HARTFORD -- In the 2017 U.S. News Best High Schools report, Connecticut High Schools ranked fourth best in the nation.
Amistad Academy in New Haven, ranked 20th best high school overall in the nation and first in the state of Connecticut. According to the report, the participation rate at Amistad is 100 percent and the student body makeup is 49 percent male and 51 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 98 percent.
Also in the national high school rankings were Weston, East Granby, Ridgefield, Staples, Conard, New Canaan and Farmington. Overall, Connecticut had a total of 48 high schools that made it in the rankings.
The report reflects which schools are most successfully preparing students for college by looking at students participating in and achieving passing scores on Advance Placement tests. The methodology also includes aspects such as diversity, graduation rates, and state testing results.
East Granby Superintendent Dr. Christine Mahoney said the high school, which placed number three in Connecticut, was in the state's top 10 for the first time in several years.
"It is always exciting to be able to celebrate student performance," she said. "There’s always room to grow and so we continue to look for best practices, those things that are gonna help us to help our students do even better."
According to the report, East Granby has a 71 percent AP participation rate and an 100 percent graduation rate.
Even with budget cuts looming over towns, Dr. Mahoney believes it will not negatively impact students in East Granby schools.
"Our students come first," she said. "So, if we have to make adjustments in the budget, we try to preserve all of the things that are impactful for students in the classroom."
The U.S. News rankings includes data on more than 22,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
The report also shows that Connecticut had eight gold medal schools, 24 silver medal schools and 16 bronze medal schools. Several of the medal winners are located in the Hartford School District.
A spokesperson with U.S. News said Connecticut ranked second in 2016 and third in 2015.
To view the CT school rankings, click here.