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AUG. 26, 2026—Palmyra - Macedon High School has been recognized as one of the top public high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026–27 Best High Schools rankings. Pal-Mac placed among the top five high schools in the Greater Rochester area and ranked 114th overall across New York State.

The national publication reviewed more than 27,000 public high schools across the country and evaluated nearly 18,000 schools based on key indicators including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment performance, graduation rates, and performance among underserved student populations.

A major driver of Pal-Mac’s standout performance this year was the strength of its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. When evaluating advanced coursework metrics, U.S. News & World Report ranked Palmyra-Macedon #46 in New York State for College Readiness and #44 in New York State for College Curriculum Breadth based on its IB data alone.

"Access to higher-level coursework is a critical part of our high school experience," said Superintendent Dr. Bob Ike. "Having our IB data directly reflect that strength in the state rankings validates the incredible opportunities we're providing and will continue to provide for our students, as well as their dedication to taking on high expectations and succeeding.  This recognition is also a  direct result of our incredible faculty and staff, whose unwavering dedication inspires our students to challenge themselves.”

Beyond its IB Diploma Programme, Pal-Mac High School continues to expand its academic landscape to prepare students for diverse post-secondary pathways:

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: The comprehensive IB Diploma Programme (DP), which prepares students for success at the collegiate level and in life beyond.
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW): An international pre-engineering pathway focused on real-world problem solving, design concepts, and college credit options.
• Micro-Credentialing: Tailored learning opportunities that allow students to earn verifiable recognition for specialized skills, software mastery, or project completion, making their abilities visible to colleges and future employers.
• AP, Dual Enrollment & Career Training: College credit options through partnerships with FLCC, MCC, RIT, and SUNY Oneonta, alongside Advanced Placement courses and technical training across 17 pathways through the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Wayne Technical & Career Center (WTCC).

Pal-Mac remains committed to helping its students learn, grow, and contribute by expanding college-level preparation and ensuring every student has the tools needed for post-secondary success. 

About The Palmyra-Macedon Central School District

The Palmyra-Macedon Central School District serves students in Wayne County, New York, delivering high-quality educational experiences. We strive for our students to be positive contributors who have the skills necessary to be citizens, participate in the economy, and make a difference in the world around them. The District has also proudly been named one of Rochester’s Top Workplaces by the Democrat and Chronicle and USA Today for the second consecutive year.

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