Woodstock, Etowah Named America's Most Challenging High Schools

Four Cherokee County high schools are receiving national accolades for their academic performances. 

Creekview High School, Etowah High School, Sequoyah High School andWoodstock High School have been named to the list of top U.S. high schools published by The Washington Post.

The America's Most Challenging High Schools list ranks schools based on factors including the percentage of graduating seniors who take Advanced Placement (AP) tests. 

Only nine percent of the roughly 22,000 public high schools were named to the 2013 list.

Among Georgia high schools, Creekview ranked 79, Etowah came in at 98, Sequoyah pulled a 105 and Woodstock ranked 113. 

"This news is further evidence of the outstanding efforts being made by our students, parents and teachers to excel academically despite the economic challenges facing our schools and community," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo. "Our school year is shorter, our classes are more crowded, our teachers are under increased pressure and one in three students qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch.  Being named a top U.S. high school and earning the highest SAT scores in the State would be an accomplishment at any time, but especially in challenging times like these."   

Dr. Petruzielo said offering all CCSD high school students the opportunity to take AP courses and tests benefits them in multiple valuable ways.

"These classes use more rigorous curriculum, which expands knowledge and better prepares students for higher education and their careers; and passage of AP tests can earn students college credit… saving them -- and their parents – money that otherwise would be spent on freshman classes, and allowing students to more quickly begin coursework in their chosen area of study," he added.  "We will continue to gauge students’ interests and abilities to offer even more advanced academic choices in the future."

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