Pocono News Section

Danville & Delaware Valley Named to Top Schools List

Danville & Delaware Valley Named to Top Schools List - Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday June 15 2010
Danville & Delaware Valley Named to Top Schools List 0/ 5 rating MATAMORAS, PIKE COUNTY -- Two high schools in our area are at the top of their class. That's according to new rankings from Newsweek magazine. Delaware Valley High School and Danville Area High School are ranked among the best public schools in America.

Delaware Valley Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan says, When you're ranked in the 6-percent of America's best high schools, I mean that's phenomenal."

Finan was glowing with pride Tuesday. She just learned her high school was ranked one of the best in the nation by Newsweek magazine. I was excited. Very proud of our staff. Very proud of the work that we've done," she added.

Newsweek named Delaware Valley one of the top high schools because of its challenging course load. They offer students 22 advanced placement classes in everything from math to government. Nearly 40% of students take at least one A. P. class.

Stephen Dodd just graduated. He took three. They really push you hard to take it because it gets you prepared the best you can be for college and its a tough course -- but they're there to help you," he said.

Dodd was excited and proud to hear about the ranking. Its pretty stunning actually because you come here and you don't always like it, but its good to hear all our hard work pays off."

District leaders say they've wanted this distinction and the kids have wanted it too. Counseling Department Chairman Jay Tucker says, Its kinda snow-balled around here. The students themselves are talking to each other about which advanced courses they want to take, rather than us saying -- this is important for your future. The students are actually seeing it."

Officials say the ranking will help students get into better colleges and even get more scholarship money, but also give them a little bragging rights. We don't really get a lot of press because of where we're located, the end of Pennsylvania, almost in New York and New Jersey, so we're pleased when we can have headlines. That makes us really proud," says Finan.

Besides Delaware Valley High School in Pike County, only one other high school in our area made the list. That school was Danville Area High School in Montour County.