Interpreting the Washington Post's 'Most Challenging High Schools' List

Hey everyone, I live in Illinois and noticed a bunch of our schools on the Washington Post's 'Most Challenging High Schools' list. Does this mean the academic rigor here is higher compared to other states? Or are there other criteria for this list that I should be aware of?

Hello!

The Washington Post’s 'Most Challenging High Schools' list is primarily based on the Challenge Index, which is a measure of the number of college-level tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Specifically, these tests include the Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Cambridge tests. This means that schools with a strong culture of taking these tests will typically rank higher in the list.

The list doesn't necessarily mean that the schools offer more academic rigor in their standard curriculum, but it does indicate a strong emphasis on college-level coursework and a commitment to academic advancement. This means that students are given numerous opportunities to challenge themselves with rigorous, college-level work while still in high school.

However, the list doesn't take into account other elements of the high school experience like extracurricular activities, sports, arts programs, or the quality of teaching. Furthermore, it doesn't consider the diversity of the student body or the socio-economic conditions of the families attending the schools, all of which can contribute to a school's overall environment and the experiences of its students. It's also worth noting that not every school participates in these rankings, so there may be other highly challenging schools that are not recognized.

In terms of the high number of Illinois schools on the list, it could be indicative of the emphasis these schools place on encouraging students to undertake these college-level exams. Illinois schools may have a greater focus on college preparedness, hence the high number of AP, IB, and Cambridge tests administered.

So, don't take this list as the sole indicator of academic quality or rigor. Use it as one tool among others in assessing the educational offerings and expectancies in your area or state.