LYNNFIELD — It was quite a day for Lynnfield schools.
Less than one hour after hearing the sad news earlier this week that Massachusetts schools had been shut down for the rest of the school year, the school district had something to smile about after U.S. News and World Report unveiled its 2020 List of Best High Schools rankings.
Nationally, Lynnfield High School jumped up 302 spots, going from No. 766 last year to 464 out of 17,792 schools.
But the biggest news was at the state level. Lynnfield leap-frogged over 20 of the most respected schools in the state, landing at No. 11 out of 345 schools.
“Yes, it was quite a day,” said Principal Bob Cleary. “Talk about 180 degrees of emotions. Obviously we are very pleased to be recognized for the hard work that our students and faculty put into their experiences here at Lynnfield High School.”
Boston Latin School was the state’s top school. Other non-charter schools in the top 10 were No. 3 Hopkinton, No. 5 Dover-Sherborn, No. 7 Lexington, No. 8 Weston and No. 9 Belmont.
Mystic Valley Charter School in Malden ranked sixth, while Lynn’s KIPP Academy checked in at No. 45. Swampscott and Marblehead also cracked the top100 at No. 65 and No. 70, respectively.
The rankings are based on several factors, which are weighted by percentage, on a 100-point scale. Lynnfield’s overall score was 97.39.
College readiness (the proportion of students taking or passing at least one Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses) is worth 30 percent of the total score. Seventy-three percent of Lynnfield students take at least one AP course with 57 percent passing at least one. Of those who take multiple AP tests, up to seven in a year in some cases, with some students passing all of them.
“A big part of the ranking is related to AP offerings and participation, said Cleary. “We are excited to be able to offer multiple and varied AP classes, and have our students challenge themselves in these classes.”
Math and Reading Proficiency (aggregate scores on state assessments that students may be required to pass for graduation, like MCAS) and Math and Reading Performance (how aggregated scores on state assessments compare to U.S. News’ expectations given the proportions of students who are black, Hispanic or from low-income households) count 20 percent each.
Underserved Student Performance (a calculation based on performance of minorities/low income households in comparison to non-minorities/low income), College Curriculum breadth (proportion of seniors who took and passed multiple AP/IB exams) and Graduate rate count for 10 percent of the total score.
Lynnfield’s top state ranking among the above categories was a seventh-place showing in Math and Reading Proficiency.
School committee chairman Jamie Hayman said the high school’s improved ranking validates the work done in the district in recent years, adding, “it’s a bit of a lagging indicator in that the rankings are not the be-all and end-all of what we do, but they are a data point for families looking to move here. It definitely helps the overall value of the town in so many ways.
“It’s nice that it came out (Tuesday) so it allowed us to celebrate something, just a little celebration in these crazy times.”
Hayman attributed Lynnfield’s improved ranking to three key factors.
“What you are seeing is actually a combination of things,” he said. “Kevin Cyr (Director of Teaching and Learning Cyr) has been in his position for four years now and has gotten all of our curriculum on a level playing field. It’s also a clear indication of what (Principal) Stephen Ralston has done at the middle school over the last five to six years. Those kids are now coming into the high school and performing with a tremendous ability to learn, and Bob (Cleary) and Brian (Assistant Principal Bates) have been doing great things at the high school.”
Superintendent Jane Tremblay said it all comes down to hard work and dedication.
“It’s always nice to be recognized for the hard work that is happening in our schools,” she said. “This is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of all faculty, staff and administration and students.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
