Spartanburg High School has been named one of America’s top high schools in Newsweek’s 2014 High School Rankings.
Over 14,000 schools in the nation were considered for the rankings; only six South Carolina schools made the list for America’s Top High Schools Beating the Odds. Spartanburg High School was the only school in the county honored.
This year, Newsweek sought to recognize schools whose students are “beating the odds,” and performing better than statistically expected for narrowing the achievement gap. The Newsweek criteria were based on assessments and rankings directly related to college preparedness. Unlike Spartanburg High School’s recent distinction by The Washington Post as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools as related to student Advanced Placement (AP) scores, the Newsweek ranking recognizes student progress on AP and ACT/SAT scores, graduation rates, counselor-to-student ratios, and the socio-economic background of a high school’s student population.
“This is big for us,” said Superintendent Dr. Russell Booker. “For the first time in its survey of top high schools, Newsweek has produced a list which has leveled the playing field for districts with diverse demographics. Based on the criteria used by Newsweek the achievement level of our students shows that they are not only beating the odds but succeeding at every level from college prep, honors, advanced placement, to career and technical education.”
“This is a win for the entire District Seven community,” said Principal Jeff Stevens. “It points to the dedication of our teachers from Spartanburg High School all the way down to our elementary schools. The achievement of our students and their eagerness to be productive and successful citizens is a testament to our hardworking staff. Having earned The Washington Post distinction, we are duly honored to now make the Newsweek list.”