U.S. News Ranks Bedford High School No. 2 in NH

U.S. News & World Report released its state-by-state rankings of high schools throughout the United States this week, and Bedford High School, in only its sixth year of existence, not only took second in New Hampshire, but also finished in the top 1,000 in the country, ranking No. 905, overall.

"I am very proud of the work of that the high school staff and administration has accomplished in the short history of Bedford High School," said Superintendent Tim Mayes. "The successes of our high school and its students continues to grow. We are fortunate to have outstanding community support as well as having a strong pre-kindergarten through grade eight program feeding BHS."

To achieve the distinction, BHS ranked above average in college readiness, math proficiency and reading proficiency. All components, specifically the high level of college preparedness, said Mayes, offer a reflection on Bedford's curriculum, including the school's . Bedford is one of along wih Merrimack Valley, that offer IB.

"Our students have scored very well on the academic assessments used by the state of New Hampshire, which reflects well on the instruction by teachers and the effort students put into the assessments," said Mayes. "Feedback to date from our graduates who have completed the IB program or IB courses report that they have received a strong foundation in writing and research and have found the transition to college and university quite smooth."

Still, Mayes noted the school – which finished runner-up to Hollis-Brookline High School – and the district, still have room to grow.

"As with any good organization, we continue to look for ways to improve at all levels as well as the high school," he said. "In the end, I offer kudos to the students and their families who support their children. They take their education very seriously, they collaborate with our teachers and administrators, and they seek to achieve the high standards that have been established from them."