HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Schools across North Alabama are being celebrated for their outstanding performance in the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. According to the report, several high schools in the region have been recognized for their academic excellence and student success.
Among the top-performing schools in North Alabama is New Century Tech Demo High School sitting at number two for Alabama high schools and number 282 in national rankings. James Clemens High School has clinched the sixth position, while Bob Jones High School claims the twelfth spot in Alabama. Arab High School, Hartselle High School, and Huntsville High School are also all within the state's top 15 schools.
The number one school for Alabama is Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery, and it is nationally ranked number 21.
The U.S. News & World Report uses these guidelines to rank the best high schools:
- College Readiness (30%): Percentage of 12th graders who took and earned a qualifying score on at least one AP or IB exam. Qualifying score carries three times more weight than participation alone.
- State Assessment Proficiency (20%): Aggregated scores on state assessments required for graduation.
- State Assessment Performance (20%): Comparison of aggregated state assessment scores with expectations based on student demographics (Black, Hispanic, and low-income).
- Underserved Student Performance (10%): Aggregated state assessment scores of Black, Hispanic, and low-income students compared to the state's non-underserved students, aiming for parity or better.
- College Curriculum Breadth (10%): Percentage of 12th graders who took and earned a qualifying score on multiple AP and IB exams, with greater value placed on participation in more exams (up to four). Qualifying score holds three times more weight than participation.
- Graduation Rate (10%): Proportion of ninth-grade students who graduate four academic years later.
For the full list and more information, visit here.