Jefferson Parish Schools Rank Among Best High Schools of 2013

The good news just keeps on coming for three Jefferson Parish schools. Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, the Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy and Thomas Jefferson High School were ranked among the top 2,000 schools in the country, according to Newsweek and The Daily Beast. Just last month, all three schools were recognized on the U.S. News and World Report list of “2013 Best High Schools.”

Haynes Academy was ranked number 77, moving up more than 130 spaces from its spot on the 2012 list.  The Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy came in at number 193 and Thomas Jefferson in Gretna was ranked number 596. The schools were ranked on a variety of factors, including the average SAT and ACT scores, the number of students taking advanced courses, graduation rate and the rate of college acceptance.

“This is just one more excellent achievement to add to the long list of successes these schools have already accomplished,” says JEDCO Executive Director, Jerry Bologna. “The schools that made this list are indicators of the progress Jefferson Parish has made on an educational level. It is wonderful to see the strides that are being made to enhance the educational experiences for our young people in this area. I am thrilled to see that what our educators are doing in right here in Jefferson Parish is creating an impact throughout the entire country. I am so proud of the accomplishments of these schools, the educators and the students. You are all truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

Plans are in place to move the Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy from its current home on Jefferson Highway to a state-of-the-art facility in the Churchill Technology and Business Park by the start of the 2013-2014 school year.  The new school, which is geared towards students with plans to pursue careers in science and technology, boasts three major classroom buildings, robotics and biotech laboratories and a large cafeteria. Located directly across the street from the JEDCO Administrative offices, the 102,000-square foot facility will provide students with the tools they need to prepare for the careers of their choosing.

To see the full 2013 Best High Schools list, click here.