WASHINGTON, D.C.-In response to the Washington Post ranking of the most effective college- preparatory public high schools in the nation, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released the following statement from its president and CEO, Peter C. Groff:
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 18 public charter high schools named among the Top 100 schools by the Washington Post. The High School Challenge identifies public high schools across the nation effectively preparing students for college, and we are pleased to see charter schools represented among the nations best public programs. Charter high schools make-up seven percent of Americas public high schools, yet 18 have been named in the Top 100. This means charter high schools are over represented in the Top 100 and more likely to provide a rigorous college preparation when measured by this index. Public charter schools routinely demonstrate that all children are capable of achieving at high levels, regardless of life circumstance. No students opportunity for success should be hindered by a lack of public school options, and these high-quality public charter high schools are providing the kind of college preparatory opportunities all families deserve. On behalf of all the families served by charter schools, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools expresses gratitude to the dedicated teachers and innovative school leaders behind this accomplishment. Thank you for your belief that all children deserve an excellent education.”
The Top 100 Schools: Rank, Public Charter School – City, State: #3, Corbett Charter School – Corbett, Oregon #4, BASIS Tucson – Tucson, Arizona #8, Signature School, – Evansville, Indiana #10, North Hills Prep – Irving, Texas #11, Peak Preparatory School – Dallas, Texas #19, Westlake Academy, Westlake, Texas #24, Preuss School UCSD – La Jolla, California #27, Sonoran Science Academy – Tucson, Arizona #36, University High School – Fresno, California #37, Eastwood Academy – Houston, Texas #41, Sturgis Charter Public School – Hyannis, Massachusetts #42, American Indian Public Charter – Oakland, California #50, Peak to Peak Charter – Lafayette, Colorado #54, Raleigh Charter High School – Raleigh, North Carolina #57, Benjamin Franklin High School – New Orleans, Louisiana #60, MATCH Charter Public School – Boston, Massachusetts #62, Harding Charter Prep – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma #83, Summit Preparatory Charter High – Redwood City, California
About the Rankings: The Washington Post’s High School Challenge Index divides the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or other college-level tests a school gave in 2010 by the number of graduating seniors. While not a measure of the overall quality of the school, the rating can reveal the level of a high schools commitment to preparing average students for college.
About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools:
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The NAPCS works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The NAPCS provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement. More than 1.6 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
