Ranking High Schools has always been difficult. Many newspapers rely on statistics such as ACT score averages or graduation rates to formulate their rankings. However, there are many problems with this method:
- Ranking schools by graduation rates and ACT scores favors selective enrollment schools because they can "filter out" students who are not likely to do well on the ACT or graduate High School.
- Among the top few schools, average standardized test scores and "college readiness" statistics are unbelievably similar. The principal of Walter Payton College Prep has said that the state-wide ranking difference between Walter Payton and Northside came down to only a couple of students' ACT scores!
- Traditional rankings get it all wrong. A large part of High School is about finding great opportunities outside of the classroom as well as inside it! By comparing a school's extracurricular activities or unique schedule attributes, one can get a much better picture of what the school may actually be like.
- The rankings are not customizable. Ultimately, many might not care about ACT averages or graduation rates
Real Rank solves all of these issues and more! You can not only find a comprehensive ranking of the top High Schools, but also customize it yourself!