Newsweek magazine annually selects the best high schools in the country. Only six percent of all public high schools in the United States made the list. All of the public high schools in St. Mary’s County are included on the 2010 list recently published.
“I am very proud and thrilled that all three of our high schools are on the Newsweek list of America’s Best High Schools,” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and administrators.”
In Maryland, 53 percent of the public high schools made the 2010 list according to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In St. Mary’s County, Newsweek magazine ranks Leonardtown High School as 890, Great Mills High School as 898 and Chopticon High School as 1,613.
Each school is ranked according to the ratio of national college-level exams taken compared to the number of graduating seniors. The list is based on the previous year’s data; thus, 2009 information is used to prepare the 2010 list. According to Newsweek magazine’s website, the list is based on “how hard school staffs work to challenge students with advanced placement college-level courses and tests.” For a complete listing, visit the website at www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools.html.