JEFFERSON CITY - The Jefferson City School District announced today that Jefferson City High School has been named to the U.S. News national list of “Best High Schools” in the country.

Jefferson City High School ranked #1 in Jefferson City, MO metro area high schools (out of 22 ranked), #64 in Missouri high schools (out of 718 ranked), and #5,155 in national rankings (out of 18,000 ranked). The state and metro area rankings show how schools fare against others in a geographic location.

High schools are ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college, including: college readiness (30%); college curriculum breadth (10%); state assessment proficiency (20%); state assessment performance (20%); underserved student population (10%); and graduation rate (10%).

According to U.S. News, the highest ranked public high schools are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions. Analysis is based on data from the 2020-2021 school year.

“We are laser-focused on building a District of Champions at JC Schools, and this recognition from U.S. News demonstrates that our efforts to increase academic achievement for our high school students are paying off,” said Jefferson City School District Superintendent Bryan McGraw. “We are offering more advanced placement courses than ever before, and our graduation rate has seen steady growth in recent years. Most of all, this is a benefit to our students who are leaving our district better-prepared for their next steps, be it to a higher education institution, tech or trade school, or entering the workforce.” 

“At Jefferson City High School we talk about being ‘Jay Great,’ and we are brimming with Jay Pride to have received this national recognition,” Dr. Deanne Fisher, Jefferson City High School principal, said. “We know our students are exemplary, and we will continue to strive for excellence every day in every classroom for every student.”

View the full overview and scorecard for Jefferson City High School from U.S. News HERE.