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Demopolis High School was named the 24th best public high school in Alabama in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 Best High Schools rankings. The school was also awarded a silver medal for ranking #1955 in the national rankings out of 5,948 schools.

U.S. News ranked the schools on the list based on several criteria such as the students’ performances, including those of historically disadvantaged students, versus the state average, graduation rates and college-readiness performance. Over 20,500 public high schools were eligible for rankings.

Principal Blaine Hathcock said that a number of things earned DHS’ spot in the multi-faceted rankings, including the ACT and Advanced Placement test scores improving.

“It’s not just one facet that’s going to get you into the rankings, and it’s not just one facet that makes you a good school.”

To Hathcock’s knowledge, the high school has not been included in the U.S. News rankings before, but DHS has been recognized in other rankings before such as by Niche, a discovery platform for schools and neighborhoods.

“I’m very excited for our faculty and very excited for our students to be recognized,” Hathcock said.

He said that, while DHS was the school included in the rankings, all of the Demopolis City School System played a part in the success of the students.

“They’ve been through three of our schools before they even get here.”

Hathcock plans to continue the career tech and ACT score improvements as a result of the rankings. He also plans to improve by “not only continuing what we’ve done but doubling down in some of those areas if we want to rise in the ranks.”

With this achievement, the students and faculty received validation for their hard work and the motivation to work harder. Hathcock said that there is more to come from DHS.

“We’re excited about where we’re at, but we’re not satisfied.”

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, May 23 issue of the Demopolis Times.)