Hopkinton High School ranks eighth statewide in a survey of the best high schools in the country conducted by U.S. News & World Report, the publication announced Tuesday.

HHS consistently has placed in the top 15 [Editor’s note: Corrected from 10] in this annual survey over the past several years. For the 2025-26 school year, it also ranked 224th nationally out of 17,901 schools. It received an overall score of 98.75/100. More than 24,000 public high schools were reviewed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“While it’s certainly exciting to see Hopkinton High School celebrated, I really view this as a district-wide accomplishment,” stated Superintendent Evan Bishop in an email to the Independent. “Our students benefit from an exceptional educational experience beginning at our three elementary schools, carried through our middle school and culminating at the high school.”

Bishop served as the high school’s principal from 2013 until he was chosen this spring to succeed Carol Cavanaugh as the school system’s superintendent. He has worked in the district since 2005, previously serving as an assistant principal and school counselor.

“The recognition is truly a testament to the dedication of our teachers, counselors and staff, the support of our families, and, of course, the talents and hard work of our students,” he continued. “I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together.”

Bishop stressed qualities that make HHS unique, including staff and community investment in student success.

“At the high school level, specifically, I think what continues to set HHS apart is the balance we strive for — challenging academic opportunities, strong student support services, prioritizing relationships and teacher collaboration, and a community that values growth in and out of the classroom,” he stressed. “That foundation, built year after year, is what allows our students to thrive when they reach high school.”

Decision criteria outlined

The most important factor the news magazine used in measuring the schools was college readiness. This was determined by Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test scores. Other key metrics used were math, science and reading scores in tests administered by states; test scores for Black, Hispanic and low-income students; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

Massachusetts leads the country as the state with the largest proportion of schools in the top 25% of the national rankings, with 43% of its eligible schools in the top quarter. The Bay State is followed by Connecticut with 40.9% and New Jersey at 40.4%. Nine other states had at least 30% of its high schools in the top 25%.

The top 10 Massachusetts schools are:

1. Boston Latin School
2. Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley
3. Lexington High School
4. Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis
5. John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Roxbury
6. Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden
7. Pioneer Charter School of Science 2 in Saugus
8. Hopkinton High School
9. Belmont High School
10. Pioneer Charter School of Science in Everett