Macomb, IL – Macomb Senior High School has been recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top high schools in Illinois.
The publication gave MHS a "Bronze Medal" of achievement. It's one of 33 high schools in the state to receive that distinction and one of 1,189 in the nation. More than 18,000 high schools were surveyed.
The report cites good test scores as one reason for the school's high ranking. Also, the report says low-income and disadvantaged students in the district perform better academically when compared to the state average.
Macomb School District Superintendent Alene Reuschel says the distinction is an honor, but there's still work to be done.
"This is a wonderful event, and a wonderful honor," says Reuschel. "I think our next step will be just that -- what is our next step? We're never going to be satisfied. I'm pleased we got the bronze, but I want to see what else we can do. I think all of us feel, what else can we do to make it better?"
To be considered for a Silver or Gold designation, U.S. News and World Report would have to collect data about student performance on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. Those factors help measure the study's third criterion: college readiness, which the magazine left as "Not Applicable."