Mason One of Commonwealth’s Best High Schools

earned a top 20 ranking in the U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best High Schools,” placing 19th nationally.

Mason came in first in Virginia amongst traditional public high schools and second overall behind . George Marshall High came in third in the state.

"The entire George Mason community is committed to excellence in mind, body, and character. We expect to achieve at high levels throughout our student body, and while the results are nice to hear, we are not surprised," Principal Ty Byrd said in a written statement. "We are confident that each Mason student is provided with a rigorous academic challenge and consistent support as they strive to reach individual and group goals. Thanks to our students, our teachers, counselors, administrators, assistant superintendent, superintendent and our school board. We are truly an exceptional community."

U.S. News surveyed the nearly 22,000 public high schools across the country to come up with the rankings. Mason was awarded a Gold Medal for achieving a perfect 100 rating in the USNWR College Readiness Index, which is based on exam participation rates and the percentage of students passing at least one exam, according to the release. Mason reached 98 percent proficiencies in reading and geometry.

The school was also cited for its International Baccalaureate program and electives such as Mandarin Chinese and personal finance.