Annual Study Ranks America's Best High Schools
In its annual ranking of schools, "Newsweek" magazine has named Bonita Vista High, Eastlake High, Otay Ranch High and Sweetwater High among "America's Best High Schools" in 2010.
This is the third year in a row on the list for Bonita Vista High, who has significantly increased their ranking each year they have been on the list. In its second year on the list, Eastlake High also showed a steady gain in their ranking. Also making the list for the second year in a row were Otay Ranch High and Sweetwater High.
Rankings are based on a formula that combines the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests taken at a school in 2009 divided by the number of graduating seniors. The list included approximately 1,600 schools and represents the top six percent of schools in the nation.
"We are very proud of the continued efforts to increase academic rigor for these four schools and all the schools in the Sweetwater District," said school board President Arlie N. Ricasa. "Students are not shying away from the challenge of academic excellence. They are taking advantage of the many courses and programs that our schools offer them."
College-level Advanced Placement courses are offered at all high schools throughout the Sweetwater district. They include both core curriculum classes such as English, calculus and U.S. government, as well as enrichment courses in world history, Spanish literature and economics.
"We have worked hard to make advanced classes accessible to all students who are willing to do the work," said Superintendent Dr. Jesus Gandara. "Having four of our schools on this prestigious list is just a start. We are working towards getting all of our schools on this list."
For more information on the Newsweek list of America's Best Schools, see their website at: http://www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools.html