LEWISBURG -- Lewisburg Area High School is not only one of the most challenging schools in the country, it's one of the best performing, according to U.S. News & World Report's latest analysis.

The school recently was recognized as among the top 3 percent of 21,069 high schools in the country, earning a silver medal in the news magazine's America's Best High Schools report, which rated schools based on state proficiency test results and to what degree they prepare students for college-level work.

"Our teachers, principals and staff are truly making a positive impact on the lives of our children," Lewisburg Superintendent Mark DiRocco said. "I'm extremely proud to be superintendent of such a great group of educators."

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va., was chosen as the top school with a 100 percent college readiness rating. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School in Philadelphia was the top school in the state -- and the lone gold medal winner -- with a 69.9 percent college readiness rating.

Lewisburg, which was among 20 schools in the state and 504 in the country to earn a silver medal, had a 27 percent college readiness rating.

David Himes, high school principal, said credit for the recognition goes beyond the staff.

"Our students come to school every day with a positive attitude," he said. "They come ready to learn and are very receptive to work harder when they struggle."

Jolayne Pinchak, a learning support teacher, has seen student commitment first-hand.

"To me, these kids really want to succeed," she said. "They come in ready to work and really wanting to get the best of their education. That in itself makes teaching more fun."

School Evaluation Services, an education data research business run by Standard & Poor's, conducted the analysis of more than 21,000 public high schools in 48 states. Nebraska and Oklahoma, as well as the District of Columbia, did not have sufficient data available for the analysis, according to the report.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the best schools:

n Attained performance levels that exceeded statistical expectations given students' relative poverty level.

n Achieved proficiency rates on state tests for their least advantaged students that exceeded state averages.

n Prepared students for college in advanced placement or international baccalaureate exams. International baccalaureate classes were added to the mix this year.

"What makes this award special to me is the fact it happened without us knowing about it," said Jonathan Clark, math teacher. "It's one thing to have an objective to improve PSSA or Terra Nova (test) scores, work hard on focusing a plan to get better, then achieve those goals. To see what we accomplished without knowing is that much better."