4 answers
nadin
Student
Nevada, Missouri
1
Question
4 answers
Sarah Nasser
Computer Science student
3
Answers
Woodside, NY
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Objectively:
You can search for high school rankings online. U.S. News may be quite helpful for you, and numerous other websites as well. Specify the location where you are willing to go to high school (be wise about this choice because commuting may or may not be convenient for you). You may choose to be more specific in your research if you are looking for the best high schools in a specific field you are interested in, such as engineering.
Subjectively:
The best high school for you may not be the best high school for everyone else. Other aspects, like the environment at the school (is it welcoming or competitive?), its values, and the type of classes that they offer, also matter when determining whether you will be happy at that high school and feel like you will benefit a lot from it beyond graduation.
For example, I attended The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria (TYWLS of Astoria). It is an excellent all-women's high school (and middle school), though it is not a top high school. The environment at this school was extremely welcoming, both because of the students and teachers. I truly felt empowered by everyone to succeed, explore my interests more, and make a significant impact in my community. TYWLS of Astoria also had Computer Science classes, which caused my interest in Computer Science and encouraged me to major in it. They also had technology-related events, such as Hackathons and Techie Awards. The Hackathons did not assume prior Computer Science experience, and all middle school students were welcome to participate in them. In the Hackathons, students reflected on significant societal issues and made presentations that discussed innovative and appropriate solutions for these issues (they could even draw out how the pages of a new app could look like). The Techie Awards was a great opportunity for Computer Science students to showcase the amazing work they have done in their classes, and for teachers and students to nominate students who have done outstanding work and shown exemplary qualities in their Robotics, Computer Science, Digital Media, and Filmmaking classes.
TYWLS of Astoria may or may not be the best high school for someone else. Maybe another student would prefer a co-ed high school, but it was certainly the best high school for me.
Search for high school rankings online (U.S. News is one way to do that). Consider location and the field that the high school excels in.
Think about what kind of high school would be the best for you. Search for these high schools online.
You can search for high school rankings online. U.S. News may be quite helpful for you, and numerous other websites as well. Specify the location where you are willing to go to high school (be wise about this choice because commuting may or may not be convenient for you). You may choose to be more specific in your research if you are looking for the best high schools in a specific field you are interested in, such as engineering.
Subjectively:
The best high school for you may not be the best high school for everyone else. Other aspects, like the environment at the school (is it welcoming or competitive?), its values, and the type of classes that they offer, also matter when determining whether you will be happy at that high school and feel like you will benefit a lot from it beyond graduation.
For example, I attended The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria (TYWLS of Astoria). It is an excellent all-women's high school (and middle school), though it is not a top high school. The environment at this school was extremely welcoming, both because of the students and teachers. I truly felt empowered by everyone to succeed, explore my interests more, and make a significant impact in my community. TYWLS of Astoria also had Computer Science classes, which caused my interest in Computer Science and encouraged me to major in it. They also had technology-related events, such as Hackathons and Techie Awards. The Hackathons did not assume prior Computer Science experience, and all middle school students were welcome to participate in them. In the Hackathons, students reflected on significant societal issues and made presentations that discussed innovative and appropriate solutions for these issues (they could even draw out how the pages of a new app could look like). The Techie Awards was a great opportunity for Computer Science students to showcase the amazing work they have done in their classes, and for teachers and students to nominate students who have done outstanding work and shown exemplary qualities in their Robotics, Computer Science, Digital Media, and Filmmaking classes.
TYWLS of Astoria may or may not be the best high school for someone else. Maybe another student would prefer a co-ed high school, but it was certainly the best high school for me.
Sarah recommends the following next steps:
Sumabala Nair
IT Architect
9
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Sumabala’s Answer
Hey there Nadin,
Finding the perfect school isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It really depends on who you are, what you need, your goals, and where you're living.
Let me share with you what I did when I had to move from one state to another in the US. At that time, my kids were in middle and elementary schools and we found online resources super helpful in deciding which school they should attend.
One site that we found particularly handy was GreatSchools. There are probably other similar sites out there that could be just as helpful. Just to be clear, I'm not affiliated with them in any way, I just genuinely found their site to be a great tool.
If you decide to use GreatSchools, here's a quick guide on how to navigate it:
Head over to https://www.greatschools.org/. Enter 'High' as your school level and select the city you're living in or considering for high school. You can then filter by criteria that are important to you, such as GreatSchools rating, Equity, College Readiness, test scores, and so on. If you're unsure, you can leave the default value of 'Any'. I'd suggest looking for schools with ratings above 7 or 8.
The site will then display schools that match your criteria on a map. Click on any school shown on the map, then click on the school name. This will take you to a detailed score sheet with multiple categories and tabs. Take your time to go through the criteria and understand what each school offers - academically, in terms of student demographics, environment, and so on. Don't forget to check out the reviews at the bottom too. All this information will help you figure out which school is the best fit for you.
Just a quick note: You don't have to stick to this site alone. I noticed other respondents have shared some links as well. I'd say, explore them all. Choosing a school is a big decision and it's likely to have an impact on your future. It's definitely worth investing your time and effort into this.
Best of luck and enjoy your learning journey!
Finding the perfect school isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It really depends on who you are, what you need, your goals, and where you're living.
Let me share with you what I did when I had to move from one state to another in the US. At that time, my kids were in middle and elementary schools and we found online resources super helpful in deciding which school they should attend.
One site that we found particularly handy was GreatSchools. There are probably other similar sites out there that could be just as helpful. Just to be clear, I'm not affiliated with them in any way, I just genuinely found their site to be a great tool.
If you decide to use GreatSchools, here's a quick guide on how to navigate it:
Head over to https://www.greatschools.org/. Enter 'High' as your school level and select the city you're living in or considering for high school. You can then filter by criteria that are important to you, such as GreatSchools rating, Equity, College Readiness, test scores, and so on. If you're unsure, you can leave the default value of 'Any'. I'd suggest looking for schools with ratings above 7 or 8.
The site will then display schools that match your criteria on a map. Click on any school shown on the map, then click on the school name. This will take you to a detailed score sheet with multiple categories and tabs. Take your time to go through the criteria and understand what each school offers - academically, in terms of student demographics, environment, and so on. Don't forget to check out the reviews at the bottom too. All this information will help you figure out which school is the best fit for you.
Just a quick note: You don't have to stick to this site alone. I noticed other respondents have shared some links as well. I'd say, explore them all. Choosing a school is a big decision and it's likely to have an impact on your future. It's definitely worth investing your time and effort into this.
Best of luck and enjoy your learning journey!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
203
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Nadin - I am not sure why you are asking this question, but I have put a link below to a reputable ranking of high schools and another one relating only to public high schools.
If you are thinking about college applications, know that your school sends descriptions of its program and demographics of your community to colleges students apply to. So admission officers should take into account if you don't have access to as many APs, science facilities, media etc. as other students have.
Good luck!
US News ranking - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings
Public high schools - https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/
If you are thinking about college applications, know that your school sends descriptions of its program and demographics of your community to colleges students apply to. So admission officers should take into account if you don't have access to as many APs, science facilities, media etc. as other students have.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3952
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Nadin,
Choosing the Ideal High School:
Identifying the "perfect" high school is a subjective process, as it heavily depends on personal goals, preferences, and requirements. Key factors to consider when choosing a high school include academic performance, availability of extracurricular activities, resources, location, quality of teaching, student support services, college acceptance rates, and the overall school environment. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to research and visit various high schools to find one that aligns with your educational and personal goals.
Understanding High School Locations:
High schools are spread across different regions in the United States, and their location can significantly influence aspects like commute time, access to community resources, internship or part-time job opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultures. City-based high schools might offer a broader range of extracurricular activities and resources, but they may also have larger class sizes. Suburban high schools could offer a more peaceful environment with smaller classes but might lack cultural diversity. Rural high schools often foster a close-knit community but may offer fewer advanced courses.
Exploring a Career in Computer Software:
Working in the computer software field involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems. Professionals in this sector need to have strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and creativity. Typical roles in this field include software developer, software engineer, quality assurance analyst, systems analyst, and technical support specialist. The demand for skilled computer software professionals is projected to grow as technology continues to evolve across various sectors.
Understanding Salaries in Computer Software Careers:
Salaries in the computer software field can fluctuate based on factors like job title, experience, education, location, industry, and company size. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2020:
- The median annual wage for software developers was $110,140.
- The median annual wage for computer programmers was $89,190.
- The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $93,730.
- The median annual wage for information security analysts was $103,590.
Remember, these figures are national averages, and actual salaries may vary based on personal circumstances.
The Importance of Computer Software:
Computer software is a critical component of modern society, powering various technologies we use daily. From mobile apps to operating systems to business solutions, computer software allows businesses and individuals to streamline processes and innovate efficiently.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Referenced:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a federal agency that collects and analyzes labor market data in the United States, providing reliable employment statistics, including job outlooks and salary data for various occupations.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): The NCES is a federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing education-related data in the United States, offering comprehensive insights into educational institutions at all levels.
- IEEE Computer Society: The IEEE Computer Society is a professional organization committed to advancing technology through computing. It offers valuable insights into trends in computer science and software engineering fields through research publications and conferences.
These sources have been invaluable in providing accurate and current information about high school locations, careers in computer software, industry salaries, and the overall significance of computer software in today's world.
May God Bless You!
Choosing the Ideal High School:
Identifying the "perfect" high school is a subjective process, as it heavily depends on personal goals, preferences, and requirements. Key factors to consider when choosing a high school include academic performance, availability of extracurricular activities, resources, location, quality of teaching, student support services, college acceptance rates, and the overall school environment. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to research and visit various high schools to find one that aligns with your educational and personal goals.
Understanding High School Locations:
High schools are spread across different regions in the United States, and their location can significantly influence aspects like commute time, access to community resources, internship or part-time job opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultures. City-based high schools might offer a broader range of extracurricular activities and resources, but they may also have larger class sizes. Suburban high schools could offer a more peaceful environment with smaller classes but might lack cultural diversity. Rural high schools often foster a close-knit community but may offer fewer advanced courses.
Exploring a Career in Computer Software:
Working in the computer software field involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems. Professionals in this sector need to have strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and creativity. Typical roles in this field include software developer, software engineer, quality assurance analyst, systems analyst, and technical support specialist. The demand for skilled computer software professionals is projected to grow as technology continues to evolve across various sectors.
Understanding Salaries in Computer Software Careers:
Salaries in the computer software field can fluctuate based on factors like job title, experience, education, location, industry, and company size. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2020:
- The median annual wage for software developers was $110,140.
- The median annual wage for computer programmers was $89,190.
- The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $93,730.
- The median annual wage for information security analysts was $103,590.
Remember, these figures are national averages, and actual salaries may vary based on personal circumstances.
The Importance of Computer Software:
Computer software is a critical component of modern society, powering various technologies we use daily. From mobile apps to operating systems to business solutions, computer software allows businesses and individuals to streamline processes and innovate efficiently.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Referenced:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a federal agency that collects and analyzes labor market data in the United States, providing reliable employment statistics, including job outlooks and salary data for various occupations.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): The NCES is a federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing education-related data in the United States, offering comprehensive insights into educational institutions at all levels.
- IEEE Computer Society: The IEEE Computer Society is a professional organization committed to advancing technology through computing. It offers valuable insights into trends in computer science and software engineering fields through research publications and conferences.
These sources have been invaluable in providing accurate and current information about high school locations, careers in computer software, industry salaries, and the overall significance of computer software in today's world.
May God Bless You!