New Newsweek Ranking Methodology Moves Ladue Horton Watkins High School Up to No.103

Every year, Newsweek ranks “America's Best High Schools.”  This year, a new methodology for ranking the nation's top high schools was used, raising Ladue Horton Watkins High School from last year's ranking of 282 in the country, to 103.

In the past, high schools must have given more Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge (AICE) tests than the number of seniors graduating in order to make the list.  This year, the methodology was changed to reflect “a school's success turning out college-ready (and life-ready) students,” according to Newsweek.  “To this end, each school's score is comprised of six weighted components: graduation rate (25 percent), college matriculation rate (25 percent), AP tests taken per graduate (25 percent, average SAT/ACT scores (10 percent), average AP/IB/AICE scores (10 percent, and AP courses offered (5 percent).”

Superintendent Dr. Marsha Chappelow was elated to be notified of these honors.

We are always pleased to be included on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best High Schools.  In the past, we’ve always had to caveat this success with the fact that it was based on a single measure – how many Advanced Placement tests were taken.  Clearly, this isn’t the only measure of a high school’s success.

In my mind, a high school’s success is based on how well we prepare each and every student – not just those who take Advanced Placement tests.  This new methodology takes a much broader student population into account in determining “success.”  As a result, I believe it is a more meaningful measure.  Improving our standing, based on what I believe to be a more meaningful measure, speaks well for what we are doing in our classrooms.

 However, there is always room for improvement.  With this being the first year using the new methodology, I think the true test will be our ability to retain and improve on this ranking over time.  We are working diligently at every level to focus on student learning, rather than teaching.  To some, it is a subtle difference.  To me, it’s an important distinction.  It means that no matter how well we believe we are teaching, it isn’t working unless students are learning," said Dr. Chappelow.

“We've always been proud to make this list,” states Dr. Bridget Hermann, principal of Ladue Horton Watkins High School.  “However, this new methodology provides a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional view of the nation's schools.  So, to have moved up 179 positions in the ranking as a result of the new process is a true testament to the amazing work being done by our students and teachers.”

Five schools in Missouri made the list of 500 schools nationally.  Ladue Horton Watkins High School ranks third in the state behind Clayton High School (89) and Metro Academic and Classical High School (93) and is trailed by Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City (124) and Rockwood Summit in Fenton (290).

Additional information about the list and Ladue Horton Watkins High School's current and previous placements can be found on the Newsweek website at newsweek.com