May 1, 2006
HOUSTON, TX, May 1, 2006: The results are in. Yesterday, Newsweek released its annual list of the best 100 public high schools in the nation. The list represents the top 1% of all schools in America and only one Houston school made the cut: YES College Preparatory School.
Founded in 1998, YES is a free, open-enrollment public school that prepares low-income minority students for collegiate success. YES's rigorous 6th-12th grade academic model includes a longer school day and a mandatory Saturday school and summer school program. In addition, the school's charter mandates that students must be accepted to a four-year college in order to receive their high school diploma.
Newsweek references YES's comprehensive model in one of the week's feature stories. Their annual list is based on a ratio that tracks the number of students who take and pass Advanced Placement exams and also graduate from high school. "To receive this kind of national recognition is a huge accomplishment for the students, teachers, and families at YES," says Chris Barbic, the Founder and Head of Schools. Barbic is quick to point out that no school ahead of YES on the list had a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students; 75% of YES's students qualify for the federal free/reduced meal program. "We are proving that it is possible for students, regardless of their socio-economic background, to achieve their dreams of graduating from college."
The Newsweek ranking caps what has already been a tremendously successful year for YES. In a few short weeks, the sixth class of YES seniors will graduate and-for the sixth year in a row-100% of these students have gained acceptance to four-year colleges and universities across the country. Their success is particularly impressive, considering 88% of the graduates are the first in their family to be accepted to college. Says Barbic, "For the past few years, YES has been the best kept secret in Houston. With this Newsweek ranking and our continued growth and expansion in the community, we are excited to be at the forefront of a movement that will radically change the educational odds for our city's low-income youth."