FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno’s University High School is ranked the 7th Best High School in California by the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings.
More than 22-thousand public high schools in 50 states were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
University High earned a gold medal, ranked 65th in the nation and the 19th Best Charter School in America.
“Two thirds of our graduates go directly to a four year institution, and when they get to that four year institution they are graduating in higher numbers.” – Dr. James Bushman, Head of School, University High.
[Photo: FCOE]
Just days before the U.S. News and World Report announcement, the school also received two prestigious state awards. University High School was recognized as one of 275 California Gold Ribbon Schools for 2017, and made the 2016 California Honor Roll.
“It was a thrill to receive three accolades of this magnitude in the same week. The ranking and awards speak to the extraordinary work of our students and teachers. Our school community could not be more proud.” – Dr. James Bushman, Head of School, University High.
The California Department of Education bestows the California Gold Ribbon Award in acknowledgement of a school’s success in creating a positive learning atmosphere for students.
Dr Bushman says they attract nerds and that’s ok.
“We tend to attract nerds – don’t get me wrong – most of our kids who come here they want this challenge because they are good students to begin with. There is probably not another high school in the United States that
demands so much just to get a high school diploma, and you don’t do that if you’re not already a good student, and the power of the school is the curriculum and the environment that kids create for themselves that just makes it really unique.” – Dr. James Bushman, Head of School, University High.
University High received its charter in 2000 and is part of Fresno Unified School District. With an enrollment of 486 students, University High School is a college preparatory, music- and arts-enriched school serving youth in grades 9-12. Every student is required to participate in band, orchestra or choir.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
