Explore the various factors that contribute to the rankings of San Diego County’s top high schools, emphasizing the roles of student achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness. Include insights from interviews with educators and students to illustrate these factors in practice. Discuss how socioeconomic factors influence educational outcomes and the implications for underserved populations. Analyze the methodologies used in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to shed light on their significance. Conclude with reflections on the future of education in the region and the ongoing efforts to improve equity in schools.