Bob Jones, James Clemens in ‘U.S. News & World Report’ top ten

MADISON – “U.S. News & World Report” has ranked both high schools in Madison City Schools in the top ten for its “Best High Schools in Alabama.”

“U.S. News & World Report” prepares rankings with statistics and data for “Best High Schools in the United States” for more than 22,000 public schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The researchers award gold, silver or bronze medals, based on a school’s performance on state assessments and success rate for preparing students to enter college. To be eligible for a state ranking, a school must be awarded a national gold, silver or bronze medal. (usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rankings-overview)

Within Alabama, Bob Jones High School is ranked in seventh place, and James Clemens High School claimed the tenth-place honor.

For its position in national-level standings, Bob Jones claimed no. 932 and earned the magazine’s silver award. The study by “U.S. News & World Report” found that Bob Jones’ graduation rate is 99 percent. The college readiness rate was 45.3 percent.

Bob Jones’ total enrollment is 1,720 students with 36 percent in minority enrollment, 18 percent as the total for economically disadvantaged students and 92 full-time teachers.

James Clemens earned a national ranking at no. 1060 in the research. The Jets’ graduation rate is 95 percent. The score for college readiness was 43. James Clemens also received the silver medal award.

Total enrollment at James Clemens is 1,600 students. Minority enrollment stands at 36 percent, while the percentage of economically disadvantage students is 17 percent. James Clemens employs 88 full-time teachers.

The Alabama school that claimed first place is Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery. Schools in Birmingham suburbs that are in the top ten are Homewood High School in second place and Mountain Brook High School at fourth place.

Huntsville schools in the list from “U.S. News & World Report” are Grissom High School at eighth place and New Century Tech Demo High School in ninth place.

The study looks at factors such as math and reading scores, college readiness, parity within various demographic groups and graduation rates.

“Great job Bob Jones and James Clemens,” MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck said. “Another affirmation that where one resides in Madison makes no difference in the quality of their schools.”