Lawrenceville, Georgia, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST) has earned a prestigious spot as No. 13 on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools list. With an overall score of 99.3, GSMST is also recognized as the No. 11 STEM school in the country. The school’s commitment to educational excellence is reflected in its 98% Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate and diverse student body, showcasing the dedication to advanced educational opportunities. Columbus High School also made headlines, ranking second in Georgia and achieving a 100% AP participation rate.
Lawrenceville, Georgia – The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST) has achieved a significant milestone by ranking No. 13 nationally on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best High Schools list. The school, located in Lawrenceville and part of the Gwinnett County Public Schools system, has an impressive overall score of 99.3 out of 100. This recognition highlights GSMST’s commitment to excellence in education, particularly in the STEM fields, as it is also recognized as the No. 11 STEM school in the nation.
In addition to its national ranking, GSMST demonstrates remarkable student engagement with a 98% Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate. The student body is notably diverse, with 86% minority enrollment and 40% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. These statistics illustrate the school’s dedication to providing advanced educational opportunities to a wide demographic.
Columbus High School, located in Columbus, Georgia, is also recognized in the national ranking, placing second in Georgia and entering the national top 100. Columbus High achieved a score of 99.56 and boasts an impressive 100% AP participation rate. The school’s student body composition includes 58% minority enrollment and 29% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. This school’s achievements further enhance Georgia’s reputation for providing high-quality education.
According to U.S. News & World Report, over 24,000 public high schools were evaluated, with approximately 18,000 receiving rankings. The ranking criteria include various factors such as college readiness, state test performance, achievement among underserved students, curriculum breadth, and graduation rates. In Georgia, 433 high schools were ranked, showcasing the diversity and caliber of education across the state.
For students in Georgia to graduate, specific requirements must be met, including completing at least 23 course credits and passing the necessary Georgia Milestones assessments. Additionally, students aiming to enroll in a University System of Georgia school need to complete two consecutive credits in the same foreign language, emphasizing the importance of foreign language studies in higher education.
The achievements of GSMST and Columbus High School illustrate a strong commitment to providing quality education, particularly in STEM fields, which are increasingly vital in today’s economy. Their efforts in fostering diverse learning environments and high graduation standards contribute to the educational landscape in Georgia.
FAQ
What are the rankings based on?
The rankings are based on factors including college readiness, state test performance, underserved student achievement, curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.
How many schools were evaluated for the rankings?
U.S. News evaluated over 24,000 public high schools across the United States.
What are the graduation requirements in Georgia?
Students in Georgia must complete at least 23 course credits and pass the required Georgia Milestones assessments to graduate.
Key Features of Georgia High Schools Rankings
| Feature | GSMST | Columbus High School |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | No. 13 nationally | Top 100 nationally (second in Georgia) |
| Overall Score | 99.3 | 99.56 |
| AP Participation Rate | 98% | 100% |
| Minority Enrollment | 86% | 58% |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 40% | 29% |
| STEM Ranking | No. 11 nationally | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Gwinnett County Public Schools
- WSB TV
- Google Search: Georgia high school rankings
- WSB Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Gwinnett Daily Post
- Google News: High school education in Georgia
- Patch
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