Briarcliff High School Named 'Top School' by Newsweek

From the Briarcliff Manor public schools

Briarcliff High School received high marks on a new list published by Newsweek that names “2014 America’s Top Schools,” ranked on how well their students are prepared for college.

Briarcliff HS appears at number 17 on the list, which names 500 top U.S. schools.

“This is wonderful affirmation of what a community can accomplish in support of their schools,” said Superintendent of Schools James Kaishian. “We have an amazing faculty and staff filled with talented and dedicated teachers, counselors, clinicians and administrators. We have a wonderful student body that comes to us eager and ready to learn. We have parents who place faith our schools and support our efforts in the classroom and at home. It is a winning combination.”

According to Newsweek, the methodology for the list is broken down as follows: college enrollment rate is weighted 25 percent, high school graduation rate is weighted 20 percent, weighted AP/IB scores and weighted SAT/ACT scores account for 17.5 percent apiece, change in student enrollment between ninth and 12th grades counts for 10 percent and the counselor-to- student ratio makes up the remaining 10 percent of the rating.

“The Briarcliff High School Administration is honored to be listed in Newsweek’s America’s Top High Schools,” Principal Debora French stated. “This academic standing is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our faculty and staff, outstanding students and a community that supports and values excellence in education.”

District administrators say this accolade showcases just the start of what the district and its students are capable of achieving.

“While it may be tempting to cool our heels and rest on this good news, the fact is that we are just getting started,” said Kaishian. “I am very excited about the future of our school district.”