American Studies comes out on top

The High School for American Studies at Lehman College has been named the best public high school in the state for the second year in a row. U.S. News & World Report released the rankings May 9.

The rankings take a variety of factors into consideration, including student performance on state tests, how effectively the school educated their least advantaged students and college readiness. 

American Studies’ Principal Alessandro Weiss called the first place ranking a source of pride, but said he did not put too much stock into it. 

“We live in a society where we like to rank everything. I’m not sure if I always agree with that, but our students work hard and we’re proud of their achievements,” he said.

Advanced placement

Mr. Weiss pointed out that American Studies is one of just 14 schools on the list that had 100 percent of seniors pass at least one Advanced Placement exam. 

“It’s really a community effort. It stems from our belief that all children, with the right support and excellent instruction, can meet their highest potential,” he said. 

“Honestly, we don’t think about it day to day,” Mr. Weiss said of the ranking. “I would never make educational decisions on how we’re being ranked.” 

While he admitted it was nice to get the recognition, he added that last year’s top ranking did not prompt more students to apply to American Studies.

“Choosing this school because we did well on the list, I don’t find that a compelling reason,” Mr. Weiss said. He pointed to the school’s classes, programs and community as bigger draws for students and parents. 

Other good schools

Mr. Weiss also acknowledged the city has a lot of quality schools that were not ranked as highly on the list. 

“They are no lesser than us,” he said. “We’re not going to become snooty.”

In addition to holding the top slot in the state, American Studies was ranked 11th in the country.

The Bronx High School of Science also ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s lists, coming in at seventh in the state and 51st in the nation.