ICYMI: Chelsmford Superintendent Reacts to High School's National Ranking

Chelmsford High School found itself in elite company Wednesday when Newsweek announced its 2015 list of Top Public High Schools.

Coming in at No. 492, Chelmsford High School made the list of the top 500 in the country and was one of just 19 high schools in Massachusetts to earn the distinction.

Superintendent Jay Lang said the distinction was a special one for the high school and the larger school district community.

“I am extremely happy for Chelmsford High School and the greater Chelmsford Public Schools community to receive this designation,” said Lang, who was named superintendent for Chelmsford Public Schools in June. “I am fortunate to begin my tenure in the district working collaboratively with incredibly dedicated educators at all levels of the organization.”

Newsweek’s rankings are based on a variety of factors. This year’s rankings were weighted by:

• Enrollment Rate—25 percent
• Graduation Rate—20 percent
• Weighted AP/IB/Dual Enrollment composite—17.5 percent
• Weighted SAT/ACT composite—17.5 percent
• Change in student enrollment between 9th-12th grades, to control for dropout rates—10 percent
• Counselor-to-Student Ratio—10 percent

“[Chelmsford’s inclusion on the list] illustrates the staff’s commitment to providing students with an academically challenging and comprehensive program of studies,” Lang said. “The Newsweek ranking is indicative of Chelmsford High School’s emphasis on college and career readiness.”