STEELE CREEK NEWS

Olympic High School Ranked #104 in Nation by Newsweek

(May 10, 2005) Today, Newsweek Magazine released its Best High Schools In America list for 2004, and Steele Creek's Olympic High School ranked number 104.

This national ranking (2004 Challenge Index) is averaged by taking public high schools throughout the country and dividing the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) tests taken by the number of graduating seniors.

According to Newsweek Magazine, "the index uses AP and IB as a measure because schools that push these tests are most likely to stretch young minds, which should be the fundamental purpose of education."

Fifteen high schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg ranked in Newsweek's Top 900:

• Harding University High (25)
  
• Myers Park High School (37)
  
• North Mecklenburg High School (56)
  
• Butler High School (88)
  
• Olympic High School (104)
  
• Providence High School (113)
  
• East Mecklenburg High School (161)
  
• South Mecklenburg High School (162)
  
• Hopewell High School (207)
  
• Northwest School of the Arts (375)
  
• Vance High School (380)
  
• Garinger High School (409)
  
• Independence High School (545)
  
• West Charlotte High School (787)
  
• West Mecklenburg High School (805)

It is important to note that there are more than 27,000 high schools throughout the country.

In Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, students are given access to rigorous courses and challenged and supported to take these courses.

As a result, more than 58% of all graduating seniors last year took at least one AP or IB course prior to graduation.

Since 1995-96, AP enrollment has increased from 4,079 students to 11,716 students in 2003-2004. The number of African-Americans enrolling in AP courses increased from 431 students in 1995-96 to 2,130 in 2003-2004.

In 2004, CMS students earned a score of 3 or better on 42% of AP exams. Enrollment in high school IB courses for 2002-2003 was 4,181. In 2004, 161 seniors took IB exams.

"In CMS, our goal is to challenge students to reach their fullest potential," says Dr. James L. Pughsley, superintendent of schools. "The increasing number of students taking and succeeding in AP and IB courses is testimony of this commitment.  The recent announcement by Newsweek Magazine confirms that students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are receiving an education in some of the best high schools in the country."

For the full story on The 100 Best High Schools in America, visit the Newsweek website.