Here’s how Yorktown and Lakeland high schools ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 list

YORKTOWN, N.Y. — U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025-26 list of the best public high schools in the country, and Yorktown High School secured a spot among the top 100 in New York state, with Lakeland coming in at 171,

Nationally, the No. 1 high school is BASIS Tucson North, a charter school in Tucson, Arizona.

Each year, U.S. News ranks nearly 18,000 public high schools across the country based on several key performance indicators, including graduation rates, performance on state-required assessments and college readiness. The rankings also evaluate how well schools support underserved student populations and how students perform in advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. In addition to national and state-level rankings, U.S. News includes lists for metro areas and school districts. Charter, magnet and STEM-focused schools are also ranked separately.

Yorktown High School

Yorktown High School earned an overall score of 94.42 out of 100. Yorktown's 98 percent graduation rate is well above the New York state median. The school also easily topped state averages on test scores, with 99/100 in math (vs. 60/100 state average), 98/100 in reading (vs. 80/100) and 91/100 in science (vs. 80/100). Overall rankings placed Yorktown at:

• No. 97 in New York state

• No. 999 in the nation

• No. 132 in the New York metro area

• No. 402 among STEM high schools

For more on how YCSD ranked, visit usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/yorktown-central-school-district.

Lakeland High School

U.S. News gave Lakeland a score of 90.01/100, with an above-average graduation rate. Lakeland earned a 91/100 in math (vs. 60/100), 92/100 in reading (vs. 80/100) and 78/100 in science (vs. 80/100). Overall rankings placed Lakeland at:

• No. 171 in New York state

• No. 1,788 nationally

• No. 222 in the New York metro area

For more on how LCSD ranked, visit usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/lakeland-central-school-district.

Walter Panas High School, also part of the Lakeland Central School District but outside the majority of Halston Media’s coverage area, was ranked No. 114 in New York and No. 1,160 nationally. Mahopac High School was ranked No. 398 in the state and No. 4,537 nationwide.

Reach Miranda Ferrante at ferrante@halstonmedia.com.