statewide in its 2011 rankings (an increase of 236 positions from the 2010 rank) which were based on the combined percentage of students classified as proficient or above proficient on the language arts literacy (100.0%) and mathematics (100.0%) components of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). In 2016, McNair Academic was ranked as the third-best high school in the state of New Jersey, 165th best STEM high school and 48th best high school in the country by U.S. News & World Report''. The school was one of 18 schools statewide (and three public high schools) honored in 2018 by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program run by the United States Department of Education, marking the second time the school was recognized by the program. Standards General admittance is based on a consensus of PSAT scores, academic performance from the 6th through 8th grades, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations. With the primary goal of diversity through affirmative action, the school's enrollment is based on a quota of 25% White, 25% Black, 25% Hispanic, and 25% Other (mostly Asian). The school enforces a business-type dress code (though not a school uniform) for both students and teachers. The basic protocols dictate the following: Sneakers and shorts are permitted only in physical education classes. Boys are required to wear slacks, button-down collared shirt, and tie for the entire school year, complemented by a suit jacket. A V-neck sweater during the autumn and winter seasons is permissible. Females are advised to wear appropriate, unrevealing business attire. Pants or skirts above the knee are not allowed. Open-toe shoes are permitted only for the months of September–October and May–June. Students are also required to fulfill 50 mandatory community service hours. Although the requirement was waived for the 2020-2021 graduating classes due to COVID-19. They must also maintain a final grade of 70 or higher on all of their courses. Students with a failing final grade in one course must go to summer school in order to pass the course. Student receiving a failing final grade in two or more courses cannot re-enroll in the school the following school year and must instead attend a local public or private high school. Athletics The McNair Academic Cougars compete as part of the Hudson County Interscholastic League, which is comprised of public and private high schools in Hudson County. The conference operates under the supervision of the New Jersey State