Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) has been ranked the second-best high school in the country and the best high school in the state of Virginia, according to national rankings of the best high schools by U.S. News.

The Fairfax County magnet school was one of 21,776 U.S. public high schools reviewed and one of 96 Virginia schools to make the list.

The School for the Talented and Gifted in Texas was selected as the top school in the nation. The School of Science and Engineering Magnet in Texas, University High School in Arizona, and International Academy in Missouri rounded out the top five schools at third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

According to U.S. News, the rankings were calculated based on state proficiency standards, how well the schools prepare students for college, and other factors. Schools were also awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on those factors.

TJHSST received a gold medal ranking, placing it in the top 500 schools based on highest college readiness. College readiness is based on the percentage of 12th graders who were tested and passed AP exams. TJHSST received a score of 100 for college readiness.

Eighteen Virginia schools received gold medals, 19 were awarded silver medals and 59 received bronze medals.

Falls Church City's George Mason High School and Fairfax County's George C. Marshall High School (in the Falls Church area)  McLean High School in McLean and James W. Robinson Jr. Secondary School in Burke rounded out the top five rankings in Virginia.

Annandale High School was not ranked, but received a college readiness index of 53.7 percent.