High School Highlight

Claes Nobel School of Distinction

To nominate your school for consideration, please email Dr. Susan Thurman with an explanation of why your school deserves this recognition. Be sure to include your name and contact information, the school's name and city, and a link to the school's website.

We are pleased to recognize Fort Mill High School, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, as a Claes Nobel School of Distinction. The school was nominated by student Jordan Anderson, who writes, "Not only does Fort Mill High focus on a high level of education, but the school also makes sure its students are prepared to handle the ‘real world’ by encouraging all students to be involved in a club, sport, or extracurricular activity. Fort Mill High School students have achieved recognition in athletics as state and regional champions, and the winter percussion ensemble is currently a two-time World Champion. At Fort Mill High, the teachers and students take education seriously. They know how to balance their high quality education while staying active in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities."

Fort Mill High is classified as a "Model School" by the International Center for Leadership in Education, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Fort Mill High is also classified as a

"National School of Excellence" and a "Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education." The school’s innovative programs, such as the “Small Learning Communities,” “Ninth Grade Transition,” and “Clusters & Majors” programs are some of the ways that make the school effective.

The International Center for Leadership in Education, in its report “America’s Most Successful High Schools,” includes the following comments about the school:

Fort Mill High School has a strong vision based on teamwork and success for all students that has allowed the school to become “future-oriented and responsive to change.” A priority in every classroom is bell-to-bell instruction. All students and employees of the school realize the importance of attendance, effort, responsibility, and leadership. The school has also developed effective interventions for students who need to improve their reading competency. Middle school students are evaluated for competency during the spring of 8th grade. Indicators include the Individualized Education Plan, less than adequate assessment scores in reading, student grades, and teacher recommendations. Students identified as below grade level in reading are allowed to participate in a no-cost summer “Bridges” program that provides a jumpstart for a successful entrance into high school.

Congratulations to Fort Mill High School, which will receive $500 from The National Society of High School Scholars Foundation.