The results are in: the school is ranked among the best in both Texas and the rest of the country according to US News and World Report.  Evaluating more than 21,000 public high schools across America on state proficiency standards and college preparation, the high school ranks 39 in the state and 315 in the country.

“The ranking is almost exclusively based, whether one agrees with it or not, on the number of AP tests taken and the number and percentage of AP tests passed at a school,” assistant principal Bruce Coachman said.

This is a result of the school’s mission to get students to take as many AP classes as they can. Because of the high percentage of students taking and passing AP exams, the school scores extremely well in that area.

“We do well not just in Texas but in the nation, and here’s why: Philosophically, the vision when Ted Moore and everyone started here was for every kid to be in AP classes all day, and pass all those exams,” assistant principal Bruce Coachman said. “That’s still our goal, for kids to take and pass AP tests. We want kids to take AP tests, and it’s in the very fabric of our curriculum.”

It’s something students on campus are well aware of.

“The majority of the students here are pushed to take AP classes or dual credit college courses which makes for a more rigorous education,” senior Anna Vecchio said.

 Part of the AP culture at the school is making sure that students who take AP classes not only get the benefit of AP-style learning but also take and pass the test to get possible college credit.

“We strongly encourage kids to take AP classes but we also require them to take the AP tests for those classes, so there’s a commitment they have to uphold when they take the class,” Coachman said. “The rigor and relevance of AP classes allows students to possibly get college credit and experience a great precursor to college that’s going to prepare them for those classes.”

This emphasis on AP classes and exams helps set the school apart, and it is evident in the state and national recognition received.

“The AP culture helps us in the rankings, but our kids are what really sets us above other schools, public, or private,” Coachman said. “We have very talented students and we push them, we stress them, but we believe that’s what’s best for them.”

While the rankings are something that may be more important to administrators and parents, students aren’t surprised by the school’s reputation.

“I didn’t know there even were rankings but it makes sense,” senior Nathan Thorley said. “I think this school takes testing really seriously. I think they have a very well planned system for testing here, whether it’s TAKS, SAT, AP exams or anything. We also excel in extracurriculars, we have excellent sports teams, fine arts that are really successful, and great academic UIL teams.”