Oak Grove High School named #2 high school in Mississippi, top 8% in nation

By: Katie Williams

Staff Reporter

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Oak Grove High School as the second best high school in Mississippi. Out of 21,000 eligible high schools surveyed, OGHS placed in the top eighth percentile. Numerically, Oak Grove received a national ranking of 1,750.

High schools from 49 states and the District of Columbia were considered for the 2013 national rankings.

According to the U.S. News and World Report website, the report was based on “overall student performance on state-mandated assessments, as well as how effectively schools educated African American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students.” Student performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams was then used to determine the degree to which school prepare students for college level work.

U.S. News and World Report noted that the OGHS student body is comprised of 50 percent male and 50 percent female. The minority enrollment is 38 percent, and 41 percent of students are considered “economically disadvantaged.” Twenty nine percent of OGHS’s students are enrolled in an AP class.

To be eligible for a state and national ranking, schools must earn a gold or silver medal. Only four schools in Mississippi earned this prestigious honor. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but it starts with the parents and community,” Dr. Ben Burnett, Lamar County School District superintendent, told The Lamar Times. “Of course, the students have to perform well, too. It’s definitely a team effort, and everyone deserves a pat on the back.”

The report also stated that “schools were ranked within each state and on a national scale, so families can see how well their public schools stacked up against rival public schools within the community and nationwide.” In the national rankings, 500 schools earned gold medals, 1,790 schools received silver medals, and 2,515 schools were awarded bronze medals.

Pass Christian High School ranked first in Mississippi, and Petal High School ranked third.

Information about all high school rankings can be found on the U.S. News and World Report website.

Information courtesy of The Lamar Times.