Using a rating system that factors in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests, Salt Lake City's West High came in first in the state, 158th of schools on the list nationwide.

Park City High School was 205th and second in the state.

West High Principal Margery Parker noted that despite the school's large number of low-income students - more than 60 percent of students qualify for free and reduced price lunch - the school defies stereotypes.

"We fly in the face of the assumption that only certain students can succeed," she said. "We believe they all can succeed."

In May, West students took approximately 1,200 A.P. and I.B. tests. Student enrollment for ninth- through 12th-grade is about 2,200.

"We have talented and passionate teachers," the principal said.

She praises the "amazing school climate" and focus on rigor. The school has pushed all levels of students to strive for more demanding classes, the principal said. Of the roughly 2,250 kids signed up for math next year, about 550 signed up for calculus or above.

"That's an example of how the teachers make a focused effort to encourage all the kids to take the higher-level classes," Parker said.

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* JULIA LYON can be contacted at jlyon@sltrib.com or 801-257-8748.