When one compares the high school located on the campus of College of the Canyons

with other high schools in the valley, one would have to call it “unique.” And now, the same comparison ought to also include the word “superior.” At least, that is the opinion

of U.S. News & World Report magazine.

Academy of the Canyons Middle College High School is an educational experience formed by a partnership between the William S. Hart Union High School District and the College of the Canyons. AOC made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of “America’s Best High Schools,” placing it in the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

“This ranking is a validation of our mission and a testament to the hard work of our staff and students,” said the school’s principal, Jill Shenberger. She added that the AOC staff is committed to effective classroom instruction, rigorous curricula and quality relationships between staff, students, parents and the school’s college partner to ensure successful learning for every student.

Academy of the Canyons is open to students from across the Hart District, who demonstrate by written application and family interview that they are highly motivated and ready to do college-level work. The school is limited to 400 students in grades 9 through 12.

U.S. News & World Report analyzed 21,786 public high schools in 48 states plus the District of Columbia, using methodology developed by School Evaluation Services, a data research business run by Standard & Poor’s. Some of its criteria included how well schools serve all the students, not just the college-bound youth. Schools also had to be able to produce measurable academic outcomes.

The first criterion determined whether or not the students were performing better than statistically expected for the average student in the state. The second step assessed whether the school’s least-advantaged students (black, Hispanic, and low income) were performing better than average for similar students in the state.

For the final step, schools were judged nationally for college-readiness performance, using Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate test data. Ratings were based primarily on the 2007-2008 school year.

The top 100 high schools nationwide with the highest college readiness index scores were ranked numerically and awarded gold medals. The next 461 top-performing high schools nationwide — based on their college readiness index scores — earned silver medals. An additional 1,189 high schools in 48 states plus the District of Columbia that passed the first two steps were awarded bronze medals.

Academy of the Canyons is located in the newly completed University Center on the College of the Canyons main campus. Information about the AOC program or appointments for recruitment interviews can be obtained by calling the school at (661) 362-3056.