Glen Rock HS Passes Ridgewood HS in Newsweek's 'Best Schools' Rankings

Glen Rock High School leapfrogged Ridgewood High School in the latest rankings of America's best high schools by Newsweek/The Daily Beast.

GRHS jumped 69 spots in the magazine's 2013 rankings to land the borough high school as the 218th highest rated high school by Newsweek. Ridgewood High School fell from 273 to 363 in the rankings.

The grading criteria is centered on six components submitted for the 2011-2012 school year: graduation rate (25 percent), college acceptance rate (25 percent), AP/IB/AICE tests taken per student (25 percent), average SAT/ACT scores (10 percent), average AP/IB/AICE scores (10 percent), and percent of students enrolled in at least one AP/IB/AICE course (5 percent.) The data is self-reported and includes only schools that responded to the study. A total of 2,000 out of 2,500 schools across the country are ranked.

While Ridgewood's graduation rate remained at 99 percent, in 2011-2012 its students scored slightly lower on AP/IB tests taken (0.6 to 0.5), college-bound rates (96 to 95 percent), SAT scores (1814 to 1766), average ACT scores (25.6 to 24.9). Its AP scores were up slightly, increasing from 3.3 to 3.4. Its total score checked in at 3.3, per Newsweek's criteria. 

Ridgewood Superintendent Dan Fishbein has never put much stock in magazine rankings, whether they be high or somewhat disappointing.

The village high school was recently named the second-best traditional high school in the state by US News and World Report and the 187th highest ranked public school in the nation. Glen Rock was not ranked by US News and World Report in those rankings.

"While it is always nice to be recognized by outside publications and organizations, I always keep in mind that the important work takes every place in our classrooms where are teachers and staff work with our students," Fishbein told Patch two weeks ago. "This work sometimes has an outcome of accolades and that is nice. All the accolades in the world do not take the place of dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff, a committed R[idgewood] BOE and a very supportive community."

As it did in 2010-2011, Glen Rock graduated 100 percent of its students, scored 0.5 on AP/IB tests taken, and had a 98 percent college-bound rate. It dipped slightly in SAT scores (from 1696 to 1691) but increased ACT scores from 23.1 to 27 and upped the average AP score from 3.6 to 3.7, finishing with a total score of 3.4.

Its administrators were excited to see the pub.

“Glen Rock High School is proud to be associated with the 2013 Newsweek report on America’s Best High Schools,” Superintendent Paula Valenti said in a news release.

“It should be noted that the Northeast produced 25 percent of the top schools and we are proud that Glen Rock High is among those selected for the roster,” Valenti added. “Of particular interest is that Glen Rock High School is the number one Bergen County comprehensive high school on the roster! Our students, teachers and staff are among the brightest and the best, and are led by outstanding administrators! They have made their school, community and families proud.”

Glen Rock High School Principal John Arlotta, who took over in 2011, said the high school was flattered to be recognized.

“We are proud of our fine student body and staff, which are most responsible for this ranking. We continue to explore ways to personalize the education for each of our students by increasing rigor and offering associated opportunities, based on our students’ talents, passions and interests.”