Fresno’s University High School ranked the seventh best high school in California (No. 65 in the nation) and the 19th best charter school in America by the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings.
The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 22,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
University High earned a gold medal, moving up from its national ranking of No. 81 last year.
Just days before the U.S. News and World Report announcement, the school also received two prestigious state awards. University High School was recognized as one of 275 California Gold Ribbon Schools for 2017, and made the 2016 California Honor Roll.
“It was a thrill to receive three accolades of this magnitude in the same week,” said Dr. James Bushman, head of school at University High. “The ranking and awards speak to the extraordinary work of our students and teachers. Our school community could not be more proud.”
The California Department of Education bestows the California Gold Ribbon Award in acknowledgement of a school’s success in creating a positive learning atmosphere for students.
The 2016 Honor Roll is compiled by the Educational Results Partnership and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, recognizing public K-12 schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll recognition also includes measures of college readiness in students.
According to Bushman, the three awards speak to the quality of the educational experience the school provides and the dedication of the students. “There may not be another school in the nation that demands more from its students just to earn a high school diploma,” he said.
University High received its charter in 2000 and is part of Fresno Unified School District. With an enrollment of 486 students, University High School is a college preparatory, music- and arts-enriched school serving youth in grades 9-12. Every student is required to participate in band, orchestra or choir.
The school moved into a new facility on the Fresno State campus in November 2010. University High students have access to Fresno State facilities, attend college courses for credit and receive a small-school, accelerated-achievement, high school experience.
For more information, contact Bushman at 559.278.7207.
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