RHS ranks 21/386 for Alabama high schools in U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report released their list of Best High Schools on Tuesday, and Russellville High School is ranked 21 out of 386 high schools in the state of Alabama, also placing in the top 40 percent of high schools nationwide. RHS is the only school in the Shoals/Tri-County area to make the Top 25 list this year.RHS Principal Dr. Jeremy Madden said accomplishments like this are a team effort and he is “very appreciative” of everyone who played a part in this latest accomplishment for RHS.

“I am extremely proud of our teachers, staff, students, parents, central office team, administration team and community partners,” Madden said. “This is a great accomplishment for RHS to consistently be ranked in the Top 25 high schools in the state. The way everyone here pulls together toward a common goal is great to see, and I’m thankful to be part of a school that appreciates excellence and achievement the way they do here at RHS.

“Being ranked in the Top 25 puts RHS in the company of bigger high schools and schools with more resources and advantages than we have, but we’re still able to perform at or above that level,” Madden said. “Being the only high school in the tri-county area to make this list is a true accomplishment. I’m proud for RHS and for our district as a whole. Each teacher at each school plays a role in an achievement like this because our learning is foundational. It builds every year on what was learned the previous year, so this is an accomplishment everyone can celebrate.”

These rankings are based on test scores for math, reading and science; underserved student performance and college readiness, which measures participation; performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams; curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

RCS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jason Goodwin said it is a testament to the work being done at RHS that they have been able to maintain a Top 25 ranking for four straight years.