Downers Grove North Ranks on National List for College Preparation

was named one of the state’s top high schools for college preparation by the Washington Post based on its Advanced Placement offerings.

The Post’s High School Challenge recognizes more than 1,900 schools across the nation. Schools are assigned a ratio based on the number of AP or other college-level tests taken in 2010 by the number of graduating seniors. According to the Post, the rankings “can reveal the level of a high school’s commitment to preparing average students for college.”

Students that enroll in AP courses study college-level material. Successful scores on the AP course test at the end of the year may translate into college credit. While each university adopts a different policy regarding their acceptance of AP credits, it’s feasible for a student to enter their freshman year of college with a semester’s worth of credit in AP courses.

Downers Grove North ranked 42 on the Illinois list and 1,233 nationally for 2011. Nearby Naperville North and Central, Glenbard West, Wheaton North and Wheaton-Warrenville South high schools also received recognition on the lists.

A recent Chicago Tribune report revealed that roughly 60 percent of public high schools and 45 percent of private high schools in Illinois offer AP courses, though the number of courses varies from district to district.

District 99 high schools are set to offer 19 AP courses each next year, according to the 2011-12 registration guides for North and South. Both schools plan to add AP art history and studio art courses next year, pending the approval of the District 99 school board and the College Board, which authorizes classes and administers the program.

District 99 also will proctor the AP exam for high-achieving students—in music theory and world history, for example—even if the schools don't offer AP courses in those subjects.

While the High School Challenge notes that their rankings aren’t a comprehensive view of academic value, admissions offices emphasize not just well-rounded students, but ones who challenge themselves.