US News & World Report has named six Concept schools as among the Best High Schools in the nation! US News has been the authority in ranking universities and schools for many years, and they released their Best High Schools 2023 list in late August. These rankings are based solely on test scores – meaning that our schools are among the top in the nation, even compared to schools in wealthier zip codes. We are so proud of all our students, parents, and teachers have accomplished together!
In Illinois, Chicago Math and Science Academy is ranked as the #1 charter high school in the entire state! Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park is ranked as the #14 charter high school in the state. CMSA and HSA McKinley Park are highly diverse schools in Chicago, where more than 50 languages are spoken at home.
In Ohio, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High is ranked as the #4 charter high school in the state. The success at HSA makes it a destination school, and this year, it opened a second campus to sustain its bursting enrollment.
In Missouri, Gateway Science Academy Fyler was ranked the #5 charter high school in the state. From orchestra to underwater robotics, GSA offers various unique opportunities for students in St. Louis to excel.
In Indiana, Indiana Math and Science Academy North was ranked the #8 charter high school in the state. IMSA North is a K-12 school that recently expanded its college guidance programming in a new wing for seniors.
In Michigan, Michigan Math and Science Academy Dequindre was ranked the #13 charter high school in the state. Located just outside of Detroit in Warren, MMSA was recently ranked as the top-performing high school across the state - including all charter and traditional public high schools.
US News ranks all schools by test scores, regardless of the income levels of the students’ families. This year’s rankings are based on state test performance data. Students who meet or exceed state standards are considered on track for college. Concept Schools serves primarily low-income students (85% of our families across our network are low-income), yet we rank higher than many affluent schools.
Of course, we know that state assessment data does not fully capture the richness and impact of our Concept model and school communities; not everything that matters can be measured. At Concept, our teachers constantly gather rich, qualitative information from regular, meaningful interactions and deep relationships with students and their families. Our supportive learning environment and community school model create a critical foundation for student success in school and beyond.
Congratulations to all of our schools on this significant achievement! Our incredible educators made this possible through their dedication to innovation and excellence as they work to eliminate the achievement gap in our lifetime. This national recognition from US News & World Report is one piece of powerful proof of the fantastic potential of Concept Schools.