Avonworth High School

Avonworth High School is a high school serving the northern neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

In 2009, Avonworth High School was ranked 22nd out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times, for academic achievement based on three years of the PSSAs on: reading, writing, math and one year of science.^[2] In 2008 the school ranked 45th of 123 high schools.

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate was 97%.^[3] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. School District's rate was 86% for 2010.^[4]

Former graduation rate

• 2010 – 91% ^[5]
• 2009 - 96% ^[6]
• 2008 - 97%
• 2007 - 97% ^[7]

Academic achievement

The school achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011.^[8]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 81% on grade level, (11% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[9]
• 2010 – 73%, State - 66% of 11th graders on grade level.^[10]
• 2009 - 74%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 78%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 70%, State - 65% ^[11]

11th Grade Math:

• 2011 - 70%, on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2010 – 69%, State - 59% ^[12]
• 2009 - 67%, State - 56% ^[13]
• 2008 - 77%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 65%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2011 - 57% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 – 44%, State - 39%
• 2009 - 45%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 53%, State - 39%

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 35% of Avonworth School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.^[14] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.^[15] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Graduation requirements

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[16]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.^[17]

Dual enrollment

The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[18] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[19]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $1,839 for the program.^[20]

Extracurriculars

The school offers clubs, activities and sports. The Avonworth School Board determines eligibility to participate in extracurriculars through board policy.^[21][22]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[23][24]

Notable alumni

Eugene "The Mug Mercury" Morris, running back for undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.^[25]

Peter J. Tropman, member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.^[26]

References