Kinnelon Ranked #182 in Newsweek's Top 500 High Schools in U.S.

For the third consecutive year, has been named one of the top 500 high schools in the country by Newsweek, this year receiving its highest ranking at No. 182.

"It's really to our district's credit that despite the increased criteria, we actually rose higher than in previous years," said Superintendent James Opiekun.

Opiekun said the accomplishment would not have been made if it were not for a determined student body made of students who are driven to succeed in school and in life. He said it is the students who validate the programs the high school offers, and prove that they help students to grow and make career choices.

Opiekun also said the accomplishment is proof of how hard not only the high school staff, but the entire k-12 staff works to prepare high school students for success.

"I think it's a tremendous credit to our staff," he said.

More than 1,000 schools were examined before the magazine chose what they called "the best of the best: the ones producing kids ready for college—and life."

In this year's rankings, Newsweek used six pieces of criteria to determine these schools in it's America's Best High Schools feature. The information was self-reported by the schools and included college matriculation rate, graduation rate, AP tests taken per graduate, AP courses that were offered per graduate, average SAT/ACT scores and average AP/IB scores.

The top school in the country, according to Newsweek, is the School of Science and Engineering Magnet in Dallas, TX.

In the state, High Technology High School of Lincroft received the highest ranking at No. 18. Nearby, Madison High School is No. 200, Livingston High School is No. 106 and West Morris Central is No. 220. Thirty six New Jersey schools are on the list.

Newsweek did not immediately respond to calls for comment. For the full list of top schools, click here.