Nine Rocketship Schools Recognized as Among the Best in the Nation by US News & World Report
US News & World Report has named nine Rocketship schools as among the Best Elementary Schools in the nation! US News has been the authority in ranking universities and high schools for many years, and this year is the first they’ve started ranking elementary and middle schools. These rankings are based solely on test scores – meaning that our schools are among the top in the nation, even compared to schools in wealthier zip codes. We are so proud of all that our Rocketeers, parents, and teachers have accomplished together!
In Tennessee, Rocketship United Academy is ranked as the #4 charter elementary school in the entire state! Rocketship United is a richly diverse school, with students coming from more than 50 different countries. Our Rocketeers are showing what is possible for all students.
In Washington D.C, Rocketship Legacy Prep is in the top 30% of all elementary schools. Achievement at this level shows that we can eliminate the achievement gap, as 70% of our Rocketeers are classified as at-risk and 15% are classified as homeless.
In California, 7 Rocketship schools are among the best in the state ranking by US News and World Report! Our schools all rank in the top 30% of elementary schools in California while serving majority low-income (76%) and English Learner (59%) student populations. As the most populous state in the country, we are competing against an enormous number of schools – yet we come out ahead. Rocketship Mosaic and Rocketship Spark rank in the top 10% of all elementary schools in the state! Also beating the odds are Rocketship Rising Stars in the top 11% and Rocketship Mateo Sheedy in the top 15% – incredible accomplishments! Rocketship Fuerza and Rocketship Futuro Academy are in the top 20% of California elementary schools, and Rocketship Alma rounds out the top 30% in the golden state.
US News ranks all schools by test scores, regardless of income levels of the students. This year’s rankings are based on 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 (if available) state test performance data. Students who meet or exceed state standards are considered to be on track for college. Rocketship serves mostly low-income students (76% of our families across our network are low-income), yet we rank higher than many affluent schools.
Of course, we know that state assessment data does not fully capture the richness and impact of our Rocketship model and school communities; not everything that matters can be measured. At Rocketship, our teachers are constantly gathering rich, qualitative information from regular, meaningful interactions and deep relationships with students and their families. And our supportive learning environment and community school model creates a critical foundation for our Rocketeers’ success in school and beyond.
Congratulations to all of our schools on this big achievement! Our incredible educators made this possible through their dedication to innovation and excellence as they work to eliminate the achievement gap in our lifetime. This national recognition from US News & World Report is one piece of powerful proof of the amazing potential of all our Rocketeers.
Published on December 6, 2021
Read more stories about: Diversity, Equity, Most Popular Stories, Student Experience.
