Pascack Valley High School's Academic Achievement 'Very High'

More than 90 percent of Pascack Valley High School students passed the HSPA test in math and language arts last year, according to the 2011-2012 School Performance Reports released by the Department of Education last week.

The report graded Pascack Valley's academic achievement as "very high" compared to schools across the state and "high" compared to its peer schools. A total of 98 percent of students passed language arts and 94 percent passed math.

"I continue to be extremely proud of the academic strength of our district," Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen told Patch. "Every district has room to grow and our district is no exception — as we always strive to improve."

The peer schools replace the old District Factor Groups for comparing school performance. State officials compared enrollment in free/reduced lunch programs, limited English proficiency and special education programs to determine the peer schools. Pascack Valley's Bergen County peer schools include Northern Valley Regional, Park Ridge, Pascack Hills, Indian Hills, Ramsey and Waldwick.

Check out Patch's interactive map comparing SAT scores around Bergen County here.

Pascack Valley's college and career readiness was rated as "high" compared to schools across the state and "average" compared to its peer schools. A total of 95 percent of PV students took the SAT and 72 percent took the PSAT, exceeding the state goals of 80 percent and 60 percent, respectively. Most PV students who took the SAT scored 1550 or higher — 58 percent, exceeding the state's goal of 40 percent.

More than one-fifth of PV students took at least one AP test, though the school fell short of the state's 35 percent target. Of those who did take the tests, 83 percent scored a 3 or higher, beating the state's goal of 75 percent.

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