DC-area high schools crack U.S. News top 5, led by School Without Walls and Thomas Jefferson

Two D.C.-area high schools ranked in the national top 5 in the latest U.S. News rankings: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (No. 6 overall, tied for first in three categories) and School Without Walls (No. 5, with a remarkable jump from No. 69 last year). The rankings emphasize college readiness (largest weight, 30%), graduation rates, and state test performance, with School Without Walls excelling on the assessments and Jefferson performing strongly across readiness, graduation, and proficiency. Nearby, Poolesville High School is No. 135 in Montgomery County, and College Park Academy is No. 795 in Prince George’s County.