Three WCSD High Schools Rank Among Nevada's Top Ten |

From the Washoe County School District:

A national report issued by U.S. News & World Report ranks three Washoe County School District (WCSD) high schools among Nevada’s top 10 high schools. The Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT) ranked fourth in the state, Reno High School was listed seventh, and McQueen High School achieved eighth place.

Coral Academy of Science Charter School was second on the list, and Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas ranked first in the state.

“This is great news for our dedicated staff, students, and families,” said WCSD Superintendent Traci Davis. “I’m delighted that our schools are being recognized at a national level. Our staff has worked so hard to increase the number of students who are graduating from high school, with more and more of them earning honors and advanced diplomas each year. As we continue to support our students with career and technical education courses to prepare them for life after high school, this is a true testament to the dedication of our staff members and students.”

“Every day, in every classroom in our District, teachers and support staff are working to help our students succeed, providing critical support and resources wherever they are needed,” said Dr. Kristen McNeill, deputy superintendent for WCSD. “From the moment our students begin school, we work hard to carry out our mission of Every Child, By Name and Face, to Graduation. We are thrilled that AACT, Reno, and McQueen high schools are listed among the finest high schools in our state, and honored that they have received this well-deserved national recognition.”

The annual report includes data on more than 22,000 public high schools in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

At AACT High School, which is ranked fourth in the state, 77 percent of students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and 99 percent of the students graduate with their diploma. AACT offers academies whose curricula focus on communications, culinary, education, engineering, business, medical, natural resources, and animal sciences.

“It’s evidence of the hard work and dedication our students put in every day, and the wonderful support they receive from the teachers and staff,” said Josh Reddig, principal of AACT. “I am so proud of our school.”

Reno High School is ranked seventh in the state, and 53 percent of its students are enrolled in AP classes. The school boasts a 90 percent graduation rate, and is home to the Reno Red House Project—a Signature Academy that focuses on animation, graphic design, video production, and web design.

“I am just proud of our school community as a whole, our families, students, teachers, and support staff,” said Kris Hackbusch, principal of Reno High School. “To accomplish something like this takes the whole school. It is very fulfilling to receive this news, and we’re very excited. We all come to school every day to help the kids succeed and learn. This is great news.”

Robert McQueen High School achieved an eighth-place ranking in the state, and 57 percent of its students are enrolled in AP courses. Ninety-three percent of McQueen High School students earn their diplomas, and the school’s Global Studies Signature Academy immerses students in courses covering world politics, economics, diplomacy, and international understanding. Another aspect of the Global Studies curriculum embraces the fine arts.

“Our school family is tight-knit, and we have a real sense of pride,” said McQueen Principal Sue Denning. “But it’s always gratifying to receive national attention, and I’m happy that our staff, students, and our District as a whole are being recognized in this way.”

In 2016, WCSD posted a record high 77 percent graduation rate, and is on the path to achieving its goal of “90 by 20”—a 90 percent graduation rate District-wide by 2020. The District also outperforms the nation in the percentage of students participating in—and performing well on—AP, SAT, and ACT college readiness exams. According to College Board, approximately 33 percent of high school graduates nationwide took at least one AP course before graduating. In WCSD, 63 percent of students took at least one such course, up from 56 percent in WCSD the previous year.

The District also continues to make progress in closing achievement gaps among student populations. Graduation rates are rising for students of color, children living in poverty, and students who receive special education supports.

More notable schools by county:

Washoe County:

Coral Academy Charter School Secondary is #2 in Nevada. (#434 nationally – received gold medal)

Academy of Art Careers and Technology (AACT) is #4 in Nevada (#552 nationally – received silver medal)

Reno High School is #7 in Nevada (#988 nationally – received silver medal)

Robert McQueen High School is #8 in Nevada (#1058 nationally – received silver medal)

North Star Online School not ranked but recognized nationally (bronze medal)

TMCC Magnet High School not ranked but recognized nationally (bronze medal)

Davidson Academy School District:

Davidson Academy not ranked but is nationally recognized (Bronze medal)

Carson City:

Carson High School is #19 in the state (got a “bronze medal”)