Four Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) high schools were ranked nationally on the 2013 Best High Schools list, produced by U.S. News & World Report. To determine the 2013 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 21,000 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on state proficiency standards and how well students are prepared for college.
The four high schools recognized by U.S. News are as follows:
- Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, awarded a gold medal, is ranked 138 nationally and second in Louisiana;
- Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, awarded a silver medal, is ranked 826 nationally and third in Louisiana;
- Thomas Jefferson High School, awarded a silver medal, is ranked 1028 nationally and sixth in Louisiana; and
- Fisher Middle/High School was awarded a bronze medal.
“We are pleased that our top high schools continue to receive recognition nationally,” said Superintendent Dr. James Meza, Jr. “All of these schools are doing tremendous work to ensure that our students graduate ready to succeed in the next stage of their lives.”
U.S. News joined forces with the American Institutes for Research, a D.C.-based organization, to evaluate schools on overall student performance on state-mandated assessments, as well as how effectively schools educated their black, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students. Performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams was then used to determine the degree to which schools prepare students for college-level work. For more information on the methodology used to rank schools, along with the full list of the best high schools, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings.
