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Palm Beach County High Schools Among Best in Nation, Magazine Says

Palm Beach County has some of the best high schools in the United States, according to a national business magazine. The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area ranks third among the 65 largest metropolitan areas in quality of schools, according to a study by Expansion Management magazine.

The publication, which is mailed to about 45,000 corporate executives, targets companies that are looking to relocate or expand their businesses.
The magazine's study examined such factors as scores on College Board exams, graduation rates, teacher salaries, per pupil expenses and student-teacher ratio. Only high school statistics were considered.

"People need to know that it's not just us saying we're good," School District spokesman Nat Harrington said. "Others looking at us objectively are saying we're efficient, and we build and run quality schools."

Mike Jones, president of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County says the community needs to develop more pride in its public schools. “This is wonderful news," he said.

The quality of schools is a major factor for companies deciding to locate, said Bill King, editor of Expansion Management. "Companies are requiring smarter workers. That's why education is so important," he said. "You don't have the old man on the assembly line just turning widgets anymore. Even in the most basic manufacturing job, employers are looking for people who are smart enough to be trainable."

Geoff McKee, principal at Boca Raton High School, said he was surprised Palm Beach County fared so well. "On a day-to-day basis, things seem difficult for us," he said. "Teachers and administrators are battling inadequate funding, and it's easy for us to think our hard work doesn't get recognized. But I know we have quality schools, and people are moving here in near record numbers."

For more information on Palm Beach County Schools, visit http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/.