"Wow! We're really up there!" Milwaukee high school ranked third in the state -- and it's an MPS school

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Cheers rang through the halls at Rufus King International High School as students beamed with pride after learning what they've accomplished. Rufus King has been ranked the third best school in the state by U.S. News and World Report.

"We are standing in one of the best schools in the state of Wisconsin. Today is truly a day of celebration and I`m counting on all of you and I`m excited seeing all of your smiles and all of the excitement that`s here to help us continue to achieve success," MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver said.

Senior Marquawn Holmes says Rufus King also has a strong sense of community as the students have always accepted him.

"I had a good opportunity when I came here to Rufus King. It`s one of the best schools where I can really improve myself and be myself," said Holmes.

Rufus King is one of four MPS schools that were listed as the top 15 schools in the state.

There is a lot of criteria officials consider when ranking the schools.

"It`s everything from attendance rates, to graduation rates, to expectations going into school, and the number of students with high GPAs and things of that nature," Driver said.

As students were excited to hear the news...

"It`s really heartwarming and I feel really proud to be a King student just because it`s like 'wow we`re really up there!'" said Rufus King junior Stephanie Rios.

It will hopefully motivate them to continue to strive for greatness in the future.

Along with Rufus King ranking number three in the state, Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School was ranked second, Carmen High School of Science and Technology was number seven, and Milwaukee School of Languages was 12th.

Resources related to this story: