Hope Academy of Public Service Principal Dr. Carol Ann Duke, left, and student JyKhaden Muldrow display the letter from U.S. News and World Report magazine notifying HAPS of its ranking as a U.S. News Best Middle School in Arkansas. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools
Ken McLemore
HOPE – U.S. News and World Report magazine has named the Hope Academy of Public Service one of the top public middle schools in Arkansas.
HAPS Principal Dr. Carol Ann Duke was notified of the designation in a letter from USNWR Vice President Mark W. White.
“Your school placed among the top 30 percent of middle schools in the state of Arkansas, making it a U.S. News Best Middle School,” White wrote. “Hope Academy is ranked No. 66 in Arkansas Middle Schools.”
HAPS placed statewide among 314 public middle schools, according to U.S. News data. Schools are selected and ranked based upon standardized test scores, graduation rate, and preparation of students for high school.
Ranking was based upon proficiencies in math and reading as measured by the state’s ACT Aspire testing, with half of the ranking formula taken directly from test results and the remainder from the context of socio-economic demographics.
“In other words, the top-ranked schools are high achieving ones that succeeded in educating all of their students,” U.S. News said.
Dr. Duke said the recognition is a validation of HAPS’ students and faculty.
“This award indicates the dedication that our students, families and staff have for academic success,” she said. “This recognition indicates the commitment our staff, students and families have made to early college preparation while supporting the local, regional and global communities with our service projects.”
Duke gave significant credit to the “advisory program” concept at HAPS.
“I truly believe the cornerstone of all our success is our Advisory program that allows us to develop strong, lasting relationship with students and families that last beyond the four years students are on our campus,” she said. “I’m honored and humbled to work with the families, students and staff every day.”