Mount Vernon Community Members:
Each year, U.S. News and World Report identifies the top high schools in the United States. Mount Vernon High School always ranks high on this list, and this year is no exception. Mount Vernon High School ranks in the top 20% of all high schools in the nation, and ranks as the 22nd best high school in the state of Iowa. This puts Mount Vernon High School in the top 6% of high schools in Iowa. The indicators on which Mount Vernon High School excels are in the areas of academic achievement and academic growth. The methodology used by the U.S. News and World Report provides rankings based on academic data, and does not even consider the great things done at Mount Vernon High School in the areas of fine arts and athletics. Factor those in with the academic achievement reported by the U.S. News and World Report, and you have a pretty special place for students to learn and grow!
Earlier this year, we celebrated the successes of all three of our schools as reported on the Iowa School Performance Profile. In that report, Washington Elementary and Mount Vernon High School were designated as High Performing schools, the second highest designation available. Mount Vernon Middle School received an Exceptional designation, the highest designation available! These rankings again revealed that our three schools are showing high levels of academic achievement, and high levels of academic growth from year to year.
As we head toward the end of the school year, I wanted to spotlight our students and staff for the level of excellence they continue to maintain year after year. This is even more impressive given how teaching and learning have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. And none of this is possible without extraordinary support from our great parents and community members. Congratulations to our three schools, and thanks to all of you for making Mount Vernon a great place to learn, live, and work!
Dr. B.