South Side High School named one of country’s best

U.S. News and World Report recently released its 2014 Best High Schools List and, once again, South Side High School ranked among the top schools in the country.

South Side was ranked 127 out of the nation’s approximately 20,000 high schools (only 2,000 are actually ranked by U.S. News and World Report). It was ranked 23 in New York.

The school has been on the list for many years, though its position has fluctuated. In 2012, South Side was ranked No. 22 in the country. Last year, it was 117.

South Side was also ranked fifth on Long Island, falling behind Jericho High School, Manhasset Secondary School, William A. Shine Great Neck South High School and Garden City High School.

Dr. William Johnson, the school district superintendent, attributed the school’s continued success (SSHS has earned many national honors over the years) to its curriculum.

“I really think it is that we provide a real challenging curriculum to all of our students, and we provide an opportunity for every child in that high school, and in our district,” Johnson said. “An opportunity to achieve at very high levels, and the support they need to do so.”

South Side Principal Dr. Carol Burris said that being on the list this year was even more of an honor than in prior years. The criteria for being on the list had changed, and South Side is now listed with very affluent school districts, as well as charter schools and schools for the gifted.

“I attribute it to the hard work of our teachers and our students, who believe that taking challenging courses and doing well in them is important,” she said. “We also receive extraordinary support from our community. And all of those factors together have resulted in our inclusion on the list.”