Robbinsdale Armstrong Named Among State's Top High Schools

Robbinsdale Armstrong High School is among the nation's top secondary institutions, according to The Washington Post's High School Challenge.

The senior high school ranked No.9 among schools in Minnesota and 685th nationally. The list includes more than 1,900 public schools—a mere 7 percent of America's total.

Created 13 years ago by Washington Post education columnist Jay Matthews, the High School Challenge index ranks institutions based on the number of advanced placement, International Baccalaureate and other college level tests they administer. The list takes into consideration the number of graduating seniors with test scores that qualify them for college credit. It also identifies schools that challenge students of all abilities to prepare for higher education.

"This ranking demonstrates we are moving in the right direction as a school," said Armstrong Principal David Dahl. "We have high expectations for all our students and have worked very hard to create opportunities for them to take rigorous courses."

Robbinsdale Armstrong offers 18 AP classes but, unlike a large number of schools across the nation, it doesn't require students to receive at least a B in prior coursework to enroll. Any student reading at grade-level is eligible to register.

"It's no surprise that we rank among the best schools in the state," said Tia Clasen, Robbinsdale Area Schools communications director. "We will continue to provide quality programs and choices for our students."