Courtesy of San Benito High School District:
Hollister High School has been named a “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth consecutive year, while making significant gains in both the national and California rankings released last week.
Hollister High climbed 2,371 positions nationally, from No. 7,069 last year to No. 4,698 this year, an improvement of approximately 34 percent. The school also rose 178 positions among California high schools, moving from No. 840 to No. 662, an improvement of approximately 21 percent.
In the San Jose metro area, Hollister High improved from No. 45 to No. 38.
The gains continue a sustained record of national recognition for Hollister High, which has now earned a place among U.S. News’ Best High Schools for eight consecutive years.
Ranking factors
U.S. News ranked 17,945 high schools nationally and 1,678 schools in California. Hollister High’s performance includes the following:
- College Readiness Index: No. 3,784 nationally; No. 645 in California
- College Curriculum Breadth Index: No. 3,613 (tie) nationally; No. 567 (tie) in California
- State Assessment Proficiency: No. 8,478 nationally; No. 793 in California
- State Assessment Performance: No. 9,138 nationally; No. 855 in California
- Graduation Rate: No. 7,806 nationally; No. 859 in California
Hollister High made particularly significant year-over-year gains in the assessment categories. Its State Assessment Performance ranking improved by 6,115 positions nationally, from No. 15,253 to No. 9,138, while its State Assessment Proficiency ranking improved by 2,325 positions, from No. 10,803 to No. 8,478.
Last year’s U.S. News rankings placed Hollister High at No. 15,253 nationally in State Assessment Performance and No. 10,803 in State Assessment Proficiency.
Striving for excellence
Hollister High School Principal Kevin Medeiros said of the Best High School recognition, “What stands out to me is not just the recognition, but the progress behind it. Moving up in these rankings, particularly in student performance, reflects a lot of focused work by our teachers, staff and students.
“We know there is always more work to do, but it is encouraging to see that effort showing up in meaningful ways. Our focus will continue to be on giving every student the instruction, support and opportunities they need to be successful.”
Commitment to student success
Hollister High serves 3,315 students in grades 9-12 and continues to provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves through Advanced Placement coursework and exams. According to U.S. News, 37% of Hollister High students take at least one AP exam, while 28% pass at least one AP exam.
Hollister High also serves a diverse student population, with 77.7% of students identifying as Hispanic, 15.6% as White, 3.3% as Asian, 1.7% as two or more races, and smaller percentages representing other racial and ethnic groups. Sixty-two percent of students are identified as economically disadvantaged.
Strengthening instruction, expanding opportunities
San Benito High School District Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Programs Elaine Galdos said the U.S. News recognition “reflects the focused work happening across our classrooms to strengthen instruction and expand opportunities for all students. Seeing Hollister High School make such significant gains is a reflection of our commitment to strong teaching, student learning and continuous improvement.”
How rankings are determined
U.S. News evaluates public high schools based on measures that include performance on state-required assessments, graduation rates and how effectively schools prepare students for college. The rankings also consider college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance and outcomes for underserved students.
The recognition reflects Hollister High’s continued focus on providing students with rigorous academic opportunities and preparing them for success after graduation.
A recognition of dedication
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum said that earning recognition from U.S. News as a “Best High School” for the eighth consecutive year “is a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication of our Hollister High School and District staff, faculty and administrators.
“Our relentless focus on our Standards of Excellence has cultivated a true culture of continuous improvement across every classroom and department. This milestone belongs to our entire team—it is a brilliant reflection of what we can accomplish when we work together with shared vision, passion and purpose for our students. I am so proud of our students, staff and families, who remind me that everyday is a great day to be a Baler.”
