FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified’s A.B. Miller High School received a Silver Medal in the 2018 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report, recognizing the school’s efforts to boost student achievement and promote college readiness.

U.S. News and World Report evaluated more than 20,500 public high schools nationwide. The top 5,948 public high schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on the results of a four-step evaluation process.

The first three steps analyze proficiency in math and English language arts on state tests as well as graduation rates. Eligible schools are then evaluated on their college preparedness efforts based on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate data. AP and IB participation rates, as well as how students performed on those tests, were used to calculate the school’s College Readiness Index (CRI).

A.B. Miller offers 19 courses in a growing AP program that challenge students to embrace college-preparatory coursework and potentially earn college credit; most recently, it has added computer science and studio art courses.

The school also offers a four-year Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which supports student success on the path to graduation through intensive tutorial support and collaborative peer groups. Over the last eight years, 100 percent of A.B. Miller’s AVID students have been accepted to California State University schools.

Schools ranked between 501st and 2,711st nationwide – all of which had a CRI at or above 21.51 – were awarded silver medals. A.B. Miller was ranked 495th in California and 2,519 nationwide.

Fontana Unified’s Jurupa Hills High School was also recognized by U.S. News and World Report, earning a Bronze Medal for 2018.

“Every Fontana Unified school is committed to preparing students for the academic and professional challenges of the future,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “We are proud to have schools ranked among the nation’s best high schools for their efforts to boost achievement, and offer congratulations to the students, teachers and staff who earned this recognition.”