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Norman’s high schools recognized by national publications
Norman High School and Norman North High School both have been recognized among the nation’s best and most academically challenging high schools.
The Washington Post, which publishes the “America’s Most Challenging High Schools” rankings, reported both high schools ranked in Oklahoma’s top ten. Norman High ranked fifth in the state while Norman North ranked seventh.
“Our goal is not to simply graduate students,” said Dr. Joe Siano, superintendent, Norman Public Schools. “Rather, we are focused on preparing students for life after high school. We are extremely honored that our district’s high schools are among the nation’s most rigorous, as this means we are on the right track in preparing our students to be academically competitive.”
Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews created the list, which ranks schools through an index formula that’s a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year.
The U.S. News and World Report also recognized Norman High in the publication’s “Best High Schools” national rankings. The school ranked third in Oklahoma for demonstrating tremendous academic success while serving many students who have diverse needs.
The Norman Public School District is in the process of implementing Freshman Academies and College and Career Centers at both high schools. The Freshman Academies will focus on helping incoming ninth-grade students successfully transition to high school while College and Career Centers will expand educational opportunities for juniors and seniors through mentorships, internships and dual-enrollment opportunities.
“Our College and Career Centers will provide students with educational settings similar to where they plan to go as they pursue college, career tech, military or a career. We will also use technology to enhance student engagement, extend learning opportunities and provide experiences to prepare them for whatever their future may hold.”
Freshman Academies and College and Career Centers currently are under construction and made possible through the community’s support of a recent bond election. They are scheduled to open in the 2017-2018 school year.