International School in the Bellevue School District is one of the top 10 public high schools in the nation, according to the newly released 2013 Best High Schools rankings from U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks as the top school in the state.

International is ranked ninth among the more than 21,000 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia reviewed by U.S. News. Newport High (91), Bellevue High (125) and Interlake High (282) finished among the top 300 schools in the nation and earned Gold Medal status.

Bellevue schools also claimed four of the top 10 “Best Schools” spots in Washington state. In addition to International School’s top ranking, Newport placed third, Bellevue fourth and Interlake eighth.

“I’m very pleased to see the hard work of our students, staff, parents and community reflected in these strong rankings,” said Superintendent Tim Mills.

The 2013 U.S News Best High Schools list looks at state proficiency test data and how well schools prepare students for college. It’s a three-step process using data from the 2010-2011 school year.

International School had a college readiness index of 100, which is based on the percentage of 12th graders who were tested and passed AP exams. All of the International students took the AP exam and all of them passed.

“We are exceptionally lucky to be in such a strong and supportive school district and to have the hard work of students and staff, and our entire educational community recognized in this way,” said International School Principal Dr. Jennifer Rose.