WILSONVILLE, Ore. – Wilsonville High School (WHS) has earned a top spot in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best public high schools in Oregon, coming in at No. 13 statewide for 2025.
The recognition places WHS among an elite group of schools across the state and highlights the strength of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
Local Schools Among Oregon’s Best
Several other high schools in Clackamas County also received high marks in the report:
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Lakeridge High School – No. 3
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Lake Oswego High School – No. 7
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West Linn High School (WLHS) – No. 9
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Wilsonville High School (WHS) – No. 13
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Sherwood High School – No. 18
District leaders say the results reflect the hard work of educators, students, and families across the region.
“U.S. News & World Report rankings are a reflection of our entire school community’s collective work,” said district Communications Director Andrew Kilstrom. “School and district accomplishments are a credit to all our West Linn-Wilsonville students, staff, parent-guardians, and community members.”
How Rankings Are Determined
U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 17,000 high schools nationwide using a five-part methodology:
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College readiness – performance on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
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College curriculum breadth – the range of AP and IB courses students take.
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State assessment proficiency – how well students perform on statewide math and reading exams.
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State assessment performance – comparison of student outcomes with expectations given socioeconomic demographics.
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Graduation rates – percentage of students completing high school within four years.
Schools are then ranked both nationally and within each state.
District Improvements Over Time
Both West Linn High School and Wilsonville High School improved significantly compared to their 2024 placements. Last year, WLHS ranked No. 12 and WHS ranked No. 24. This year’s rise in rankings demonstrates continued growth in student achievement and district-wide commitment to academic excellence.
“These results highlight the success of our instructional practices and the dedication of our teachers,” said Kilstrom. “We are proud of our students and grateful to our families and staff who support them every step of the way.”
Recognition Beyond Rankings
While leaders celebrate the recognition, they also note that rankings are only one measure of success. The district emphasizes a whole-child approach to education, supporting not just academic readiness but also social-emotional well-being, extracurricular involvement, and opportunities for students to explore career and technical education.
Still, the national spotlight underscores that students in Wilsonville and surrounding communities are excelling in ways that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With consistent gains in rankings and strong community support, Wilsonville High School and its district peers are positioning themselves as leaders in Oregon’s public education system.
As the 2025 school year progresses, administrators say they are committed to continuing improvements in curriculum, equity, and college preparation — ensuring students are well-prepared for future opportunities.
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