December 10, 2009
Donna, TX – IDEA College Preparatory has been named the 13th best high school in the nation according to the 2010 U.S. News and World Report list of America’s best high schools released December 10. This ranking placed IDEA College Prep for the second consecutive year on the Gold list, the highest distinction given to the top 100 high schools.
IDEA College Preparatory, located in Donna, Texas, is one of six high schools operated by IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley. “This national recognition for IDEA paints a picture of how well our schools are serving our students,” explains CEO and Founder Tom Torkelson. “The results of the rankings show IDEA students reaching high levels of proficiency in core subjects and prepared for the rigor of a four-year college or university.”
Overall U.S. News and World Report ranked IDEA College Preparatory as the top charter school in Texas, and the third highest high school in the state of Texas. It is the second top open enrollment school and the third top charter school in the nation. Of the three Valley high schools on the Gold list, IDEA College Preparatory is the highest ranked. Eleven schools in the state of Texas, or 0.8% percent, were named to the Gold list.
“These rankings are a testament of the hard work and discipline our teachers and students have delivered over time,” shares Principal Jeremy Beard. “Our motto has been cien por ciento – 100% for all – as we strive to ensure that all of our students are prepared to get a college education.”
In collaboration with other partners, U.S. News & World Report analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools in order to produce the Best High Schools 2010 Report. Top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories.
IDEA College Preparatory was founded in August 2000 and currently serves students in grades 6th – 12th. All IDEA schools are a school of choice and provide free education to all children. Students may apply to an IDEA school throughout the year. “We [IDEA] believe strongly in improving all aspects of the communities we serve and work hard to provide a high-quality education to students in underserved communities across the Rio Grande Valley,” shares Torkelson.
For a complete list of the US News and World Report Best High Schools 2010, visit http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2009/12/09/americas-best-high-schools-gold-medal-list.html
View IDEA College Preparatory's interview with KRGV Channel 5, http://www.krgv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=91029@krgv.dayport.com
Read The Monitor news article online at http://www.themonitor.com/articles/mcallen-33407-best-nation.html
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