Making this list is not just about bragging rights, the rankings are designed to predict which students will be successful in college. Only 6% of the 27,000 public high schools in the U.S. make this list. To graduate from one of these high schools takes a lot of work.
"I think tough is soft... It was painful at times, but i think it was worth it," said Erin Austin.
She graduated in May from the Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy, or LASA, in East Austin. Her sister Laura will be a junior next year.
"You have to limit time off. You have to know, once I get home I have to do this homework. I can't set it aside, I can't procrastinate. And you have to be ok with that in order to get everything done," said Laura.
This week, Newsweek Magazine ranked LASA as the top high school in Central Texas, 52nd in the country. The rankings are based on the total number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests given last May.
"They're being exposed to much more rigorous courses than say a regular level English 4 or Math class. So when they get to college they've learned they have to put forth much more effort and they have to budget their time," said Principal Rene Sanchez.
LASA is not alone. Westlake High School in Eanes ISD ranks second in Central Texas on this list. For the past two years, every Ivy League School has accepted at least one of its graduates. Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD comes in third in Central Texas. Its graduates regularly head to Stanford, Harvard, Yale and MIT.
Luisa Keeler will be a senior at LASA this year.
"I don't think I've ever thought, oh high school this is so easy.
She's hoping to be accepted to one of her top choices.
"Cornell, Boston University, St. Andrews in Scotland.. University of Sydney," she said.
And is willing to work hard at LASA to get to the University of her dreams.
The list of local high schools ranked as the best include:
#52 Liberal Arts & Sciences Academy (AISD)
#58 Westlake High School (Eanes ISD)
#90 Westwood High School (RRISD)
#321 Anderson High School (AISD)
#565 McNeil High School (RRISD)
#780 Cedar Park High School (LISD)
#820 Bowie High School (AISD)
#829 Dripping Springs High School (DSISD)
#862 Lake Travis High School (Lake Travis ISD)
#872 Round Rock High School (RRISD)
#929 McCallum High School (AISD)
#1284 Akins High School (AISD)
Each falls into the top 6% of all U.S. high schools.
