E.C. Glass High School makes Newsweek’s top U.S. schools list

E.C. Glass High School has made Newsweek’s 2009 top U.S. high school rankings, after initially being left off the list because of a communications glitch.

The school is currently ranked 600, which is higher than its placement last year of 734. The schools on Newsweek’s list represent only about 6 percent of the country’s 27,000 high schools.

Kevin Latham, Glass principal, said he came across the new rankings Monday morning when a guidance staffer pointed out the information. Latham said he’s pleased and a little relieved.

“This is obviously the result of a lot of hard work between teachers, students and families,” he said.

Glass and Heritage high schools are the only local schools to make the cut. Heritage was originally on the list when it was released June 9. Since the addition of other schools, including Glass, the school’s place on the list has fallen to 1,406. Heritage was initially placed at 1,383.

The rankings use a ratio devised by Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews. The ratio is the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at the school divided by the number of graduating seniors.

Schools must submit the various data to Newsweek. Latham, who spoke with Mathews shortly after the rankings’ release, said an e-mail from Newsweek soliciting the information was sent in error to Glass’ retired principal. Usually a phone call is also made to schools to garner information but no call was made, leaving Glass off the list.

Latham said Advanced Placement tests, which helped put the school on the prestigious list, are important to challenge students and prepare them to go on to higher learning wherever they desire. Last school year, Latham said, the school administered 607 AP tests.