[verbatim] Newsweek magazine has named Murrah High School to its 2009 America's Top Public High Schools list. The schools are ranked on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students in a school in 2008 divided by the number of graduating seniors.
The schools represent the top 6 percent of all public high schools ranked in this way. Only two schools from Mississippi earned rankings on the 2009 Newsweek list: Murrah High School at 1058 and Oxford High School at 1269. This is the fourth year in a row that Murrah has made Newsweek's list.
"We appreciate this honor," said Dr. Freddrick Murray, principal. "This recognition is a testament to the work done by our teachers and students. Even when the national and state standards are increasing, Murrah teachers and students are stepping up to the bar and achieving success. The recognition by Newsweek and the recent College Board Inspiration Award that Murrah receivedwhich went to only three high schools in the nationreflect the high expectations being set here."
Murrah High School was honored with a 2009 College Board Inspiration Award and a check for $25,000 at a special celebratory assembly on May 14 at the school. College Board President Gaston Caperton visited the school to present the award. This annual award recognizes schools that have made great strides in improving the academic environment for all students while raising aspirations and preparedness for higher education. The College Board cited these reasons for Murrah's selection:
* Implementation of vertical teams of teachers who create aligned curricula and share effective teaching strategies
* Partnership with Education Services Foundation for student support services
* Collaboration with the University Medical Center through the Base Pair program, which gives students access to university faculty researchers
* The success of Murrah's AP program over the last five years-the number of AP students has increased by 54 percent, the number of AP Exams taken has increased by 74 percent, and the number of AP Exam scores of 3 or higher has increased by 36 percent
* The creation of a college-going culture that helps low-income students go to college, including the raising of the level of student expectation; encouraging students to take a rigorous curriculum; helping students identify the benefits of college; and providing information and hands-on assistance in planning and paying for college.
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