Student achievement and partnerships are factors cited by two area high schools recognized in a national magazine ranking.
State bronze honors in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best High Schools" went to Deposit, Downsville and Jefferson Central schools. The honors were determined through a method developed by an outside research firm, according to the magazine's website.
There were 21,069 public high schools in 48 states analyzed using data from the 2006-2007 school year. About 110 New York high schools received the honor, which considers student achievement on state tests, including income levels, and college readiness performance as measured by specific tests.
Details are available online at www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/index.html.
"It's a confirmation of the good things that were going on here for a number of years," said Downsville Superintendent James Abrams.
He replaced longtime Superintendent Robert Mackey in July, who left to take a position in another district.
"It's a reflection of the teamwork between staff, community and parents working together," Abrams said. "Teamwork allows greatness to happen."
The leadership of the board of education and Mackey had a lot to do with the achievement, Abrams said, and being a small rural school has its advantages. The district has 335 students, according to the latest school report card.
Such a size provides an opportunity for more individualized instruction, he said, and a higher percentage of students participate in school activities.
"Kids that are involved do better," he said.
This is the second year that Jefferson has been on the list. It has 286 students, according to the report card.
"Our kids do exceptionally well," said Superintendent Carl Mummenthey. "We're able to offer that individual attention to every student."
While students do not participate in college preparatory work recognized by the test, he said, the school offers 18 college credits in partnership with the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.
He acknowledged there are many partners to the school's success, including talented faculty and staff.
In addition, he said, "We are grateful for the ongoing support of our board of education, our students' parents and our taxpayers."
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