Mesa High moves up U.S. News’ rankings

Costa Mesa High School jumped significantly in U.S. News and World Report’s list of best high schools in the nation released this week.

Costa Mesa’s increase marks the largest jump in score in all of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s high schools this year.

Corona del Mar and Estancia high schools both saw improvement in their rankings. Newport Harbor High was the only school in Newport-Mesa to achieve a lower ranking than 2013.

While Costa Mesa High moved up to the 650 spot, an increase of 613 from its ranking in 2013, Newport Harbor High’s score dropped 167 points on this year’s list.

Each year’s rank is based on data, including state and Advanced Placement test results, from two school years prior, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Costa Mesa High bypassed several top ranking schools this year including Irvine High, Woodbridge High and Capistrano Valley High.

“We are so proud of our students, staff and community in this achievement,” interim Costa Mesa High Principal Aaron Peralta wrote in an email to the school community Wednesday. “When we work together, great things happen.”

—Hannah Fry

@HannahFryTCN