U.S. News & World Report: Red Hook again ranked among top high schools in country
Michael Benischek
Once again, Red Hook High School can call itself one of the top institutions in the country.
U.S. News and World Report included Red Hook in its list of the Best High Schools for 2024, a ranking that places an emphasis on college readiness and higher-education curriculum.
“As it has in the past, U.S. News and World Report’s formula showed what we in Red Hook have known,” Superintendent Dr. Janet Warden said. “Students graduate from our high school prepared to take on the challenges of college, with skills and training that will aid in future professional success.”
Red Hook was ranked 3,083 out of 17,655 total public high schools across the country, or in the top 18 percent; it was 292nd in New York, in the top 23 percent.
The annual rankings were released Tuesday, April 23, with a methodology that takes into account data from the U.S. Department of Education, state assessments, College Board (Advanced Placement) and International Baccalaureate. The College Readiness Index and College Curriculum Breadth Index, two measurements of student participation and proficiency on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams, accounted for 40 percent of a school’s score. Other factors included proficiency and performance on state math, science and reading assessments (40 percent); learning outcomes for underserved students, including a school’s Black, Hispanic and low-income populations; and a school’s graduation rate.
Graduation and test performance data factored in to the rankings dated to 2022.
Red Hook’s score included a graduation rate of 92 percent, with 45 percent of students taking at least one AP exam and 32 percent passing at least one exam.
The Red Hook Central School District in recent years has expanded its focus on college readiness, launching new classes and initiatives, and providing students with spaces such as the Performing Arts Center, which boasts professional-level stage production resources.
The high school is preparing to launch “IB English for All” this fall, making IB coursework accessible to all students whether or not they intend to pursue an IB diploma.
Red Hook High School Principal Kyle Roddey said the school “is once again thrilled” to be recognized by the publication.
"This report is a wonderful validation of all the outstanding things taking place at Red Hook High School,” Roddey said. “Our faculty and staff continue to go above and beyond to support our students, and our students do incredible things each day. We are so proud of our upcoming expansion of the International Baccalaureate Program alongside strides we continue to make in theater, STEAM and so much more."
In 2023-24, RHHS is offering 25 IB classes in English, art, film, foreign language, math, physical education, math, science and social studies and nine AP classes in English, math, music and social studies.