed through a three-step process, which included researching the school's assessments and college readiness.

Nationally, the schools ranked as follows:

• Chapin, #738
• Dutch Fork, #868
• Lexington, #1019

Schools were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on state proficiency standards, how well they prepare students for college, and other factors, according to the report. 

All three Midlands high schools received a silver medal while Academic Magnet — ranked No. 27 nationally — received a gold medal. 

View the full list here.