How Are the Most Rigorous Public High Schools Ranked?

Hey, so I'm currently a junior, and I've heard some discussions about the most rigorous public high schools. Could anyone elaborate on how these schools are ranked? Is it based on academic performance, or difficulty of coursework like AP classes, or something else?

The rankings of most rigorous public high schools typically factor in several key elements:

1. Academic Performance: The average test scores on standardized exams such as SAT, ACT, or state-level proficiency tests can gauge the overall academic performance of students in the school.

2. Advanced Course Work: The number and variety of advanced courses offered such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and the percentage of students enrolled in these classes. Generally, more advanced courses signal more rigorous academic offerings.

3. College Matriculation Rate: The percentage of students who graduate high school and attend a two- or four-year college or university.

4. Graduation Rate: High graduation rates are an indication of a school’s success in keeping students engaged and on track acadically.

5. Student/Teacher Ratio: The number of students per teacher in the school. Lower ratios often indicate more individualized attention given to each student.

It's not just about the difficulty of the coursework – academic support, resources, and the school's overall educational environment are all intimately linked to the level of rigor at a school.

For example, a school offering a large number of AP classes might be viewed as more academically challenging. However, if the school also has a high level of academic support like tutoring options and strong guidance counseling, student success in these rigorous courses can be well-supported, leading to a higher ranking.

Remember, though, that just because a school is ranked highly in terms of rigor, it might not be the best fit for every student. It's important to consider your personal strengths, goals, and interests when choosing a school – not just its ranking.