County Schools named among Nation’s Best
Two Cherokee County schools were ranked among the “Best High Schools in America” in a list published by U.S. News and World Report this week.
River Ridge and Sequoyah high schools both earned places on the list, released Tuesday, which is compiled based on several factors, including Advanced Placement exam results and performance by disadvantaged students.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo said he’s proud of the work Cherokee County schools do to prepare students for their futures.
“We are proud to have our high schools recognized for the quality education they provide to all students,” Petruzielo said. “Our teachers, administrators and support staff work tirelessly to prepare our high school students for the future, whether it’s college or a career, and it’s great to have the excellent work at Sequoyah and River Ridge recognized on a national level.”
Sequoyah High School has made the list for the past four consecutive years, but this is the first year River Ridge has been named as one of the best high schools in America in the national listing.
River Ridge Principal Darrell Herring said it feels great to have the school be recognized for its hard work.
“It is a great feeling to receive recognition for the outstanding teachers and students of River Ridge High School. It is an honor to be included on such a distinguished list of outstanding high schools,” Herring said Wednesday.
As a newer school, with its first class graduating in 2013, River Ridge just recently become eligible to be ranked on the list.
“This is the first year we were eligible for the list. The criteria calls for having at least two graduating classes. This is the third graduating class of River Ridge High School,” Herring said.
The principal credited the school district for providing good support to River Ridge.
“I thank Dr. Petruzielo and the School Board for their support and guidance as we have progressed since we opened in 2009. I am truly excited for the school and the community,” he said.
Herring said the school works hard to offer “the highest academic standards of rigor.”
“The teachers and students are responding to the high level of rigor combined with creating an environment for leadership development that shapes the daily routine for the school. By encouraging the students to be involved and committed, we are experiencing the success established by the tradition of excellence within the Cherokee County School District,” he said.
Last month, River Ridge and all of the five other high schools in the district were named on the Washington Post’s list of the “Most Challenging High Schools.”
Click here to view the original article in the Cherokee Tribune.