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