This list is kind of silly, but I am sure it does a great deal to sell magazines and hype someone's feelings. I'm in Austin's camp. My HS (granted I went there 20 yrs ago) was ranked on their "Public Elite" list as recently as 2 years ago. This list seems to have been tossed away in favor of a new formula. It is now middle of the pack per the formula, as are some of the other prior "Public Elite" schools (or they aren't listed at all). I know nothing substantial about my former HS has changed in the last 2 years, or really the last 20.
But to the larger question, what are the metrics for an outstanding HS? Scores? 100% graduation? Teacher-student ratio? Getting into any college? Getting into an Ivy? Noteworthy alum? Academics? Student satisfaction/happiness?
No formula illustrates the true picture, as much as publications would like us to buy in.
