WWW arkcity.net

By JOSHUA AMES
Courier Staff Writer

A recent report on the "U.S. News and World Report's" Web site analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 18,000 schools across the nation. Out of that number of schools only 1,591 institutions stuck out from the rest, and two of those were in our area.

Each school chosen was graded with a gold, silver or bronze award with 100 schools being chosen for gold status, 405 schools for silver and 1,086 for bronze.

Among the schools awarded for their academic qualities, 39 of them were Kansas schools. Among those were Dexter High School and Cedar Vale High School, which both received bronze awards.

Dexter High School counselor Debbie Voss said getting that sort of national recognition is great for small town America.

"We are really pleased about it," said Voss. "It just goes to show that even small schools can get the job done, too. It speaks well for all the students, teachers and parents involved."

Armed with a formula created in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 data research and analysis business, the Web site put random high schools in 40 states through a three-step analysis.

First, the chosen schools were analyzed on their test scores and their students' adjustment to school circumstances.