JHHS RECEIVES BEST HIGH SCHOOLS DESIGNATION SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Winchester, VA: In a list released on August 29, John Handley High School was named a Best High School by U.S. News & World Report. Schools receive this designation by ranking in the top 40% of public high schools nationwide. Handley ranks #5,081 out of 17,680 high schools, putting the Judges in the top 30% in the nation. 

In Virginia, Handley ranks #110 out of 336 schools in the state and is #1 in the Winchester, VA Metro Area. The census-designated Winchester, VA Metro Area includes Winchester, Frederick County, and Hampshire County, WV.  

Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Ranking factors include: 

-College Readiness Index Rank: The proportions of 12th graders who took and passed at least one AP or IB exam. Passing is worth three times more than just taking.

-College Curriculum Breadth Index Rank: The proportions of 12th graders who took and passed AP and IB exams in multiple areas. More exams are valued more than fewer exams up to a maximum of four. Passing an exam is worth three times more than taking.

-State Assessment Proficiency Rank: Aggregated scores on math, reading and oftentimes science state assessments that students may be required to pass for graduation.

-State Assessment Performance Rank: How aggregated scores on state assessments compare with U.S. News' expectations given the proportions of students who are Black, Hispanic and from low-income households.

-Graduation Rate Rank: The proportion of entering ninth graders who graduated four academic years later.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum is proud to see Handley receive recognition at the national level. 

“Handley Pride extends beyond the athletic field and into the classroom; it is stronger now in Handley’s 100th year than ever before,” he said. “We focus on equity and excellence, recognizing that high standards help all students thrive. We are proud of the vast opportunities available to our students in a small community like Winchester.” 

Search for a public high school here: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools 

Learn more about methodology here: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings