US High School Challenge Rankings, Some Private Schools Included

Jay Matthews:

I always say "please" and "thank you." I tip at least 20 percent. I never abuse editors or waiters. Many people have told me that I am a nice guy.

So why do so many private schools these days treat me like a loathsome intruder? They don't actually say they wish I would drop dead, but it is clear that they don't want to hear from me. I am asking them for information -- how many graduates and Advanced Placement tests they had last year -- that they consider none of my business. Thousands of public schools have provided the same data to me for the past 14 years.

For the first time, I am including a sampling of private schools in my annual high school rankings, just posted. Most people think the main difference between public and private schools is that the latter charge tuition, sometimes exceeding $30,000 a year. That's true, but there is also a great gap in accountability to the public -- particularly for parents trying to find the best school for their children -- because most private schools withhold vital data about their academic programs.

Wisconsin Schools that were included on the list can be found here.

Middleton (1285) and Memorial (1385) were the only two Madison area high schools to make the list. Both were far, far down the roster.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at May 29, 2012 5:55 AM
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