Cook County High School has been recognized as a “Bronze” school by U.S. News &
World Report
in its America’s Best High Schools
project. Superintendent Beth Schwarz made the announcement to school staff in December with a congratulatory e-mail declaring, “Thank you all staff, for all you do for our children!”
According to the U.S. News & World Report
website, the America’s Best High Schools
project is an annual report that identifies the country’s topperforming high schools. The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students—from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving—in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work
The U.S. News & World Report
editors explain that since they believe high schools are among America’s most important institutions, adding America’s Best High Schools
to its “America’s Best” series was a natural progression. The website states: “Education drives our country’s future. Recognizing schools that are performing well and providing them as models to other schools will inspire educators and communities to do better.”
U.S. News & World Report
used a number of data sources to produce the high school rankings, such as common core data from the U.S. Department of Education website, collage board placement test data, and statewide accountability test results. US News
looks at how schools are educating all of their students, then their minority and disadvantaged students, and finally their college-bound students.
Of the 18,743 schools analyzed in 49 states, 100 received gold recognition; 461 earned silver recognition; and 1,189 were named bronze. The top school in the U.S. was Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA.
There were 39 other schools receiving the bronze recognition in Minnesota. Eleven Minnesota schools earned silver designation, but no Minnesota schools earned gold.
Superintendent Schwarz said, “There is always more that can be done, but truly this is an indication of the commitment this district has to high quality education!”
Medal winners are eligible to use the 2010 America’s Best High school badge to celebrate the award. The bronze medal is now proudly displayed on the CCHS website at www.cookcountyschools. org.
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