Niles and Buchanan high schools both received bronze medal recognition by US News and World Report in its annual ranking of the Best High Schools.

Only 15 percent of the more than 19,000 high schools analyzed achieved a bronze medal ranking, according to the data released this week.

“I was honored that Niles High School was one of those schools that was put at the top of the list,” said Robin Hadrick, Niles High principal. “It is an honor and a result of the hard work and commitment put forth by our students, parents, staff and the whole community.”

A three-step process determined the Best High Schools. The first two steps ensured that the schools serve all of their students well, using performance on state proficiency tests as the benchmarks. For those schools that made it past the first two steps, a third step assessed the degree to which schools prepare students for college-level work.

Schools that met the qualifications for passing the first two steps became eligible for either a gold, silver or bronze medal. A total of 4,707 schools received a medal.

Niles and Buchanan were two of 2,688 schools receiving bronze medals.

“In a time of economic hardship in our nation, Niles students and parents are invested in the education of our future generation,” said Eira McDaniel, science teacher at Niles High. “This award shows the pride this small city has in its youth.”