Austin, TX—Two Austin Independent School District high schools are among the best in the nation, according to Newsweek's America's Best High School rankings for 2012. Liberal Arts Science Academy is 38th and Anderson High School is 551st in the country out of 1,000 schools featured in the annual report. Both schools also were recognized in Newsweek's America's Best High School rankings for 2011.

The national rankings are determined based on graduation rates, the number of graduates accepted into college, the number of advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses and SAT and ACT scores.

"We are thrilled the hard work of the students and teachers at Liberal Arts Science Academy and Anderson has been recognized on a national level," Meria Carstarphen, Austin ISD Superintendent, said. "Our students and teachers have worked vigorously during the school year and we congratulate each of these schools for this prestigious recognition."

Earlier this month, Liberal Arts and Science Academy and Anderson High School were named to the 2012 U.S News and World Report list of Best High Schools. Liberal Arts and Science Academy is 54th in the nation and 7th in the state and Anderson is 676th in the nation and 61st in the state, according to the annual report.