Staff Writer
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics, MSSM in Limestone was recently ranked in the top 100 schools in the nation, by U.S. News and World Report. Out of over 18,000 schools surveyed MSSM was rated as 35th in the U.S. and was the only gold medal ranked school in the state.
Other winners in Maine included four silver medalists ranked in the top 505 schools, and eight bronze medalists placing in the top 1,591 schools in the nation. Silver medalists included: Bangor, Falmouth, Greely and Yarmouth high schools. Bronze medalists included: Carrabec High School, Easton Junior-Senior High School, Greenville Middle/High School, Isleboro Central School, Katahdin Middle/High School, Lubec Consolidated School, Stearns High School and Washburn District High School.
“I’m pleased that the success that MSSM has had, has also brought attention to the quality of education in the state of Maine. There were a number of public high schools also mentioned in the report. Maine ranked 10th out of 40 states reviewed. I think that speaks volumes about the dedication of Maine schools. I’m especially pleased that MSSM has brought attention to Aroostook County as a place where top quality education is valued,” said Walt Warner, MSSM executive director.
Ranking was based primarily on each high school’s ability to produce college ready graduates. Advanced Placement, AP data was used largely in tabulating each schools success in that field. AP is a program which offers college level courses to high school students across the country.
Another area rankings looked at were the success levels of low-income students as well as minorities, which statistically fair worse. Schools were rewarded for providing a higher success ratio for these groups.
College readiness has been a major goal for MSSM administration since its inception in 1995.
“Our graduates tell us that their education at MSSM sets them apart from graduates of other schools. They feel more than adequately prepared for their first and often second years of college because of the quality of teachers and their ability to create a really stimulating learning environment. At MSSM they are in an environment where free and creative thinking is encouraged. Students feel they are able to effectively communicate with teachers what they understand. They develop skills that require creative, analytical and critical thinking,” said Warner.
This teaching style has not only shown itself to be effective through the rankings of the Dec. 10 U.S. News and World Report study, but also through the success of MSSM’s alumni.
These are just a few of the school’s success stories. Therefore, the ranking by U.S. News and World Report, just goes to reinforce what MSSM faculty, administration and graduates already believed, which is that MSSM delivers an excellent education which well prepares students for further educational success.
“We didn’t seek this recognition. We’re certainly very pleased to be recognized on the national level, because we’ve always felt that the education MSSM students receive has been first rate,” said Warner.
“We appreciate this recognition by U.S. News and World Report, but the ranking will not change in any way the way we educate our students. In fact the ratings don’t even address what we feel are our greatest strengths, which are our excellent faculty, our hardworking students and their day to day interactions,” said Warner.
