Mission, Texas- Mission Collegiate High School (MCHS) has received word that they earned a Bronze Medal from U.S. News & World Report in its annual ranking of high schools in the country. That places MCHS among the 6,517 highest scoring schools from over 19,000 public high schools eligible for ranking by the publication. The MCHS U.S. News & World Report data is available online,http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/texas/districts/mission-consolidated-independent-school-district/mission-collegiate-h-s-146143.
According to U.S. News, the rankings used data from the 2012-2013 school year through a partnership with RTI International. They use a three-step process that involves student performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. They also consider students who took and passed at least one AP or IB test before or during their senior year. Only those schools that make it past the first two steps are considered for Gold or Silver medal honors.
Only 33% of high schools are recognized with a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
MCHS is completing its third year in existence. This school year, they served students in grades 9-11. In the 2015-2016 school year, the school will expand to include the 12th grade and have its first class of graduates. Current enrollment is 322 students.
As a state-designated early college high school, MCHS students are allowed to take college courses as early as their freshmen year in high school. Students also receive a rigorous curriculum through dual credit and AP courses. In the 2014-2015 school year, MCHS administered 335 AP exams. Students who apply themselves can graduate from MCHS with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree from South Texas College.
The school has been operating in portable classroom buildings located on the grounds of Mission High School. A new permanent campus is nearing completion in the Alton area. It is scheduled for opening with the beginning of the new school year this August.
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