MPS high schools took Wisconsin’s top two spots on this year’s Washington Post list of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools” — those that are best in the nation at challenging their students to achieve through college-level exams.

Six MPS schools in total made the national list, which was released Monday. The MPS schools and their state rankings are:

• #1: Carmen High School of Science and Technology – South Campus
• #2: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
• #6: Rufus King International High School
• #20: Milwaukee School of Languages
• #29: Riverside University High School
• #35: Milwaukee High School of the Arts

The Post creates the list by dividing the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests a school administers by the number of graduating seniors. MPS has increased Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate offerings in recent years, including offering more AP classes in high schools across the district and developing IB opportunities.

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“In recent years, Milwaukee Public Schools has taken significant steps to improve outcomes so more students are prepared for college and career success. Challenging students to take more rigorous coursework is an important part of that work,” MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver said. “I’m proud to say that six of our high schools are earning notice on a national stage for their efforts. Making sure more students have access to curriculum that challenges and engages them is a critical part of the work we are doing now to rethink high schools and to redesign our curriculum.”