By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

U.S. News and World Report again recognized Goessel High School as one of the best public high schools in the nation Dec. 4.

GHS earned a bronze award in the magazine’s best high schools list for the second consecutive year. The list is only in its second year.

GHS was one of 34 schools in Kansas to earn a bronze award. Two schools in the state were recognized with silver awards, but no gold awards were given in the state.

As a bronze award recipient, GHS exceeds expectations on state assessments in reading and math, and exceeds the state average for reading and math proficiency among disadvantaged students, including black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Schools recognized as gold and silver award recipients must meet criteria for participation and performance on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams — programs GHS is not involved in.

GHS does not have a specific college-credit program in place because of its size, USD 411 superintendent John Fast said.

The school can make arrangements with area colleges to provide coursework either online or on-site when there is a specific demand.

“This is a wonderful accolade for junior and senior high staff and our entire K-12 learning community, from the staff and our students who work to really create a very unique culture and climate here at Goessel, and to our board, parents, and community,” Fast said.