Three of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools (MCVTS) have once again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in its ranking of the best public high schools in the United States.
The Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies in Edison received a gold medal for the fourth consecutive year, ranking seventh among New Jersey public high schools and 167th nationally, according to a statement prepared by the school district.
The Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge also received gold-medal recognition, ranking 12th among New Jersey high schools and 258th nationally.
Perth Amboy Vo-Tech was awarded a bronze medal for the second year in a row.
All three of the schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence: Perth Amboy Vo-Tech in 2012, the Edison Academy in 2013 and the Woodbridge Academy in 2014.
“We are confident that all of our schools are providing Middlesex County’s youngsters with the best possible path to success in college and their careers,” said MCVTS Superintendent of Schools Brian J. Loughlin. “It is always nice to receive national recognition of the hard work of our administration, faculty, staff and students.”
For the 2016 edition of Best High Schools, U.S. News and World Report profiled more than 28,000 high schools across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The schools were ranked using results of state assessment proficiency tests and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests. U.S. News gave each eligible school a College Readiness Index score, and then numerically ranked and awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, according to the statement. This year, 500 high schools earned gold medals.
The ranking also takes into account the percentage of students who come from disadvantaged households. The families of 78 percent of Perth Amboy Vo-Tech’s student body are considered to be economically disadvantaged.
Both MCVTS academies have 100 percent graduation rates, while the Perth Amboy Campus had a 99 percent rate.