Recently US News and World Reports conducted an extensive statistical analysis of high schools in Minnesota to determine which did the best job of preparing students for the rigors of secondary education. The west metro fared well with six schools recognized in the top 20.
Schools were ranked based on how they performed versus other Minnesota schools and the nation in college readiness metrics including graduation rates, test scores and ability to reach disadvantaged teens.
The study delivered gold medals to Orono (#4 overall) and Edina (#7), while silver medals went to Minnetonka (#9), Chanhassen (#11), Wayzata (#13) and Eden Prairie (#19).
Gold Medal Schools- Orono and Edina
High schools in Orono and Edina rose to the top based largely on an extensive array of Advanced Placement (AP) course offers. Students at both schools have taken advantage of the offerings, delivering impressive numbers in both enrollment in AP coursework and pass rates.
In addition to the AP numbers, Orono and Edina High Schools were also bolstered by strong marks on standardized tests in English and Mathematics as well as favorable student to teacher ratios at around 20:1.
Silver Medal Schools- Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Wayzata & Eden Prairie
The silver medal group includes three of the four largest high schools in the state with Wayzata (#1 in total enrollment), Eden Prairie (#2) and Minnetonka (#4), proving that bigger can sometimes mean better. Perhaps counterintuitively the two largest high schools in the state actually feature the lowest student to teacher ratios among the six (Wayzata 18:1, Eden Prairie 19:1).
Each of the silver medal schools trailed their gold counterparts only in percentage of students completing AP coursework, but they all fared extremely well on other metrics. Perhaps their best was graduation rate which ranged from 89% (Eden Prairie) to 97% (Chanhassen).
The Bottom Line
Residents of the west metro should take comfort in the track record of the many strong public high schools that are thriving in the area. While these six were featured in the top 20, several others also received high marks including Mound Westonka (#21), Hopkins (#25) and Maple Grove (#36).
With myriad options available via open enrollment, residents of the west metro should have no difficulty in finding a geographically convenient option that is a fit for any student.
While school district remains an important consideration for homebuyers, it is just one of many lifestyle factors to consider when selecting a new home. The best way to find the perfect home is to carefully consider all of these factors together and then refine a custom search to find homes that fit the bill.
Our team is adept at building these searches and making the most of your time for any home search. If it is time for your family to consider your options, please contact us to get started.
The full US News and World Reports study is available here
