In a world where the pursuit of excellence in education is more important than ever for our children’s success, Glendale Unified School District has once again demonstrated its capabilities. The U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best High Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings have placed GUSD at the forefront of educational achievement, and I am so proud that my children are members of the GUSD community.
The statistics speak for themselves: all four of GUSD’s high schools have landed in the top 17% of nearly 25,000 high schools considered nationwide. Clark Magnet High secured a position in the top 2%, Crescenta Valley High in the top 5%, Hoover High in the top 14%, and Glendale High in the top 17%. Additionally, all four middle schools have secured a place in the top 10% of all middle schools considered statewide. Rosemont ranks in the top 2%, while Toll and Wilson claim their positions in the top 6%, and Roosevelt Middle School solidifies its presence in the top 9%. These rankings are not just numbers; they are a reflection of the hard work and dedication put forth by the students, parents, teachers and administrators in GUSD.
I also see these results as a decisive vindication for the district’s continued commitment to socially inclusive curricula. For years, we have witnessed multiple coordinated attacks on our district community from outsiders with no children in our schools arguing that any focus on diversity, equity and inclusion would happen at the cost of academic excellence. This could not be further from the truth. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s methodology, the highest-ranked schools are those whose students demonstrate outstanding outcomes above expectations in math and reading state assessments, earn qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams, and graduate in high proportions. GUSD’s consistent presence in these rankings showcases that socially inclusive curricula and academic excellence do indeed go hand-in-hand. Check out gusdparents.org for more information about our remarkable district.
These honors are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire GUSD community. To the parents who have supported their children’s education journey, to the teachers who have inspired and guided them, to the administrators who have provided the necessary resources, and, above all, to the students who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, let’s come together to celebrate!
Congratulations to the Glendale Unified School District and all who have contributed to this well-deserved recognition!
Rachel Stegemoeller
Glendale
First published in the September 9 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
