HASLETT - Haslett High School was ranked among the top 500 schools in the nation.

The list was released by Newsweek and its criteria was based on college readiness, graduation rate, and the poverty level.

Haslett High School made the list coming in at number 62 for their outstanding performance.

"I think a part of our success here at Haslett High School is meeting the needs of all students," said Haslett High School Principal Bart Wegenke. "And when I go back and I look at the determining factors that qualified us for the ranking with Newsweek magazine really all four or five of those areas are things that we focus on each and every day here at Haslett High School."

Wegenke says he believes that close faculty-student relationships, after school programs and challenging their students with high expectations and honors level courses helped their students to achieve the ranking.

"I tell students 'Never leave a classroom with a question," said Wegenke. He added that comprehension is one of the most important parts of learning.

In addition Haslett High School Vikings also made a list called "Beating the Odds" in which Newsweek surveyed schools success in comparison to the poverty level of the area.