BASA Ranked Top 7% in Nation

Washington, D.C. – August 18, 2026 – Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy has been ranked in the top 7% in the nation among the 2026-2027 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate around 27,000 schools at the national, state and local level, with nearly 18,000 ranked.

 

The school was also ranked in the top 8% in Georgia.

 

“This achievement reflects the unwavering daily commitment of our students and staff, along with the strong partnership and support of our families,” said BASA Principal Thomas Thrailkill.

 

The methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness; reading, math and science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

“Earning a high placement in the Best High Schools rankings is a remarkable achievement that reflects a school's commitment to academic excellence,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “U.S. News evaluates thousands of institutions nationwide using a data-driven methodology that looks far beyond surface-level success. Schools that rank at the top of this list have proven their ability to consistently deliver high graduation rates, exceptional state assessment proficiency and robust college readiness. This distinction signals to families and communities that an institution is operating at the highest level of public education."

Parents and students can see how Barrow Arts and Sciences compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

 

Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) is a public high school of choice within the Barrow County School System, serving students from across Barrow County. Opened in 2020, BASA provides students with a personalized high school experience built around their interests, talents and future goals. Students have access to a wide range of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and Fine Arts pathways, along with rigorous academic coursework, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities. Through hands-on learning, career-connected experiences, internships, work-based learning and partnerships with higher education and industry, BASA empowers students to explore their passions and prepare for success in college, careers and beyond.

 

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.