DHS earns College Success Award - Gold
Posted on: Oct 7, 2021
For the third year in a row, Delano High School has earned the College Success Award from national non-profit GreatSchools.
This year Delano has received elevated distinction, the College Success Award – Gold for a “multiyear track record of preparing students to enroll and succeed in college” as evidenced by winning two or more College Success Awards in recent years.
“This recognition is yet another example of the outstanding efforts our teachers and students make on a daily basis, as well as the support of our parents/community, to reinforce a quality educational experience,” said DHS Principal Barry Voight.
A total of 63 public schools in Minnesota earned the College Success Award in 2021, including 46 that received the College Success Award – Gold. Nationally, 1,838 schools across 25 states earned the award this year.
Among the award-winning schools were ranks based on an overall 10-point score, and DHS was among the top 20 schools in the state. Categories used to determine that score included test scores, student progress, college readiness and equity. In Minnesota only one school, a public charter, earned a 10/10. Six schools earned a 9/10, and 13 earned an 8/10.
Delano High School was given an overall score of 8/10. Within the categories making up that overall number, DHS earned perfect 10/10 marks for test scores and college readiness, and scores of 7/10 in student progress and equity. All scores of 7 and up are considered above average or far above average.
“Test scores at this school are far above the state average, suggesting that most students at this school are performing at or above grade level,” said a summary from GreatSchools.org.
In terms of college readiness, DHS posted a four-year graduation rate of 98 percent, an average ACT score of 24 and an Advanced Placement course participation rate of 21%.
As for student progress, GreatSchools.org noted, “Students at this school are making more academic progress given where they were last year, compared to similar students in the state. Strong progress with high test scores means students have strong academic skills and the school is a doing a better job at supporting academic growth than most other schools.”
The equity rating looks at how well a school serves disadvantaged students relative to all students, compared to other schools in the state, based on college readiness metrics, student progress, and test scores provided from the state department of education.
“Underserved students at this school are performing better than other students in the state, though this school may still have achievement gaps,” GreatSchools.org said about DHS.
Delano Superintendent Matt Schoen said the award was another sign of success in regard to the district’s vision of providing educational excellence.
“This is a great testament to our staff, students and parents in continuing to support the mission of our schools,” he said.
Post Categories: High School