Recognizing top performing high schools

What makes a great high school? Which schools are among the top performers in each state?

Today, we released our list of Top Five High Schools by state — developed in collaboration with BusinessWeek. We highlight five schools in each state based on the following criteria:

• Top Academic Performance (overall)
• Top Academic Performance (among low-income schools)
• Most Improved - Academic Performance
• Parents' Choice - Public School
• Parents' Choice - Private School

BusinessWeek wrote an article and produced a video.

This collaboration is notable because it's the first time we've seen national “Parents' Choice” awards for both public and private schools. And it gives us a meaningful opportunity to reach out locally! Here's what Mike Schrek, the principal of Shenango High School in Pennsylvania, said about his school being recognized as "Most Improved":

“We are extremely honored to be recognized by GreatSchools and BusinessWeek as one of the Top 5 High Schools in Pennsylvania. Being recognized as a great school validates our past efforts as well as motivates everyone in our entire educational community to keep striving for academic excellence.”

What's your experience? Tell us what makes your school great!