Information provided by the San Benito High School District. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
For the seventh year in a row, Hollister High School has been ranked as a “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report, which identifies the country’s top-performing public high schools and measures how well schools serve students from various social and economic backgrounds. Hollister High is ranked in the top 40 percent of schools nationally (7,069 out of 17,901 schools). The school is also ranked 45th among San Jose metro area high schools and 840th out of 1,646 schools in California.
Ranking Factors
Hollister High’s 2025-2026 performance includes the following:
● College Readiness Index: #3,599 nationally; #524 in California
● College Curriculum Breadth Index: #3,369 (tie) nationally; #462 in
California
● State Assessment Proficiency: #10,803 nationally; #994 in California
● State Assessment Performance: #15,253 nationally; #1,404 in California
● Graduation Rate: #7,172 (tie) nationally; #754 (tie) in California
Commitment To Student Success
Students at Hollister High continue to pursue academic excellence with a 39 percent
Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate. The school reflects the rich diversity of its community, with 86 percent total minority enrollment and 62 percent of students
identified as economically disadvantaged.
How The Rankings Are Determined
The U.S. News 2025-2026 Best High Schools national rankings identify top public
schools based on six key performance indicators: student achievement on
state-required assessments, strong graduation rates, and college readiness measures.
Schools are evaluated on how effectively they serve all students, including
underserved populations, with college readiness specifically measured through
student participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International
Baccalaureate exams. The rankings also consider curriculum breadth and overall
student outcomes.
Recognition of Dedication
Regarding the continued recognition of Hollister High School’s academic excellence,
Principal Kevin Medeiros said, “We are proud to once again be recognized among
the nation’s best high schools by U.S. News. Earning this distinction for the seventh
year in a row speaks to the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff, and the
strong support we receive from families and our community. While we celebrate this
achievement, we also recognize the importance of continuing to grow and improve
so that every Hollister High student is prepared for success after graduation.” San
Benito High School District Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Instructional
Programs Elaine Klauer added, “Hollister High’s recognition on the U.S. News Best
High Schools list for a seventh consecutive year affirms our district’s commitment to
academic excellence and equity. This honor reflects the impact of our Advanced
Placement program, AVID initiatives, and robust Career Technical Education
pathways, all designed to provide opportunities for every student. We are proud of
our educators and students who continue to rise to the challenge, and we remain
focused on expanding access to rigorous learning experiences that prepare all
students for college, careers, and lifelong success.” San Benito High School District
Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum added: “This continued recognition from
U.S. News reflects the collective effort of our educators, staff, Board of Trustees,
families, and community. Our mission is to ensure that every student graduates with
the skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals, and this honor reaffirms that
commitment. I am deeply proud of the culture of collaboration and excellence at
Hollister High and across our district that makes achievements like this possible year
after year.”