Olympia named silver school in US News & World Report

SOUTHWEST ORANGE COUNTY  According to the US News & World Report's "Best High Schools" list, only 69 Florida public high schools and 947 U.S. public high schools rank better than Olympia High.

That might seem as if it is a lot of schools, but given 19,908 schools were large enough for inclusion, that puts Olympia in the top 5% in the nation.

Schools can receive a gold, silver or bronze ranking based on state assessment performances, graduation rates and the ability to prepare students for college. At 70th in Florida and 948th nationwide, Olympia received a silver rating.

Orange County Public Schools officials announced district-wide outcomes of above-average scores on state assessments among black, Hispanic and low-income students, as well as overall when adjusted for the rate of economically disadvantaged students. They also said graduation rates exceeded expectations and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing in OCPS indicated college readiness.

The best OCPS school in the ranking was Winter Park High, which also received a silver ranking for placing 44th in Florida and 640th nationally. Orange County Virtual School received bronze recognition.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].