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EDUCATION Ashland, Phoenix high schools gain national recognition for student achievement Ashland, Phoenix high schools earn silver medals in annual ranking by U.S. News & World Report Comment Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT MailTribune.com Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 4:21 PM Updated Apr 22, 2016 at 6:09 PM Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 4:21 PM Updated Apr 22, 2016 at 6:09 PM » Social News Ashland and Phoenix high schools placed among the second tier of top-performing public high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 analysis. The magazine evaluated 19,908 of the 28,561 public high schools nationwide and ranked them according to their performance on state assessments, outcomes among economically disadvantaged and minority students, graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college. Rankings are based on 2013-14 data (some schools were not included in the analysis as they were too small to be fairly evaluated). Schools ranked in the top 500 were awarded gold medals. Schools ranked between 501 and 2,673 were awarded silver medals, and an additional 3,545 schools received high marks in all areas except college readiness and were awarded bronze medals. AHS placed 1,951 and PHS placed 2,527, earning silver medals for both local schools. Both schools also placed in the top 30 of 326 high schools statewide. AHS has received the silver medal seven times, including the last five years. Of the 994 students enrolled in the school, 20 percent are minority students and 36 percent are economically disadvantaged. It boasts an 86 percent graduation rate, and 32 percent of students are taking Advanced Placement courses. “It’s validation for the hard work that our staff and students have done K-12,” said AHS Principal Erika Bare. ”It’s an effort that doesn’t start and finish at the high school level, but it really is a districtwide effort.” Bare said she was grateful that the magazine began factoring graduation rates into its analysis this year. “We are really proud of that piece because we see our job at the high school as getting kids ready for grade 13, whether that’s college, a career or some kind of vocational training,” she said. “We just want them to be ready for whatever their next step is.” Last year, PHS, which serves 770 students, earned a bronze medal. The school has a larger minority population (40 percent) and more economically disadvantaged students (58 percent) than AHS, but it still managed to see 33 percent of its students enrolled in AP classes and 83 percent of its seniors graduate on time. Phoenix Principal Jani Hale, who retires after this year, said the award represents the resiliency of the students and dedication of the staff. “I’m so proud of our kids and their teachers for their enthusiasm and for going beyond what’s expected,” she said. “Our kids impress me each and every day with their ability to overcome their challenges. Personal, financial, social, whatever challenge it is, they overcome it and bring their best. And they are supported by an amazing staff.” North and South Medford high schools, Crater Renaissance Academy and Crater Academy of Health and Public Services earned bronze medals. The annual survey is conducted by North Carolina-based RTI International, a global nonprofit social science research firm. For the complete study and rankings, see www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools?int=978d08&int=97c308 . Reach education reporter Teresa Thomas at 541-776-4497 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/teresathomas_mt . Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT MailTribune.com Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Follow @@teresathomas_MT Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 4:21 PM Updated Apr 22, 2016 at 6:09 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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