Two CKSD schools were recently named to the list of America’s Best High Schools. Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) earned a spot on the annual list of the nation’s top-rated public high schools for the ninth time, and Klahowya Secondary School (KSS) was listed for the second time in the school’s history.

Only 7 percent of all the public schools in the country made this year’s list, which was published by The Washington Post. CKHS ranked at 362 nationally, up 78 spots from last year. With a challenge index of 2.81, CKHS is celebrating the highest index score in its history and ranks in the top 2 percent of all public high schools nationally.

Klahowya ranked at 1,406 nationally, also up from last year. The school’s challenge index, 1.396, rose from last year, too.

Statewide, only 40 high schools (of nearly 500) appeared on the list. CKHS ranks sixth in the state, while KSS ranks at 28.

The list of America’s Best High Schools is based the “Challenge Index.” The formula divides the number of college-level (e.g., Advance Placement) tests a school gives by the number of graduating seniors. According to The Washington Post, while the scores are not necessarily a measure of the overall quality of the school, the rating can reveal the level of a high school’s commitment to preparing average students for college.

“I am proud to congratulate Central Kitsap High School and Klahowya Secondary School for this very visible and well-deserved recognition,” said Superintendent Greg Lynch. “This achievement did not happen by chance. These schools have worked hard to create an academically rigorous culture, and our students are most certainly rising to the challenge.”