Douglas in top five schools in state

Douglas High School was one of five Nevada high schools that received a silver ranking in U.S. News & World Report's second annual America's Best High Schools.

"This is quite an honor," said Douglas Principal Marty Swisher.

The report examined more than 20,000 public high schools in 48 states. In Nevada, 53 high schools were analyzed, with seven receiving a bronze ranking and only five, including Douglas, receiving a silver. There were no gold-ranked high schools in Nevada.

According to the magazine's Web site, rankings were based on three things: Academic performance relative to student poverty, academic proficiency rates relative to disadvantaged students, and college readiness of students based on participation in advanced placement courses and tests.

Douglas High scored highest in college readiness.

"It recognizes the quality of teachers we have working with our students who choose to take our advanced placement classes," Swisher said. "Additionally, it recognizes the achievement and preparation for college course work that these students are pursuing."

Swisher said Douglas High offers 12 advanced placement courses. He said last year, 242 students participated in the classes.

"Douglas High School is a comprehensive program, and we want to offer as many options for students for their future goals as possible," Swisher said. "Ultimately, it is working together with our community, school board, district office staff, and teachers and students which deserves a large part of the credit. Without the right support and investment, we could not, as a school, have achieved the level of success that we have."

Three of the five high schools in Nevada that received the silver ranking are located in Las Vegas, including the Advanced Technologies Academy, Coronado High School and the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts Magnet.

The only other school in Northern Nevada to receive the designation was Galena High School in Reno.