Newsweek's List of Top Public High Schools Does Not Include Holmdel

Newsweek released its popular "America's Best High Schools 2011" list yesterday.

After two years of being included, Holmdel High School was not on the list.

In 2010, HHS was ranked #406. In 2009, it was ranked #625. (You can sort the Newsweek list by year, on this list.)

Of the 1,000 schools ranked in the 2011 survey, 36 were from New Jersey. Several were from Monmouth County Among them was High Tech High School on the Brookdale College Campus (#18), and Biotechnology (#25), in Freehold. Both are part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District, and attract many Holmdel-educated eighth graders who continue their studies there. 

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School came in at #230, and Red Bank Regional at #409.

At the request of Holmdel Patch, Superintendent Barbara Duncan issued the following statement, on behalf of herself and Holmdel High School Principal William Loughran, on June 22. It is printed in its entirety here: 

Statement from Barbara Duncan, Holmdel Superintendent of Schools

"First, thanks to Newsweek for taking the time to spotlight what is right about education in America. Too often, it seems, we hear about the problems, and while we surely have our work cut out for us nationwide, it is nice to read about the success stories. 

Second, congratulations to the 36 New Jersey high schools listed in the rankings, and especially to both Biotech, High Tech High School, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and Red Bank Regional.  The are fine, fine, institutions of learning, and their inclusion in the rankings is both well-earned and well-deserved.

In compiling the data to be used in determining its top schools, Newsweek reports that it sent surveys to administrators, principals, guidance counselors, and AP coordinators at over 10,000 public schools across the country. Regrettably, it appears that this survey never reached anyone at Holmdel High School. Had we the opportunity, we most certainly would have submitted the information they requested in the hopes of making the final rankings. We will be contacting Newsweek to ensure that we are on their mailing list so that we may be considered for inclusion next year.

While it would have been nice to be ranked among the best in the US in 2011, it doesn't take away from the pride  we have for HHS in our community. Our students come to school everyday in a safe and secure environment, one whose culture supports all aspects of learning and self-growth. As evidenced by our graduation Tuesday night, our students leave Holmdel High School well-prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead, and to be responsible citizens in our larger society."

- Barbara Duncan, Superintendent