Maplewood Richmond Heights High School is the only high school in the United States to receive a “gold” National Excellence in Urban Education Award from the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST), according to an announcement from the school.
The high school was initially named a finalist in December 2014 along with 22 other schools from across the country.
“These schools are among the best urban schools in the nation. Although they serve low-income communities with an array of challenges, every finalist boasts achievement results that exceed state averages for all students.” Dr. Joseph Johnson, Jr., executive director of NCUST said.
NCUST’s team of researchers and practitioners visited schools across the country, meeting with principals and teachers, and observing lessons at the schools chosen as finalists for the 2015 award. Winners were chosen in bronze, silver and gold levels.
All awardees were honored in late May at the National Excellence in Urban Education Symposium held in Dallas, TX. As a gold winner, MRH received a $5,000 check.
“At the high school and throughout the entire district, we strive to give all of our students the personalized and differentiated instruction, resources, and tools they need to grow both academically and personally,” MRH Superintendent Karen Hall said.
She said it’s all about “curriculum, instruction, and climate.
“Great urban schools offer challenging, rigorous curricula. They expect students to excel, even when they might have difficult home situations. Furthermore, in great urban schools, teachers provide a caliber of instruction that helps students learn challenging content. Instruction is clear, focused, and engaging. Teachers present content in ways that make it easier for students to relate and understand. Finally, the school climate is safe, positive, and supportive. School administrators and teachers work together to establish a climate that engages parents, supports students, and breeds success.”
To be eligible for the NCUST award, schools must have high numbers of low-income students and may not have selective admissions policies. The school’s test results must be better than the state average for all students. Also, the school’s test results for every demographic group of students must be better than the state average for all students. All schools must have high attendance rates, low suspension and expulsion rates, high graduation rates, and evidence of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Congrats to MRH!