IMSA in Aurora Named 2nd Best Public High School in America
IMSA teachers were ranked No. 1 in Illinois. (CREDIT: IMSA Facebook page.)
The Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy has been ranked the second-best public high school in America, according to a Niche website analysis.
The Niche website bases its analysis on data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and parent ratings. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, student and parent reviews.
IMSA was No. 2 among 18,793 U.S. public high schools. What’s more, IMSA was ranked No. 1 in Illinois for three categories: College Readiness Ranking, Best High Schools for STEM and High Schools with the Best Teachers.
Parent testimonies were very positive about the school, as well.
“My son has thrived there, and has made it clear that he is very happy that he chose to attend,” one parent said. “It is hard work, and hard to be away from home, but that’s way better than being bored and disinterested for four years of high school.”
Located at 1500 Sullivan Road in Aurora, IMSA’s mission is to be the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory
Students at IMSA have a 99 percent graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1440 and an average ACT score of 33.
Ironically, IMSA was ranked second in Illinois’ 2017 best high schools because the No. 1 spot both nationally and statewide went to Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
2017 Best Public High Schools Ranking Methodology
The 2017 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users. Learn where the Niche data comes from. Note: Niche has a separate ranking for 2017 Best Private High Schools.
Factors Considered
| Factor | Description | Source | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics Grade | Based on state assessment proficiency, SAT/ACT scores, and survey responses on academics from students and parents. | Niche | 50.0% |
| Culture & Diversity Grade | Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents. | Niche | 10.0% |
| Health & Safety Grade | Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents. | Niche | 10.0% |
| Parent/Student Surveys on Overall Experience | Niche survey responses scored on a 1-5 scale regarding the overall experience of students and parents from the school. | Self-reported by Niche users | 10.0% |
| Teachers Grade | Based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state test results, and survey responses on teachers from students and parents. | Niche | 10.0% |
| Resources & Facilities Grade | Based on expenses per student, staffing, and survey responses on facilities from students and parents. | Niche | 5.0% |
| Clubs & Activities Grade | Based on expenses per student and survey responses on clubs and activities from students and parents. | Niche | 2.5% |
| Sports Grade | Based on the number of sports, participation, and survey responses on athletics and athletic facilities from students and parents. | Niche | 2.5% |
This ranking assesses 18,793 U.S. public high schools. The same methodology is used to produce the Overall Niche Grade for each ranked school as well as additional schools. Statistics obtained from the U.S. Department of Education represent the most recent data available, usually from 2014–2016, as self-reported by the schools.
For more details about how rankings were calculated, click here.
SOURCE: Niche website
