(posted on 11/14/08)
Loris High School has been selected as a MetLife NASSP Breakthrough School and has received a $5,000 grant from the MetLife Foundation. Loris High School is one of five high schools in the United States to receive this award presented to high-poverty schools that are experiencing academic success. Nationally, five middle schools and five high schools were named Breakthrough Schools.
In addition to receiving the grant, Loris High School will be featured in the June 2009 issue of Principal Leadership magazine to share some of the strategies the school is using to improve student achievement for all students. The National Association of Secondary School Principals will host and recognize representatives from Loris High School at its national convention to be held February 27 – March 1, 2009, in San Diego, California.
Qualifying schools must have a poverty rate of at least 40 percent. Loris High School has 72 percent of students on free or reduced lunch. On the 2008 report of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) mandated by No Child Left Behind, Loris High School met 19 of 21 objectives and was one of four schools in the district to make AYP on the graduate rate.
Less than a year ago, Loris High School was listed in the bronze category of high schools in U.S. News & World Report’s first ranking of "America's Best High Schools." Schools were judged on how well students score on state reading and math tests, as well as participation and achievement in challenging Advanced Placement courses.