Newsweek Ranks Avon Lake High School in Top 1,000

Coming on the heels of, Newsweek released its list of top 1,000 public high schools in the United States, and Avon Lake High School (ALHS) made that list as well.

On May 8, U.S. News ranked the high school the 535 top high school in the nation.

This marks the fourth year made the Newsweek list. Last year the school posted the top 500 high schools, ranking it no. 418. In 2010 it ranked no 1,164 and in 2009 no. 1,253.

According to a statement on its website Avon Lake is one of “the best 1,000 public high schools in the nation—the ones that have proven to be the most effective in turning out college-ready grads.”

Superintendent Bob Scott said the high school ranking is a reflection of the disrict as a whole.

"Each list shows the strength of the AL program and is definitely something we should be proud of as a school system and community," Scott said. "I have and will continue to stress how this happens with the regularity that it does."

Scott noted the district had a "great system pre-k to 12."

"The high school gets the award, but they are getting students who are well prepared through the first 9 years of education," he said. "There are high expectations of 'all' students and Avon Lake programs for success. Whether it comes to teacher training, or course offerings we work to give every student a chance to be successful.

Scott also credited the support of parents and community members and the ability of the district to offer extra and co-curricular activities.

High school principal Dr. Joanie Walker echoed sentiments of support.

"Our superintendent and board members support our rigorous curriculum for our students," Walker said. "We have strong parental support, students who are focused on academic achievement, and a dedicated faculty and staff."

By the numbers

Part of Avon Lake’s ranking included a graduation rate of 98 percent and a college-bound rate of 90 percent. The school has an average SAT score of 1671 and an average ACT score of 24. In Ohio, the school ranked no. 29. The SAT score, one of the areas superintendent Bob Scott said he would like to see improved last year, was a marked increase over its 2011 SAT score of 1134.

By comparison, Newsweek ranked as The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky the top public high school. The Academy graduates and sends 100 percent of its students to college in the year assessed, has an average SAT score of 2010 and ACT score of 31.2.

Thirty-five Ohio schools made the list. In Northeast Ohio, that includes Chagrin Falls (93), Orange (151), Solon (152), Beachwood (305), Aurora (464), Shaker Heights (505), North Royalton (771) and Brecksville-Broadview Heights (792).