NMSI Schools Amongst America’s Most Challenging

Here at NMSI, we have always applauded the efforts of students and teachers when it comes to improving the levels of rigor and excellence in the classroom, but now we are thrilled to give a standing ovation to America’s Most Challenging High Schools, as featured on The Washington Post, for their absolutely phenomenal performances – many of which were NMSI schools!
 
A school is ranked “challenging” when the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given is at least equal than the number of students who are graduating. To measure this, the number of tests is divided by the number of graduates, therefore a ratio of 1.000 means that the schools broke even and made the list. However, if you think such a modest standard is easily attainable, you might be surprised to hear that only 9% of the approximate 22,000 U.S. public high schools managed to reach this goal and earn a place on the list. And to put things in clearer perspective, the highest ranking school in the nation – American Indian Public Charter – scored an incredible ratio of 23.571.
 
America’s schools have come a long way in recent years – in 2011, American Indian Public Charter only had an index of 6.000 – and the fact that so many schools are at least breaking even is exciting, but we still have a lot of ground to cover if we’re going to grow that 9% to 100%. All schools should bring rigor and challenge to their classrooms, and NMSI is dedicated to making this happen.