West Islip High School has once again demonstrated its excellence in education, earning a place among the highest-ranked public high schools in New York State. In the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings, West Islip High School was ranked No. 28 in New York State and No. 3,013 nationally.

West Islip High School was one of just 15 public high schools on Long Island to earn a spot among the highest-ranked schools in New York State. This recognition reflects the school’s exceptional academic programs, unwavering commitment to student success and dedication to preparing students to thrive in college, careers and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition and what it represents about the dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli. “Being ranked among the top public high schools in New York State is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the strength of our school community. This honor reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for every student to excel academically, discover their passions and build a successful future.”

U.S. News evaluated approximately 27,000 eligible public high schools nationwide and ranked nearly 18,000 schools. The 2026-2027 rankings use data from the 2023-2024 school year and were produced in collaboration with research firm RTI International.

The rankings are based on six key performance measures, including student achievement on state-required assessments, graduation rates and college readiness. U.S. News also considers how effectively schools serve underserved student populations, participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations, curriculum breadth and overall student outcomes.

West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell echoed the superintendent’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the school’s success. “Our students consistently demonstrate a commitment to learning and achievement, while our faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide rigorous, engaging and supportive educational experiences.”