Urbana High School has been recognized in the 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools rankings. 

The rankings are designed to recognize schools that demonstrate strong academic outcomes and college readiness. Urbana High School ranked 184 of 984 Illinois high schools and 4,682 nationally. This recognition placed UHS in the top 40 percent of the nearly 18,000 schools ranked nationally.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, educators, families and Urbana community,” said Urbana School District Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to rigorous academic opportunities and a wide range of programs that prepare them for success beyond high school. Through our Portrait of a Graduate, we focus on the whole student, developing the skills and competencies needed for their future success,” said Dr. Ivory-Tatum.

Urbana High School offers students a range of academic, career and extracurricular opportunities, including Advanced Placement coursework, dual credit, fine arts, athletics, career and technical education, world languages, and numerous student organizations and activities. Last year, UHS saw the biggest increase in students taking dual credit and a growing number of students enrolled in CTE courses, which the data shows corresponds with higher graduation rates.

“At Urbana High School, we are committed to creating opportunities for every student to grow, achieve and succeed,” said Urbana High School Principal, Jesse Guzman. “This honor reflects the dedication and hard work of our students each day. Each student brings unique strengths and needs, and our staff has built systems of support so that all students have the resources and opportunities they need to be college and career ready.”

The U.S. News rankings are based on state testing, graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college, which includes AP course offerings and the number of students who participate in those classes.