Haddonfield Memorial High School has been known to be named a top school on many a list.
On Aug. 19, Newsweek magazine released its annual list of the top 500 high schools in the United States. Once again, HMHS has received a high ranking, as it was named №84 of America’s Top High Schools by Newsweek, and the №1 ranked public high school in South Jersey.
“We’re very proud as a school district to be ranked this high by Newsweek, and we truly believe it is a community effort … teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, students, volunteers, parents and all community members. I think that is a unique dynamic that we have in Haddonfield that is reflective in regard to our high academic success, outstanding athletic program and our unbelievable performing arts performances district wide. So we aren’t surprised by this high ranking, but we are very proud of it,” Superintendent Richard Perry said.
Haddonfield Public Schools administration credits not only HMHS, but also the elementary schools and middle school for preparing students for success in high school.
“Our students don’t show up here highly motivated, successful, eager and having a vision for themselves without the tremendous work of those teachers and faculties,” Assistant Superintendent Mike Wilson said.
The methodology of Newsweek’s ranking was determined first by identifying high schools that perform at or above the 70th percentile within each state based on standardized state-level math and reading/language arts assessments. High schools were then ranked based on a College Readiness Index, which looked at the school’s college enrollment rate, graduation rate, weighted AP composite score, weighted SAT and ACT composite score, student retention from ninth to 12th grade and counselor-to-student ratio.
HMHS scored high with a 100 percent student retention rate and a 99.5 percent graduation rate. It also had a high percentage of students college bound, with 97.4 percent.
“This is a community that loves their school, and people move to this town for the school. One of the things I notice are the parents are successful, involved in their children’s lives and want them to be successful; so as far as motivating the students to pursue higher education, it is very easy, as it is an expectation of the community,” HMHS Principal Chuck Klaus said.
HMHS’ average AP score was a 3.84 out of 5. As of now, the high school has 20 AP courses, adding an AP computer science course this year. The high school tries to provide students with AP classes it finds students want or need to further their education. Also, AP courses and taking the AP test when in the course is optional, compared to other schools that require it. Perry and Klaus credit the success of the AP courses to the teachers, as they seek out the professional development themselves and take the extra time to better themselves and their courses.
“The teachers receive professional development, take advantage of it and put the extra time in. They know their students and work to their students’ needs,” Klaus said.
The average SAT total for HMHS was 1768, a higher score than the class of 2013 average total score, which was 1497, according to College Board. The ACT score was high as well with a 26.1 average score compared to the national average of 21 for 2014, according to www.ACT.org.
HMHS doesn’t integrate SAT/ACT prep in its curriculum, but it does offer some over the summer. Haddonfield also received a gold star from Newsweek, which is given to schools where economically disadvantaged students performed at or above the state average for all students on standardized state reading/language arts and mathematics assessments. This didn’t affect the rankings, but is a nod to those who help low-income students. HMHS waives application and SAT/ACT test fees for such students. Also, the counseling department brings in FAFSA experts to educate parents on how to apply for financial aid.
“There are no different expectations. Our teachers maintain high expectations for all of their students and probably couldn’t tell you who in their classroom is economically disadvantaged,” Wilson said.
All of HMHS’ successes — academically, extracurricularly, culturally and socially — are because of everyone working together, Klaus said.
“Any success we have is based on the partnership between the staff, parents and students,” Klaus said.
To see the full list, visit www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015.
