Murray, Ky., Oct. 28-------In the 2022 first-time newly released U.S. News & World Report Data, Murray Elementary School ranks 14 out of 681 Kentucky elementary schools. Murray Middle School achieved a seventh ranking out of 302 Kentucky middle schools, and 25 out of 681 Kentucky elementary schools.
Denise Whitaker, MES principal, said this high ranking is an honor. "Our teachers and staff are very passionate educators, who work very hard to motivate and help every child succeed. Congratulations, Murray."
"It is a huge compliment to be recognized as one of Kentucky's and the nation's top-performing middle schools," said Bob Horne, MMS principal. "Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to challenge our top achievers, while maintaining a robust intervention program for struggling students in math and reading."
Whitaker and Horne extended their sincere appreciation to MISD students, families, district administrators, board members, and the Murray community.
"This is definitely a team achievement," Whitaker said.
"This honor would not be possible without their amazing support," Horne added.
The methodology for the brand new elementary and middle school rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education, focuses on two areas: Math and Reading proficiency, or how well students perform on state assessments, and how well students perform compared to expectations.
Based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, the best K-8 Schools rankings only include public schools. The state assessments data used in the rankings is from the 2018-2019 school year and therefore pre-dates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on test-taking. The K-8 rankings, along with the Best High Schools rankings, now complete U.S. News’ K-12 offerings. Separate from the rankings, the U.S. News K-12 Schools directory features information on 95,882 public schools and 22,450 private schools, including grades taught, contact information, and enrollment numbers.
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Murray High School ranked eighth out of Kentucky’s 382 high schools, and recognized MHS as one of the best high schools in the nation with a 95.72/100 score.
The U.S. and News World Report high school methodology is based on state assessments and how well students are prepared for college. U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Methodology: College Readiness, Math, and Reading Proficiency, Math and Reading Performance, Underserved Student Performance, College Curriculum Breadth, and Graduation Rate. Kentucky assesses high school students with end-of-course exams in English II, Algebra II and biology. It added U.S. history as of 2019. High school graduation requirements in Kentucky call for a minimum of 22 credits earned, including the completion of a course on the history and appreciation of visual and performing arts.
One area of focus for the U.S. News & World Report was the Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities provided at each high school. MHS Students have the opportunity to take course work and exams in AP, a College Board program that offers college-level courses at high schools across the country. The AP® participation rate at Murray High School is fifty-six percent for seniors.
Coy Samons, MISD superintendent, stated. “Murray Independent Schools are honored to have our tradition, pride and excellence recognized by U.S. News and World Report. These rankings signify a PS-12 commitment to academic excellence.”
The U.S. News and World Report ranking top Kentucky High Schools will be available in the spring of 2022.