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Reno, NV (May 24, 2011) - Eleven Washoe County high schools, including one charter school, earned a ranking on the 2011 Jay Mathews Challenge Index of the nation's best high schools.
This year, the following schools ranked nationally among 1,900 high schools: Coral Academy of Science at 261, Wooster High at 364, McQueen High at 518, Sparks High at 761, Galena High at 808, Hug High at 876, Incline High at 918, Reno High at 920, Reed High at 1400, Damonte Ranch High at 1595 and Spanish Springs High at 1720.
The Challenge Index's school rankings are determined by a formula created by Jay Mathews, an education writer for the Washington Post. Mathews devised the ratio by taking the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at the end of a school year, and dividing it by the number of graduating seniors.
"We're always thrilled to see more of our students commit to more rigorous work by taking Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes," said Ben Hayes, director of research and evaluation for the District's Public Policy, Accountability and Assessment department. "We know we're having about an 8 percent increase in the number of students accessing AP exams, so it's encouraging to see them succeed while our schools also improve in this ranking."
This year, the District's average Challenge Index score went up from 1.720 to 1.793, meaning WCSD seniors are accessing more AP exams.
Of the 11 WCSD schools measured on the index, eight increased their index scores and three showed decreases. McQueen, Sparks and Hug each improved their rankings.
"It's an honor to see 10 of our schools once again labeled at some of the best high schools in America," said Superintendent Heath Morrison. "Our principals, teachers and support staff are working very hard to prepare their students for college and highly-skilled careers. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to educating Washoe County students. As we look to the future, we hope to continue to see WCSD high schools on Jay Mathews' Challenge Index."
