Lake Zurich High School was ranked the 37th best high school in Illinois, according to a recently released list from U.S. News and World Report.
The national publication ranks more than 21,000 public high schools in 50 states each year based on various reported data, its website stated. Nationally, Lake Zurich High School placed 980 out of 6,214, earning the school a silver medal.
Terry Mootz, the director of data and assessment for the Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, said U.S. News and World Report again made significant changes in methodology for the 2016 rankings, making year-to-year comparisons challenging.
“This represents the third consecutive year that ranking methodology has been significantly altered, making year-to-year comparisons nearly impossible after three years, as criteria for consideration and placement have changed each year,” Mootz said.
U.S. News and World Report awards schools gold, silver or bronze medals based on student assessment performance, graduation rates and how well students are prepared for college, according to its website. More than 170 schools from Illinois made the list, including nearby Barrington High School. The District 220 school ranked 782nd nationally and 29th statewide, earning a silver medal.
Throughout Illinois, 15 schools finished with gold-metal status, 82 finished with silver medals and 74 schools finished with bronze medals, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Stevenson High School based in Lincolnshire was one area school that was awarded a gold medal, ranking 166th nationwide and fifth statewide.
Christine Won is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.