Philadelphia Tribune - Index

Philadelphia Tribune - Spring 2009 Education Guide - Index

SCHOOL CALENDAR
Masterman named top high school in Pa.
Masterman High School was recently named the top academic high
school in Pennsylvania in Business Week magazine’s first “Best High
Schools in America” ranking. The school was selected on the basis of the
most recent state and standardized test scores in math, reading and science.
“It’s pretty exciting to have yet another magazine recognition for exceptional
students,” said Principal Marjorie Neff. “Our students are excellent
and they work very, very hard at what they do, with the help of exceptional
parents and staff. It’s a real team effort.”
Made up of 1,250 middle and high-schoolers, Masterman is a special
admission school with a diverse population of students from throughout
the city. While most Masterman students are admitted in fifth grade, they
must reapply to stay for high school, which Neff says about half of them
do.
“There are many wonderful high schools in Philadelphia, so our students
need the opportunity to see what best fits their needs,” she said.
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While Masterman uses the school district curriculum, Neff said her
teachers go beyond that at an accelerated pace.
“We start some of the high school offerings in middle school,” she said.
“When they arrive at the end of their time their senior year, they have
opportunity for advanced placement (AP) courses, which are weighted
more heavily and allow them to get more than a 4.0.”
Strictly a college preparatory school, Neff expects every student to move
on to a four-year college. With 100 percent graduation rates and each student
accepted to multiple four-year colleges, Masterman has met its high
standards consistently.
“Our goal, as are all the Philadelphia schools, is to provide the absolute
best program we can for our students,” Neff said. “It’s our responsibility to
meet their needs and to do the absolute best to prepare them for opportunities
post high school.”
– Melanie R. Holmes