North Recognized as Top School

For the second year in a row, Parkway School District’s traditional high schools, including North High, were ranked as “America’s Top High Schools” by The Daily Beast, which recognized 760 of the best public educational institutions in the United States.

“It’s awesome. I’m so proud to be a part of a great school like North,” said senior Ellen Wang.

According to the National Center of Education Statistics, there are over 24,000 public high or secondary school institutions in the United States. This means that the top 760 schools represent roughly 3% of all high schools.

“I think it’s a matter of encouraging students to challenge themselves,” said principal Dr. Jenny Marquart.

Ranking was dependent on different indicators of school success, with graduation rates and college acceptance rates being most important. Additionally, SAT and ACT scores, rigor of classes and percent of students with free or reduced lunch were also taken into account. Data was collected from school surveys and the top 760 schools based on the above indicators were ranked. Overall, Parkway North was ranked 524/760.

“It’s always beneficial to have national organizations recognize your school,” said Dr. Marquart.

Along with ranking as one of the nation’s best high schools, North High also was ranked  as one of America’s “Most Challenging High Schools” by the Washington Post.

The Washington Post compiled its listing of the most challenging high schools by examining the number of advanced placement (AP) tests given at schools in relation to the size of the school. AP courses and tests are created to mirror introductory college courses and better prepare students for post-secondary learning.

Parkway North offers many advanced placement courses across almost all subjects. According to Wang, some students take these courses “because I want to challenge myself.”

Overall, Parkway North’s rankings as both a top educational institution as well as a challenging high school let colleges know that the school is preparing students for success after high sch

Overall, Parkway North’s rankings as both a top educational institution as well as a challenging high school let colleges know that the school is preparing students for success after high school.

By Gianna Sparks, Copy Editor