Willits Charter School has been named as a top California high school in the 2009 U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools 2009 Search.
U. S. News and World Report, in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 educational data research and analysis business, analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. The article (at www.usnews.com) explains the research is "based on the key principles a great high school must serve all its students well, not just those bound for college, and it must be able to produce measurable academic outcomes to show the school is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators."
Five Mendocino County schools were named as winners.
"It is so rewarding to receive such prestigious recognition for our efforts," said WCS Director Sally Rulison. "I have known for many years that we are providing a quality education for our students, but it's great that it's being acknowledged outside of our small community."
Charter schools were established to provide flexibility and innovation in public schools. At Willits Charter School, high school students can take high school classes, independent study or college classes at Mendocino Community College.
"We have found this approach works well to provide students with individualized programs to meet their specific needs and interests," Rulison explained. "As a small, academically oriented school, we have seen our students succeed during and after high school. We look forward to continuing to grow and improve the programs we offer the Willits educational community."