U.S. News and World Report has released its 2017 Best High Schools rankings and both Jefferson County Schools’ high schools rank in the top 10 in the state.

U.S. News collected data from 119 high schools across the state. Jefferson High School ranked third while Washington High School placed tenth in the state.Jefferson County and Ohio County, which only has one high school in its district, are the only school systems in the state with all of their county high schools in the top 10.

These rankings are based on a scorecard evaluating a high school’s college readiness index, the percentage of the school population that took Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the proportion of students that passed the AP tests, mathematics proficiency and English proficiency.

Jefferson High School reported a graduation rate of 87 percent with 34 percent of the school population taking the AP tests, and 77 percent of those students passing the exams. Jefferson High School was one of five schools in the state awarded a silver medal.

Rounding out the top 10, Washington High School reported a 95 percent graduation rate. Twenty-three percent of the school population participated in AP exams, and 70 percent of students earned passing scores.

“These rankings are a reflection of a system-wide commitment to excellence. From pre-school through high school our outstanding staff is committed to student success and these results show the results of that dedication and commitment.” said Bondy Shay Gibson, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools.