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By Alice L. Williams

COURTLAND

Southampton County Public Schools announces that Southampton High School has been named a 2020 Best High School based on rankings by U.S. News and World Report. The rankings are based on AP and IB data from the College Board and International Baccalaureate and state assessment data and graduation rates from state departments of education.

According to school division spokesman Alice L. Williams’ press release, Southampton High School is fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. The school has consistently performed at an advanced level being fully accredited by VDOE for the last 18 consecutive years. Additionally, Southampton High School has been regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for the last 62 years.

In her second year as principal of Southampton High School, Aronda Bell stated, “It is truly an honor for Southampton High School to be selected as one of the 2020 Best High Schools. I am grateful that our division continues to provide our students with an abundance of opportunities and that our students excel in these areas.”

Southampton High School offers Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment courses, and multiple program offerings through their Career and Technical Education programs. Southampton High School has a graduation rate of 90.4 percent with 43.8 percent of students receiving an advanced diploma.

Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon, division superintendent, stated, “As part of our division initiatives, Southampton High School faculty, staff, and students address academic achievement gaps, focus on accountability, and expand opportunities for career exposure and experiential learning for all students which meets their interests and goals. We are extremely proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a U.S. News 2020 Best High School.”