Ballston Spa Earns Ranking on 2016 America’s Top High Schools List

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School (BSHS) has been named to the “America’s Top High Schools” list again this year by Newsweek magazine. According to Newsweek, the 500 top high schools selected for 2016 do the best job in preparing students for college. Schools across the nation were ranked based on college acceptance and enrollment, SAT and ACT participation and performance, AP and IB participation and performance, dual enrollment programs and guidance and counseling resources. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition as an indicator of the work we are doing to support student achievement,” said Superintendent Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. “We will continue to provide access and opportunity for all students to pursue diverse and challenging coursework.” Since 2010, the district has continued to receive national recognition based on academic opportunity and performance. Ballston Spa High School was also recently recognized on The Washington Post’s list of the “2016 America’s Most Challenging High Schools,” with prior recognitions in 2015, 2014 and 2011. Newsweek previously recognized the high school on the America’s Best High Schools list in 2010 and 2013 based on an increased number of students taking Advanced Placement examinations and an increase in the assessment scores. The school was also cited as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by U.S. News and World Report, along with twice receiving the national “AP Achievement Award” from the College Board for increasing student access to AP coursework while maintaining achievement levels. New offerings at BSHS in 2016-2017 include an expansion of the district’s partnership with Proctors to offer a Media Works course and Artist-in-Residency in 9th grade, integrating ELA with filmmaking and technology. An expanded partnership with Schenectady County Community College will also provide students the opportunity to enroll in an additional 18 courses for college credit. Visit http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2016 for the full list of high schools on this year’s list and related information.