Seven Austin ISD high schools are among the best in the nation, according to the 2015 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Five schools—Anderson, Austin, Bowie, Liberal Arts Science Academy and McCallum high schools—reclaimed spots on the publication’s annual list of "Best High Schools." The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and Akins High School were ranked for the first time.

After evaluating more than 21,000 high schools throughout the country, U.S. News and World Report ranked:

• LASA–sixth in Texas, 36th nationally;
• Ann Richards–24th in Texas, 123rd nationally;
• McCallum–101st in Texas, 963rd nationally;
• Anderson–106th in Texas, 1022nd nationally;
• Bowie–117th in Texas, 1170th nationally;
• Austin–126th in Texas, 1252nd nationally; and
• Akins–180th in Texas, 2024th nationally.

“AISD schools provide students with a high-quality education and a world of rich opportunities to help them prepare for college, career and life,” Superintendent Paul Cruz said. “To compete in a global economy and contribute to a community’s prosperity, students must have options to study a range of programs, including the arts, business, civics, medicine and STEM. AISD offers these choices.”

Many of the seven AISD schools rank at the top of other national lists that recognize the best educational programs in the country.

“I am proud of the accomplishments of our students, teachers and team members,” Cruz said. “I know we have top-notch schools, and I'm glad they are getting the recognition they deserve." 

The national rankings are determined through a three-step process.  

For the first two steps, U.S. News and World Report reviewed overall student performance on state-required tests and factored in how effectively the schools educated their least-advantaged students. Finally, the publication assessed the schools on how well they prepared students for college, based on participation in and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.

To review the full list of rankings, please visit www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools.