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Arlington Tops Newsweek Rankings

All Four High Schools Place in Top One-Half Percent of the Nation

The most recent Newsweek ranking of high schools in the nation places all four Arlington Public Schools high schools in the top one-half percent of high schools in the United States. The annual list of top high schools was released by Newsweek today.

Rankings are determined by using The Washington Post Challenge Index, which rates each school by dividing the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2008 divided by the number of graduating seniors. A score of 1.000 means the school had as many AP and/or IB tests taken as graduating seniors.

Out of over 1,500 schools with a Challenge Index rating of 1.000 or higher, representing six percent of the approximately 27,000 high schools in the nation; APS high school rankings were:

• H-B Woodlawn – ranked #36 (with a rating of 5.25);
• Washington-Lee – ranked #67 (with a rating of 4.321);
• Yorktown – ranked #98 (with a rating of 3.809); and
• Wakefield – ranked #125 (with a rating of 3.5). 

Arlington Superintendent Dr. Robert Smith said, “These rankings are a remarkable testament to the dedication of our staff, students and parents.  In Arlington, nearly three-quarters of all students now enroll in at least one advanced course during their years in high school.  Arlington understands that rigorous courses provide students with challenges and experiences that can help to advance their future achievement in college or other post-high school studies, while enhancing their potential success in the 21^st century job market.” Smith continued, “We know that success in these advanced courses is fostered by the encouragement of excellent teachers and support from families and the community. I extend my thanks to everyone who helped ensure our students’ continued growth and achievement.”