We all know the classic Top 100 list: Billboard Top 100, Top 100 baby names of each year, etc. But what about the Top 100 public high schools in North Carolina? With over 2,500 public high schools in the state, only three from Forsyth County cracked the Top 100 ranking, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking that was released last week. West was honored to place No. 62 amongst other WS/FCS schools, Reagan and Atkins.
“I definitely wasn’t surprised because West has always been a higher-ranked school in academics and I think it’s an accomplishment for our entire school. I am excited to see where we stand in the future,” senior Veronica Ballas said.
The report looks at multiple factors, including college readiness, graduation rate and the performance of Black, Hispanic and low-income students on state assessments.
Students are proud of the school’s current standing and hope to improve and increase the ranking for next year. “I was really excited when I heard the news. I think to increase our standing, some of the teachers could improve their curriculum and not give as much homework,” senior TJ Fergus said. “I’m proud to say I go to a school this highly ranked, and I bet when I am a senior our ranking will be even higher which has me excited,” freshman Max Robinson said. Administrators are also impressed and believe West can move ahead in the future. “I think it’s a great honor, I feel like the school should actually probably move ahead of the other two schools that were ranked a little bit higher than us because we have very talented students here and I look forward to seeing where we are next year in that ranking,” Assistant Principal Rhonda Jackson said. With hard work and dedication throughout the next year, the Titans are on track to continue their high-ranking status.
