Rio Grande Valley schools listed among best in the nation
McALLEN - Four high schools in the Rio Grande Valley are among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The newsmagazine listed IDEA College Preparatory in Donna, The Science Academy (Sci Tech) and The High School for Health Professions (Med High) in Mercedes and South Texas Academy of Medical Tech (Med Tech) in San Benito among its America's Best High Schools list, which was published Monday.
U.S. News & World Report looked at the participation and pass rates of students enrolled in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate programs or both at 21,000 across 48 states. The list includes what the magazine deems are the top 100 schools in the country.
IDEA College Preparatory and Med Tech made their debuts on the list at No. 19 and No. 65, respectively. Sci Tech and Med High have made the list before. This year Sci Tech ranked No. 40 and Med High ranked No. 83.
"It really validates all the hard work our students, teachers and parents put into this," said Jeff Hembree, deputy superintendent of the South Texas school district, which includes Med High, Med Tech and Sci Tech.
Officials with IDEA Public Schools and South Texas school district said they also find it rewarding to be included with schools that are selective in what students they accept. Both Valley school districts have open enrollment.
Tom Torkelson, chief executive officer and co-founder of IDEA Public Schools, said the rankings show that Valley students can compete with other students throughout the nation when they are challenged.
"The proof's in the pudding," Torkelson said.
