Salisbury-Elklick Jr./Sr. High School was among those honored with a bronze award. While the distinction might surprise many from outside southern Somerset County, it doesn't phase folks in Salisbury.

"For years, we've kidded that we should take out a full-page ad in the Pittsburgh and Baltimore newspapers telling people that we have one of the best educational bargains in the country," said Salisbury-Elklick School District Acting Superintendent Larry Cogley.

The America's Best High Schools ranking of gold, silver and bronze medals is based on the fundamental principle that a great high school must serve all of its students well. The report used state proficiency standards as measuring benchmarks and looked at reading and math test results, college readiness, and percentage and performance of least-advantaged students. Although small in size -- the Salisbury-Elklick School District is one of the smallest in Pennsylvania -- the district doesn't let limited financial resources hold its students back.

"The students work hard. The staff work hard. The administration works hard to make sure that students get the best education they possibly can," said Joe Leone, a science teacher whose hands-on, interactive teaching style reflects a school-wide emphasis on engaging students and fostering heightened achievement.

Another key to Salisbury-Elklick's success, according to Cogley, is a caring community, a caring staff, and caring students. Kids said being from a small district is actually a benefit. "I think it gives staff and teachers a chance to seek out each individual, find each one's strengths and weaknesses and help students with what they'll need help with in college and in their future," said 12th-grader Kayla Hetrick.

At State College Area High School, one of the largest and more affluent school districts in the region, officials attribute the school's silver rating -- a top 500 designation -- to the strength of its faculty and scope and richness of its curriculum. Other factors include an education-minded community and an administration that is supportive of providing the resources required to continually enhance learning.

"They teach you how to be independent learners," said Maria Malizia, a senior at State College Area High School. "You have to learn that you're in charge of your education, and they teach us that at State High."

Students admittedly feel fortunate to come from a school with such high standards and said that reputation counts for something when applying to college. "Getting straight As at State College is not necessarily the same as getting straight As at other schools. It's a much more competitive atmosphere," said Katie Vadella, student council president.

While State College's silver rating reflects an impressive college readiness index based on participation and performance in advanced placement or college-level courses, officials said the district is equally proud of its comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of all students.

"We not only entertain the interests of the college-inclined students, but we also do a great job, in my opinion, of offering a solid education to those students who might be looking at a two-year trade school or post-secondary training," said Craig Butler, State College Area High School principal.

State College was the only silver award winner in the area, and one of only 21 silver and gold winners statewide. Only the top 100 high schools nationwide with the highest college readiness index scroes were awarded gold medals.

Next week, in part two of a Success by 6 special report, we'll profile three more bronze winners from Clearfield, Somerset and Blair Counties -- small schools making big strides in student achievement.