Washington Post ranks 2 District Five schools among ‘America’s Most Challenging’

IRMO, SC – Two Lexington-Richland District Five schools have been ranked among the most rigorous and challenging high schools in the nation, according to a new Washington Post report.

Dutch Fork High School and Chapin High School are listed third and ninth most challenging in South Carolina respectively, and both are among the top 1,000 high schools in the nation, according to the report. The Washington Post ranks schools annually through an index formula that took the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year and divided that by the number of seniors who graduated in May or June.

Dutch Fork High Principal Dr. Greg Owings said, “Our students continue to excel academically; and our faculty, staff, parents and district personnel have high expectations and give us tremendous support. All of this allows us to provide challenging curricula and an outstanding learning experience for our students. We are so proud of our students’ performance and excited to be recognized as one of the most challenging high schools in America.”

Chapin High School Principal Dr. Akil Ross said, “This ranking is a testament to the outstanding students, parents, staff, and district and community support here at Chapin High. Our teachers and parents have high expectations for student achievement, and I am proud that our students continue to rise to the challenge. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the most challenging high schools in the United States.”

The latest accolade affirms previous ratings for the two schools and the district. Both Dutch Fork High and Chapin High schools received “Excellent” ratings on the latest state report card. Likewise, District Five was given a federal “A” rating and an “Excellent” rating on the state accountability system. Students in the district also rank near the top in SAT and ACT performance, according to recent reports.

District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “District Five strives to provide challenging curricula with high expectations for learning for all our students. We have dedicated teachers and staff who challenge our students to do their best and students who meet and exceed expectations each day.”