GoLocalProv's Fifth Annual Top High Schools in Rhode Island has looked at the numbers, and the grades are in -- Narragansett High School is at the head of the class of top high schools in Rhode Island for 2014.
SLIDES: See the List of Top High Schools in Rhode Island 2014 BELOW
Based on a formula developed at Babson College to assess and weight each school's latest NECAP and SAT scores, plus per pupil funding, student-teacher ratios, and graduation rates, GoLocal has provided a comprehensive performance list of the state's public, charter, and technical high schools.
Steps to Success
So what makes a top high school? GoLocal spoke with principals at schools in the top ten to get their insights as to what enables their schools to make the grade.
"This is the 3rd straight year that Scituate High School is a commended school based on the RIDE classifications. To my knowledge, SHS and Classical are the only high schools to be commended for 3 consecutive years," said Principal Mike Sollitto at Scituate High School, which finished 6th in the rankings. "The success can be attributed to the culture of the building and the personal relationships between and among students and teachers. Our faculty does great work in differentiating for all students and ensuring challenging and engaging classroom instruction."
Principal Michael Podraza at East Greenwich High School, which took the third spot on the list, spoke to evaluation -- and empowerment -- as the cornerstones of the school's success.
"While we are constantly reflecting on how we can sustain and improve in traditional standardized and summative measures, we increasingly use our recently developed core values about teaching and learning to guide us in developing empowering school experiences for all students," said Podraza. "I am extremely proud of the steps we have taken, as we work to systemically provide students with opportunities to attain the skills necessary for success along the many different pathways available to them in the 21st Century."
Chart: See All the Data for Rhode Island's Top High Schools 2014 HERE
Westerly High School landed a top 10 spot on this year's list.
Chariho High School came in 10th on GoLocal's list, which saw an increase of graduation rate up a percentage point over the previous year.
"We have a strong administration team that's focused on students' first and a talented group of teachers to get better at what we do every day. When people are focused around student achievement data -- and performance in the classroom every day -- and adjusting the instruction based on that, we get better at supporting kids where they're at and need to be," said Chariho principal Laurie Webber. "Every year, every class, every day, they look different. Kids aren't widgets, they're people."
Principal Steven Ruscito at Westerly High School, which claimed the sixth spot in the rankings, spoke to leadership structure -- and attention to attendance -- as key areas of excellence at the school.
"We have created the structure here at Westerly. I meet with my leadership team three times a week, where we monitor data, use very specific protocols when reading research, brainstorm, and back brief each other of meetings we have with colleagues, departments, guidance, students and parents. We model the protocols in our leadership meetings that I expect department heads to use when facilitating discussions with their teams," said Ruscito. "Digesting educational journals and essays is part of our practice; leadership team as well as school wide. We pilot programs and activities and collect data against these palettes to make decisions that we would like to implement schoolwide. We've put in place a school improvement team made up of students parents and teachers.
Ruscito continued, "We have a very deliberate and comprehensive attendance monitoring scheme. There's action taken by staff when a student is absent three days, five days, seven, 10 and someone that it involves the nurse guidance counselors deans, and social workers. Increased attention on attendance has reduced absences and tardiness and when students are in class they are more likely to learn and demonstrate their learning whether it be with internal assessments or external as in NECAP tests."
Christine Lopes Metcalf, who is the Executive Director of the education advocacy group RI-CAN, provided her perspective on the wins -- and needs -- in the state.
"One of the biggest points of success in secondary education has been the sharp rise in graduation rates in some of our urban areas. Since 2007, districts such as Central Falls and Pawtucket have seen about a 20 percentage point increase which are some of the highest increases across the state," said Metcalfe. "The next biggest challenge for all our schools will be the continued implementation of the new higher state standards, known as the Common Core. These standards are more aligned to college and career readiness and we will need to work hard to make sure all kids are prepared and graduating with the tools they need for success in the world in which they will live and work."
What are the challenges facing the top schools to keep achieving high marks?
While the schools at the top acknowledged their achievements, the principals also noted the challenges that they face in striving for greater success.
"In my opinion, our greatest challenge is one that is faced by all schools in our society today. Our challenge is to constantly and meaningfully evolve amidst the rapid pace of change that exists in the world while we continue to maintain our traditions, legacies and essential purpose," said East Greenwich's Podraza. "We must find new ways to work collectively to personalize educational experiences and to empower each individual with knowledge, skills and dispositions to make meaningful contributions to our culture, government and economy through intrinsically motivating experiences that drive their learning. While this evolution is a challenge, it is also one that our educators relish."
The new Common Core State Standards and PARCC assessments were mentioned by principals as being a key area of focus.
"Our biggest challenge is to fully align curriculum with the Common Core State Standards throughout all subject areas as we work towards full implementation of CCSS," said Scituate's Sollitto.
Chariho's Weber added, "We're getting ready for PARCC assessment -- we've been implementing common core as we continue to learn more and how its assessed, we'll continued to refine our approach. It's a constant state of examination and reexamination."
Stakeholders on Gains and Needs
Anna Cano Morales with the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University, who last year released the state's first Latinos Student Achievement report, spoke to the gains made since then.
"The three urban districts that are educating the great majority of Latinos (Pawtucket, Central Falls and Providence) have all taken steps to ensure that they take heed to the demographic changes and the recommendations of the report," said Cano Morales. "More good news is that Tolman and Shea High School are making great strides and gains. In addition, Blackstone Academy recently received a commendation from RIDE for their academic success with their students, and they recruit from Central Falls and Pawtucket. Pawtucket schools kicked off a diversity task force led by Interim Supt. Patti DiCenso, and the first meeting drew over 70 parents and community members!"
"Central Falls High School saw a graduating class of 150 last week and another 25 or so will graduate in August, and we have our first grad going to Harvard!" continued Cano-Morales. "It’s not as clear cut as a list, but there are amazing things happening in our urban schools every day and LPI is pleased to see the positive results."
Editor's Note: Blackstone Academy Charter School was also a commended RIDE high school three years in a row, in addition to Scituate and Classical.
Related Slideshow: Top High Schools in Rhode Island 2014
Claim to Fame: School principal Scott Sutherland was named Rhode Island Principal of the Year in 2014 by the Rhode Island Association of School Principals.
Claim to Fame: A structure based on the Diploma Plus Model fosters positive relationships between parents, students, teachers, and administrators and creates powerful learning experiences that will motivate students to grow and succeed.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Peter Kilmartin (Rhode Island state representative and current attorney general), Kevin Lima (Disney animator and film director of the films A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians, Eloise at the Plaza, Eloise at Christmastime, and Enchanted), and Abraham Nathanson (developer of the game Bananagrams).
Claim to Fame: Times 2 Academy constantly exposes its students to guest speakers, internship opportunities, college fairs and job shadowing opportunities to encourage their students to embrace their futures.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include David Macaulay (author and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator), Aaron Fricke (gay rights activist), Johnny Goryl (MLB player for Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins), Jon LaRose (MLB player for Boston Red Sox), Daniel Stewart (first openly gay elected mayor in New York State history-Mayor of Plattsburgh, New York), Linda Nochlin (leading abstract expressionist artist), Peter and Bobby John Farrelly (film directors, producers, authors), Suzanne Martin (Emmy-award winning television producer), and Annette Nazareth (a Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Jamie Silva (Indianapolis Colts free safety), Claudia Jordan (model and reality TV star), T.J. Del Santo (Meterologist at WPRI-TV), Brent Martineau (Sportscaster), David Franklin (Scientist/Entrepreneur), Kim Schifino (Musician in Matt and Kim), Jennifer Lee (co-writer of Disney’s Wreck It Ralph).
Claim to Fame: Central Fall’s Chess Team has experienced incredible success and finished in the top 10 at a national tournament that had over 5,000 competitors, as well as receiving funding from star powerhouses such as Alec Baldwin’s Foundation.
Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts
2013 Rank: #23
Enrollment: 167
Claim to Fame: The schools shares prestigious artistic patnerships with RISD, Sandra-Feinstein Gamm Theatre, Fusionworks Dance Company, Athletics, Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, and Aurea.
Claim to Fame: Famous athletic alumni include Tom Mellow (played in the NHL, won a silver medal at the 1972 Olympics), Vinny Pazienza (former World Champion professional boxer), Mike Stenhouse (played in the MLB for the Expos and Boston Red Sox), Curt Bennett (an All-Star NHL player), Joe Cavanagh (Captained Harvard University’s hockey and tennis teams), Ray Jamieson (Oakland Raider’s fullback), Greg Oden (New England Champion Springboard Diver).
Claim to Fame: The school offers a Entrepreneur 360 Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a 60-hour program for students supported by NFTE. Students learn about the concepts and the skills necessary to create a business, sharpen their work ethic and help grow their confidence.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Mark van Eeghen (former NFL Pro Bowl running back and the only person ever from Cranston West to have their number retired in any sport), Anthony Meo (baseball player), Jeff Diehl (baseball player), Tom Denucci (actor), Amber van Eeghen (former cheerleader for the New England Patriots).
Claim to Fame: The school sports a School Improvement Team that brings staff, students, community members, and parents together once a month to have their voices heard concerning how the school can be tailored for success.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include James Woods (Emmy-award winning actor), Chris Terreri (College All-American, Olympian, and two time Stanley Cup winning NHL goalie), Patrick Sheehan (PGA professional golfer), Dan Wheeler (Major League Baseball pitcher).
William M. Davies Career and Technical High School
2013 Rank: #29
Enrollment: 833
Mascot: Patriots
Claim to Fame: Davies ensures that Parents are heavily involved in the curriculum through the Parent Involvement Policy, which is a program supporting the development, implementation, and regular evaluation that includes parents in all grade levels.
Claim to Fame: The school is heated entirely by recycled wood chips in order to preserve the environment. The school also sports an Energy Lab that enables students to develop career pathways in stem agriculture. Their colors are green, and so is their mindset.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Bill Almon (baseball player) and Damian Constantino (baseball player, holds NCAA record holder with hits in 60 consecutive games).
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include John Orlando Pastore (Former Governor of Rhode Island, US Senator), S. J. Perelman (American Humorist) Bruce Sundlun (Former Governor of RI), Rudolph Fisher (pioneering Black radiologist and writer of the Harlem Renaissance), Irving R. Levine (Former NBC News Economics Correspondent), Frank Licht (Former Governor of RI), George Macready (American actor), A.O. Scott (Chief New York Times Movie Critic), Stanley Fish (Literary theorist and legal scholar), Michael Kang (Filmmaker), C. M. Eddy, Jr. (Renowned Author), Lauren Corrao (Comedy Central executive; helped develop That '70s Show and Mad TV for Fox),William A. Barnett (Economist), Robin Green (Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television producer for The Sopranos and Northern Exposure, among others), S. Hastings Richardson (Author) Alexander Knight (Poet), Angel Taveras (First Latino Mayor of Providence).
Claim to Fame: Janice Anderson (Assistant Production Manager of Cirque de Soleil), Tom Cavanagh (Forward, Worcester Sharks), Sara DeCosta (Goalie, 1998 and 2002 U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team),Tony Petrarca (Chief Meteorologist, WPRI-TV), Brian Shanley (President of Providence College), David Petrarca (Director whose work has included Big Love, True Blood, and Hung for HBO; over 40 world premieres including Marvin’s Room on Broadway and West End, Fuddy Meers in NYC, and A Year With Frog and Toad on Broadway).
Claim to Fame: Students have the opportunity to bask in the spotlight in the Husky News Network, a student news organization where students can serve as anchors, camera men, and content writers.
Claim to Fame: Famous alums including Bebe Buell (model, singer, mother of actress Liv Tyler), The Cowsills (family singing act that was the inspiration for TV’s The Partridge Family), Tanya Donelly (co-founder and guitarist of the band Throwing Muses), Joanna Going (actress) Paul Gordon (keyboardist and guitarist for the B-52’s and the Goo Goo Dolls), Kristin Hersh (co-founder of Throwing Muses), P.H. Horgan III (PGA Tour player), Van Johnson (actor), John Mellekas (professional football player), David Narcizo (drummer for the band Throwing Muses), M. Teresa Paiva-Weed (President of the Rhode Island Senate), Jerry Sullivan (sports columnist at The Buffalo News), Noah Jewell (Olympic gymnast).
Claim to Fame: Students have the opportunity to work in The Confucius Classroom, a public educational institute established in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Bryant University under the sponsorship of Hanban. The classroom is dedicated to developing globally competent students through an understanding Chinese culture, language, and economic trends.
Claim to Fame: Middletown High School has enacted a specific Professional Learning Community in 2013, a program geared to make fundamental shift from focusing on teaching to an area of learning where students and teachers collaborate.
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Dr. Thomas DiPaola (Education leader in RI), Henry Nardone, Sr. (Member of URI Foundation, RI Board of Regents), Dennis Algiere (Current RI Senate Minority Leader), Dr. John Toscano, (Chairman of Dept. of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University), Daryl Finizio (Lawyer, New London Mayoral candidate, Westerly City Council), Peter Lewiss (RI State rep, judge, lawyer) Diana Blanda (Actress/Singer).
Claim to Fame: Scituate High School’s “Schools for Schools” club has raised thousands of dollars for Invisible Children to help Uganda defeat the children soldier crisis there.
Claim to Fame:Famous alumni include Bill Reynolds (Providence Journal Sports Columnist), Phil Madeira (Award-winning Songwriter/Musician), Judy Clapp (Recording Engineer who has worked with Dwight Yoakham and Bill Frisell) Brian Howe (film and television actor) Marceline Hugot (a film, television and Broadway actress) Brett Quigley (PGA golfer) Shanna Moakler (Former Miss USA, Playboy Magazine model and ex-wife of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker/star of MTV’s Meet The Barkers), Spalding Gray (Monologuist/Actor) Matthew Broome (New England Amateur Golf Champion).
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Donald Carcieri (Governor of RI), Suzanne Carcieri (First Lady of RI), Debra Messing (Actress), Mark Zito (Radio Host) and Leeann Tingley (2006 Miss Rhode Island USA).
Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include David Cicilline (US Congressman and former Mayor of Providence) and John DeCubellis (lawyer/judge, General Counsel to National Education Association RI).