In 2005, 2006, and 2007 JCIB was ranked #1, #2, and #4 respectively in the annual Newsweek poll of "The 100 Best High Schools in America".[1] Newsweek's formula, devised by Senior Contributing Editor Jay Matthews, divides the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken by the number of students, favoring schools such as JCIB which offer only college-level classes. In justifying his formula, Matthews said, "Kids are getting out of high school, having taken 10 or 11 college-level courses and tests. They're just about as ready for college as you can be".