Posted Date: 06/29/2017
Paris High School is ranked among the best high schools in the nation—2,287 out of more than 22,000—in the latest list of high performing schools in the 2017 Best High School Rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
PHS received a silver medal by passing all of the standards with 6,041 other schools across the nation. Schools were then ranked with “gold medals” for the 500 top performing schools, followed by “silver” and “bronze” designations.
U.S. News & World Report teamed with RTI International of North Carolina, a global nonprofit social science research firm. The organizations reviewed 2014-15 school year data from public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
High schools were ranked through a four step system: students who performed better statistically on high school proficiency tests than other schools in their state; disadvantaged students who perform better than state average; student graduation rates meet or exceed a national standard; and students who are prepared for college-level coursework.
A key metric for analyzing top high schools in the study is the level of college readiness of its students. Students at PHS have the opportunity to take seven advance placement courses, seven dual credit courses, and seven dual credit workforce courses. PHS pays for course tuition and fees and has received Texas Education Agency recognitions for exceptional use of High School Allotment Funds.
Paris ISD Superintendent Paul Jones said it is an honor and a testament to the dedicated teachers, staff and students of Paris ISD for PHS to be ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation.
“Our students and staff would be the first to acknowledge that this success does not just start at PHS, but begins at Head Start and Givens Early Childhood Center, where the solid foundation of education and academic success is first established,” Jones said.
Furthermore, students’ academic needs and expectations are continually met and challenged at Aikin Elementary and Justiss Elementary schools, said Jones.
“As students progress to Crockett Intermediate School, their scholastic experience is developed beyond traditional expectations,” said Jones. “At Paris Junior High School, a rigorous academic curriculum is offered, and individual plans are made to meet further student needs as they look toward the future.”
The continued success of PHS can be attributed to a variety of factors, but Jones said this recognition could not be attained without the community, parents, and school board who all recognize and value the importance of a strong school district which, in turn, ensures a stronger Paris, Texas of tomorrow.