For the first time, Warren Township High School has been named to the top 6 percent of the public high schools in the country according to Newsweek magazine’s annual list of “America’s Best High Schools.” 

The 2010 list is based on how hard public high schools challenge students to enroll in advanced placement courses and exams in 2009. At Warren, 989 advanced placement exams were given to a class with 933 graduates. 

In Illinois, 51 public schools made the list and eight of those are in Lake County. Of the eight  –  Grayslake Central, Grayslake North, Libertyville, Stevenson, Highland Park, Vernon Hills, Barrington and Warren - Warren spends the least per pupil. 

“We have been on a school improvement journey for several years, and while we are not finished, the recognition of our efforts by this selection is extremely gratifying,” said Dr. Philip Sobocinski, superintendent for Warren Township High School. 

Warren has been increasing the rigor of the curriculum and focusing more on learning rather than simply teaching. The change includes encouraging more students to take advanced placement courses and exams. The number of students taking advanced placement exams increased by 420 students from 2009 to 2010 and expectations are that those numbers will continue to increase. 

Dr. Sobocinski added, “The recognition could not have been accomplished without the work of the entire school community, and it reinforces that results can be attained when a collaborative approach is used system-wide.”

Link to Newsweek's choices.