In January, U.S. News & World Report released the 2013 “Best High Schools” rankings, and Irvington Preparatory Academy (IPA) achieved a rating of 23rd in Indiana, out of 388 high schools throughout the state who qualified for this distinction. According to U.S. News & World Report, “To be eligible for a state ranking, a school must be awarded a national gold or silver medal.” IPA medaled in silver. Moreover, IPA came in at 1,638 out of more than 21,000 high schools nationally — in the top 8 percent of high schools nationwide. Both traditional public schools and charter public schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia were evaluated and included in the rankings.
The academic indicators used in the determinations of rank included a College Readiness Index, Algebra Proficiency, English Proficiency, and Student/Teacher Ratio. IPA’s College Readiness score was 22.3 (above the Indiana average) with 56 percent of students tested in Advanced Placement (AP) subjects and 11 percent passing the respective AP exams. The Algebra Proficiency score was 2.9 (out of 4.0 possible), with 72 percent of students demonstrating proficiency. In English, IPA scored 2.8 (out of 4.0), with 75 percent of students deemed proficient.
In the Best Charter Schools category, Irvington Prep ranked 125th out of 145 high schools nationally. Significantly, not all U.S. high schools qualified to be ranked and included in the report, as they did not meet the performance standards per the publication’s criteria.
Along with IPA, just two other Indianapolis high schools were rated in the top 50 Best High Schools in Indiana. Of the three, two are public charter high schools, including IPA. There are currently 11 public charter high schools in the state. Of note, the data and ranking are based on the 2010-2011 school year.
Deanna Pryor, IPA’s Director of Operations, says, “It’s a great honor to be recognized statewide and nationally for our hard work. We have excellent teachers committed to ensuring that our students are on track for graduation, prepared for success in college, and well on their way to making significant contributions to society as adults. IPA’s U.S. News & World Report ranking is evidence that we are doing things right — and well.”
