LAPEER, Michigan — We are very excited to announce that Lapeer High School is ranked among the top 25 of public high schools in Michigan in The Washington Post’s ranking of the nation’s most challenging high schools.

The ranking places Lapeer High School as the no. 1-ranked high school in Mid Michigan for academic challenge and in the top seven percent in the nation.

“This bit of notoriety is just more evidence of the focus we’ve had, as a district, on expanding advanced opportunities for students,” said Lapeer Community Schools (LCS) Superintendent Matt Wandrie. “We’ve encouraged students at all levels to challenge themselves everyday inside and outside the classroom.”

The Washington Post’s ranking is based on several factors, including the number of students taking (and passing) college-level tests, graduation and socioeconomic status. The index includes participation rates in Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a given year. The level of participation of LCS students in AP has been consistently high for many years, a fact that speaks to the long-term focus of the District on academic rigor.

“The Washington Post ranking has traditionally been the most publicized high school rankings offered in this country,” said Dr. Mike Hobolth, longtime AP Coordinator in the District and consultant for the College Board. “The ranking is a testimony to the investment and belief of Lapeer students and teachers in Advanced Placement.”

In recent years, the District has expanded beyond AP to extend opportunities to students for college credits during their traditional school day through our College on Campus program. This is a partnership with Baker College, University of Michigan-Flint, Mott Community College and Eastern Michigan to bring college rigor to our students without requiring them to leave Lapeer.

Last school year, LCS became the first school district in Michigan to offer the AP Capstone program, an innovative diploma program that enhances the core academic skills necessary for college.

This fall we will be the inaugural year for the Lapeer Early College (LEC). Students who enroll in LEC commit to a three-year experience, starting in their junior year. LEC builds upon our current College on Campus program, and offers students the opportunity earn up to an associate degree after completing their 13th year.

For more information on advanced opportunities with Lapeer Community Schools, visit LapeerSchools.org or call 810-667-2401.