CHENANGO COUNTY – Two Chenango County schools were listed by U.S. News and World Report in a ranking of the best high schools nationwide. More than 21,000 high schools in 48 states were examined, and in Chenango County, Greene and Otselic Valley made the list.

According to the publication, the school ranking system is based on the idea that a school should serve all of its students well. The report examined state proficiency tests to determine which schools were performing better than the national average. They then looked at economically disadvantaged students – who tend to score lower on proficiency tests – to determine at which schools they were above the national average. The final criteria examined was how well the schools prepared students for college.

Gary Smith, superintendent of the Greene School District, said he was very happy with the results of the study, which named Greene and Otselic Valley to the bronze list, which included 1,321 other schools nationwide.

“One big indication is the state test results,” Smith said, explaining why the school had faired so well. “It speaks highly of our teachers, administrative staff and support staff and of the solid direction from the board of education.”