From Harford County Public Schools:
Aberdeen High School is one of only three high schools in the state to be recognized by Newsweek magazine as a school that excels in preparing its students for college while overcoming the obstacles of an economically disadvantaged population.
Aberdeen High was included in the 2015 Newsweek list, “Beating the Odds,” which ranks schools based on performance while also controlling for student poverty rates. Aberdeen High made the list at No. 480 of 500 public high schools. Newsweek chose the top 500 from across 26,000 schools in the U.S.
Aberdeen High had a college readiness score of 77.1 and a poverty index of 39 percent. The school had a graduation rate of 97.8 percent, with 85.0 percent of its graduates college bound.
High schools on this particular list are first ranked based on performance factors such as graduation rate, college enrollment rate, SAT and ACT scores and participation, AP/IB scores and participation, full time counselors to students ratio, dropout rate, enrollment in college courses during high school, and state test scores. The “Beating the Odds” list then accounts for the effects of social inequality on education by factoring in student poverty as reflected by eligibility for free/reduced price lunches.
“I am extremely proud, but not a bit surprised that Aberdeen High School was recognized by Newsweek Magazine for this achievement. The members of this school community are known for ‘Beating the Odds.’ It is a testament to their unwavering dedication to providing all students opportunities to achieve and grow,” said Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara P. Canavan. “The school community continues to work unselfishly and tirelessly to ensure student success. Students know that hard work and a strong work ethic are a foundation for being both college and career ready.”
The complete list of Newsweek’s “Beating the Odds” high schools may be found at http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/beating-odds-2015.
Sam Adams says
Could SMA have just a teeny weeny impact on this?
MK says
Well, I thought that too so I looked up the numbers. Total enrollment (according to their website) is 1, 464 students, the SMA is around 200 kids. It’s a great program and do doubt the statistical boost is there (I’m sure someone will run the numbers), but there are good things happening in Aberdeen thanks to parents that get involved and dedicated teachers.
RTFU says
Great job to the faculty of Aberdeen High School.
Let’s wait and see how Mikulski and the other politicians in the area will spin this on how they had some hand in it.
Suggest the County Council get their sh1t together and get the school budgets worked out in the near term. Do something for God’s sake…just don’t go around renaming mountains.