Kalaheo High Makes ‘Post’ Index

Eight Hawaii high schools recently were recognized in The Washington Post‘s 2012 High School Challenge Index, which highlights the nation’s top 9 percent of schools for effectively preparing students for college.

Of those, Kalaheo High School is one of the six public schools honored from Hawaii.

The Post‘s Jay Matthews, who has compiled the Challenge Index of Washington-area schools since 1998, expanded the rankings last year to include high schools across the country. The formula divides the number of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate or other college-level tests given by a school by the number of graduating seniors. The schools that had at least a 1.000 ratio made the national list.

Kalaheo made the list with a score of 1.400.

Kalaheo offers six AP courses in subjects ranging from psychology and calculus to world history. Its stated mission is “to prepare students for higher education, future employment and responsible citizenship,” and its vision is “a community of learners where individuals prepare for the challenges and opportunities in a diverse and global society.”