By Sallie Graziano | For NJ.com 
on July 27, 2015 at 3:49 PM

RARITAN TWP. — Hunterdon Central High School ranks 17th on a new list of “the top 50 public high schools across the U.S. that offer the best opportunities for students.”

The rankings, published by BestColleges.com, were based on schools ranked by Niche.com, an education website that surveys students and collects data to publish lists of ranked schools. Lists reviewed covered best academics, best teachers, best facilities, and safest schools.

Central ranked third for Best Facilities in Public High Schools in America, 15th for Safest Public High Schools in America, and 63rd for Best High School Teachers in America. “Although not particularly recognized for its academics, the school’s average SAT and ACT scores are above the national average, registering at 1850 and 29 respectively,” the report indicates.

It notes that many students said one of the best things about the school is that there are “lots of clubs and activities to join.”

In March, the school was selected as having the best school food for New Jersey and the third-best nationally by Food Service Director Magazine.