Glenbard's 4 schools ranked among nation's Most Challenging High Schools 7th year in a row

For the 7th consecutive year, all four high schools in Glenbard District 87 have been named to the Washington Post's list of America's Most Challenging High Schools. Approximately 12% of high schools nationally make the list. The list ranks schools through an index formula that uses the following ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year.

In releasing the list, the Washington Post also notes the percentage of students who come from families that qualify for lunch subsidies and the percentage of graduates who passed at least one college-level test during their high school career.

Superintendent David Larson said, "Our instructors, staff and administrators believe all students can grow academically, and they instill this belief in students. They encourage all students to take Advanced Placement classes. We are preparing students to excel in higher education or the career of their choice. Experiencing college rigor in the supportive high school setting is so important. I am proud of our students for breaking out of their comfort zone and taking more rigorous classes. They understand that with hard work they can be successful in college and the workplace."

Even with having more than doubled the number of students taking AP exams in the past 10 years, Glenbard District 87 students have maintained an above average passing rate on AP exams. Last year, Glenbard District 87's AP passing rate was 72%, which exceeds the state and national averages of 62% and 58%, respectively. "This is a testament to students' hard work and the support of their teachers and families."

Through a partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools, Glenbard District 87 also has seen an increase in the number of traditionally under-represented students taking Advanced Placement classes. Glenbard South High School has earned national recognition for closing its enrollment gap, joining less than 1% of high schools nationally that have closed their gap. Glenbard South is one of only three high schools in Illinois to close its AP enrollment gap, and Glenbard District 87's other three schools are on track to do the same.

Out of approximately 682 public high schools and 146 nonpublic high schools in Illinois, 78 Illinois high schools were named to the Washington Post's list. The following is where Glenbard high schools appear in the 2017 Illinois ranking of high schools on the Washington Post's list:

• Glenbard West #12

• Glenbard South #30

• Glenbard North #54

• Glenbard East #60