Holmdel High Ranked 24th in NJ by U.S. News

The U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best public high schools in America is out and has been ranked 24th among high schools in New Jersey.

The top spots in the state were dominated by the Monmouth County Vo-Tech Career Academies. High Technology High School on the Brookdale Campus of Lincroft was ranked #1. Biotechnology of Freehold was #2. Allied Health in Neptune was #9.

High Tech High also won the distinction of joining the list of the Top Ten High Schools in the nation. It moved up from 11th place in 2009. See a slideshow of the top ten high schools at the US News & World Report website.

According to the HHS guidance dept., 41 Holmdel students currently attend High Tech High, 12 attend Biotech, and 5 attend Allied Health.

The rankings released Tuesday are based on college readiness, math and English proficiency, and student to teacher ratio.

Here are the academic indicators for HHS, which was awarded a Gold Medal by U.S. News and World Report.

HOLMDEL HIGH SCHOOL

• National Rank: #422
• College Readiness Index: 48.4
• Math Proficiency: 3.5
• English Proficiency: 3.3
• Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1

The reports states the Advanced Placement participation rate at Holmdel High School is 51 percent. The student body makeup is 52 percent male and 48 percent female. Of the 1064 student enrollment, 31 percent is considered minority and 2 percent economically disadvantaged.

Holmdel High School Principal William Loughran said he was pleased with the report. “To be included among the best schools, not only in New Jersey but in the nation, is certainly affirmation of the strong instructional program we have here at Holmdel High School," he said in a written statement. "It seems particularly appropriate that  these rankings are released on ‘National Teacher Appreciation Day’ – as our talented staff certainly merits praise for the work they do each and every day."

"Ultimately, when you combine a dedicated faculty with students who want to learn, and parents eager to provide support, good things are bound to happen,” said Loughran.

The top 10 New Jersey high schools, according to U.S. News and World Report are:

1. High Technology High School, Lincroft
2. Biotechnology High School, Freehold
3. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, Jersey City
4. Academy for Allied Health Sciences, Scotch Plains
5. Bergen County Academies, Hackensack
6. Elizabeth High School, Elizabeth
7. Chatham High School, Chatham
8. Ridge High School, Basking Ridge
9. Academy of Allied Health and Science, Neptune
10. Princeton High School, Princeton
11. Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro
12. Millburn High School, Millburn
13. Union County Magnet High School, Scotch Plains
14. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South
15. Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood

See US News and World Report for more details on the top schools.