A Southland commuter school with kids from just about every background and ethnicity who largely come from homes where another language is spoken has once again made the top of two national lists for best high schools in America.
Oxford Academy in Cypress ranks 19th in Newsweek’s annual list and 7th in U.S. News and World Report’s list.
“We have a very rigorous curriculum; all kids have to take AP classes in the junior and senior level,” said Kathy Scott, Oxford Academy Principal.
Oxford is expected to graduate 100 percent of the 2012 senior class with an average SAT score of 1900, according to Newsweek.
The academy, recognized as a California distinguished school, brings in students from all across the Anaheim Union High School District to prepare them for college, and houses grades 7 through 12.
Oxford Academy has a culturally diverse student body with 72 percent of students coming from homes in which English is not the primary language, and students are required to select a business or health/science path by 10th grade.
It creates a “competitive and supportive atmosphere in which students can find their passion and drive to succeed,” Scott said.
But it is not easy to get accepted into the academy: students who apply should be in the top 20 percent of the school they are currently attending to have an opportunity to attend this top-ranked public school.
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