New Report Shows Md. Home To Some Of The Best High Schools
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Getting students ready for the rigors of college. A new study finds Maryland is home to some of the best high schools in the country.
Amy Yensi takers a closer look at the report.
Other than California, no other state has as many schools with the gold or silver status.
Everywhere you turn, there are reminders of the academic excellence and high expectations.
"It makes me really proud to be a student of such a school of high esteem," said Julia Brown, Towson High School student.
A new report by U.S. News and World Report shows more than 25 percent of high schools in Maryland hold a gold or silver ranking.
The measure shows the public schools that are best preparing students for college. A total of 67 Maryland high schools made the list.
Towson High School is one of them.
"It requires leadership at all levels--from the students, the parents, the teachers and the administration," said Principal Charlene Dimino, Towson High School.
The numbers are impressive. Towson High School has a 95 percent graduation rate, and at least 90 percent of students go on to college.
Students are encouraged to take Advanced Placement or "AP" courses and to stay involved in the school community.
"Everyone that I know is in a club or some kind of activity, plays sports and does things that really involve and uplift our school," said Autumn Grant, Towson High School student.
The rigorous coursework and social activities are intended to get students ready for life after high school.
"Just the overall environment of responsibility, but also a lot of love and care," said Walter Young, Towson High School student.
School administrators are challenging themselves as they do the students.
"We are really focusing on what we're doing well, but how can we go now from good to great," said Mark Bedell, Baltimore County assistant superintendent.
Though Maryland has the highest percentage of schools achieving the gold or silver status, none of them made the list for "Top 10 Best High Schools in the U.S."
Walt Whitman High School in Montgomery County is Maryland's highest rated high school. It's number 55 nationwide.
The U.S. News rankings use data including test scores from the 2012-2013 school year.
