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U.S. News & World Report Lists Eight WCPS Schools in Best High Schools Rankings

Posted April 5, 2016

HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 5, 2016) – Every eligible school from Washington County Public Schools is recognized on the 2016 U.S. News & World Report list of the nation’s best high schools.

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts ranks 15th in Maryland and 406 nationally, earning Gold Medal status. Recognized for Silver Medal status: Boonsboro High School is ranked 22 in the state and 585 nationally, and Clear Spring High School is 31 n Maryland and 864 nationally. Smithsburg High School is ranked 40 in the state and 1,195 nationally, North Hagerstown High is 51 and 1,667 and Williamsport High is 53 and 1,756. Hancock Middle-Senior High and South Hagerstown High School were recognized as Bronze Medal schools from U.S. News & World Report.

The rankings are compiled using a formula that factors in student/teacher ratio, college readiness and proficiency in algebra and English. Data was collected from more than 21,000 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. U.S. News & World Report partnered with the American Institutes for Research to analyze student performance on state-mandated assessments, including data from demographic sub-groups. The degree of college readiness was measured by performance on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate exams.

Barbara Ingram’s college readiness ranking was above the state average, with 77 percent of Barbara Ingram students taking AP exams and 49 percent passing. Barbara Ingram students were also 100 percent proficient on state algebra and English assessments, performing above state averages on both.

Superintendent of schools, Dr. Clayton Wilcox, credited the students, staff and community for the recognition. “Our students continue to show excellent performance in an ever-changing assessment environment, boosted by the support of our teaching staff  and the tremendous support and respect for education in our community.”