Lawrenceville, GA, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology has been ranked 13th nationally, while Columbus High School secured 2nd in Georgia in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. GSMST achieved a score of 99.3 with a 98% participation rate in AP courses, whereas Columbus High School scored 99.56 with a 100% AP exam participation rate. These rankings reflect their commitment to academic excellence and highlight the importance of rigorous educational programs.
Lawrenceville, GA — The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) and Columbus High School have distinguished themselves in the newly released 2025 Best High Schools Rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The comprehensive evaluation assessed nearly 24,000 public high schools, ultimately ranking around 18,000 based on their academic performance and student outcomes.
Out of the public high schools evaluated, GSMST made an impressive mark by ranking 13th nationally and securing the 11th position among STEM schools across the United States. The school achieved a near-perfect score of 99.3 and boasts a notable 98% participation rate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Meanwhile, Columbus High School in Muscogee County also achieved substantial recognition, ranking 2nd in Georgia and 78th nationally with a score of 99.56. The school has been notable for its 100% participation rate in AP exams, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
The rankings by U.S. News are determined based on five key performance indicators: state-required assessments, graduation rates, college readiness, curriculum breadth, and overall student outcomes. These criteria provide a holistic view of a school’s educational quality and student achievements. The methodology used for these rankings was developed through a partnership with RTI International, utilizing data from the 2022-2023 school year.
Georgia has seen a commendable performance in these rankings, with a total of 433 high schools evaluated. To graduate, students in Georgia must complete a minimum of 23 course credits and pass the required Georgia Milestone assessments. Furthermore, those intending to enroll in a University System of Georgia school must gain two consecutive foreign language credits, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded education.
Highlights of the Rankings
- Top National High School: BASIS Tucson North, Arizona
- Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST):
- National Rank: 13th
- Score: 99.3
- AP Course Participation: 98%
- STEM School Rank: 11th
- Columbus High School:
- State Rank: 2nd in Georgia
- National Rank: 78th
- Score: 99.56
- AP Exam Participation: 100%
- Minority Student Population: 58%
- Economically Disadvantaged Students: 29%
Background Context
The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings aim to help families navigate educational quality by providing detailed and comparative insights into high schools nationwide. In this report, alongside traditional state, district, and metro area categories, specialized STEM and charter school categories were also included, reflecting the growing significance of specialized education paths in current academic climates.
Conclusion
As education sectors across the country strive for excellence, the high rankings of GSMST and Columbus High School serve as a benchmark for others in Georgia and beyond. Their performances in the U.S. News rankings underscore the importance of rigorous academic programs and the positive impact of comprehensive educational methodologies.
Chart of Key Features
| School Name | National Rank | Georgia Rank | Score | AP Participation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology | 13 | N/A | 99.3 | 98% |
| Columbus High School | 78 | 2 | 99.56 | 100% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Patch: Top 25 High Schools in GA 2025-26
- Wikipedia: High School
- WSB Radio: Metro Atlanta School Ranked Among Top
- Google Search: High School Curriculum
- WSBTV: Metro Atlanta High School Named Among Best
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox 5 Atlanta: 2 Georgia Schools Make Top 100
- Google News: School Rankings Georgia
- Atlanta News First: Atlanta Public Schools Redistricting Plan
- Google Scholar: Education Performance Indicators
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
