LINDEN &8212;Linden High School was recently recognized by U.S. News&World Report as ranking among the country&8217;s best high schools, along with 30 other schools in the state. The national publication awarded LHS a bronze distinction for exceeding expectations in achievements.

Collier said the hard work of both the staff and students has allowed them to garner many distinctions in recent years, including last year&8217;s designation as a Torch Bearer school.

The rankings were based on a series of criteria that noted schools that continued to perform at high levels regardless of their particular obstacles to overcome, such as high rates of student poverty levels.

Other qualifications included:

Schools achieve proficiency rates on state tests for their least advantaged student groups that exceed state averages.

Schools prepare its students for college, as measured by student participation in and performance on Advanced Placement tests administered by the College Board.