For seven years running, Central Kitsap High School has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of America’s top-rated high schools.

This year, the school ranked 323 out of approximately 1,500 schools, or in the top 2 percent of all public high schools.

A ratio of the number of students who take advanced placement tests divided by the number of graduating seniors is used to calculate an index score.

All high schools on Newsweek’s list have at least an index of 1.0 and CKHS raised its index score from 2.41 last year to 2.51 this year.

Washington has about 500 public high schools and only 31 of these schools made the list. CKHS was listed sixth in the state, behind five schools from Bellevue.

CKHS Principal Steve Coons said the school’s rank is actually down from what it was last year, but the index is higher.

“We are at 323,” he said. “We were at 305 last year, but we have moved up in our index from 2.41, I believe, to 2.51.”

The success of the school comes from a lot of work done over a long period of time, according to Coons.

“This has happened over two decades of hard work and philosophy from teaching staff,” he said.

Advanced placement development began 15 to 18 years ago, Coons said, with the main goal of “no barriers” to the classes.

John Cervinsky and Dr. Janell Newman were co-principals at the time and really spearheaded the philosophy that advanced placement was for everyone, according to Coons.

Currently, the school’s library has extended hours and tutoring is available to ensure the success of advanced placement students.

“Right now our library is open a half-hour before school and two-and-a-half hours after school with dedicated staff,” Coons said.

Central Kitsap School District Superintendent Greg Lynch said the CKHS staff are the reason for the school’s success.

“I attribute Central Kitsap High School’s continuing success to a very strong focus on student achievement and the caring, competent and professional manner in which staff members individually and collectively educate our students,” Lynch said. “On behalf of the district and our entire community, I thank the staff for making CKHS a wonderful place to learn and grow.”