Author: GreatSchools.org

GreatSchools.org is the leading national nonprofit empowering parents with essential information to improve educational opportunities for their child. We are the only national organization that collects and analyzes data from all 51 state departments of education and the federal government to provide analysis, insights, and school quality ratings for parents, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Over 46 million users visit GreatSchools’ award-winning website annually to learn about schools in their area, explore research insights, and access thousands of free, evidence-based parenting resources to support their child’s learning and well-being.

New season of GreatSchools.org’s parenting podcast confronts the problematic legacy of traditional American high school

Season three of “Like a Sponge” shares the experiences of students and educators from across the country

OAKLAND, CA (October 12, 2021) — Education nonprofit GreatSchools today announced the release of season three of Like a Sponge, its Webby-nominated podcast for parents about the science of how children learn and thrive. The 7-episode season explores the problematic legacy of the traditional American high school and shares how educators are innovating to create more equitable and effective experiences for their students. Continue reading “”

1,838 public high schools in 25 states honored for college readiness, success

GreatSchools.org’s annual ‘College Success Award’ recognizes high schools that excel at helping students succeed after graduation

OAKLAND, CA (September 23, 2021) — As schools settle in to the first in-person school year in two years, 1,838 high schools in 25 states have a reason to celebrate. Today, GreatSchools.org announced the recipients of its 2021 College Success Award, an annual recognition that honors high schools excelling at preparing students to enroll and succeed in college, as determined by available data in each state. Continue reading “”

GreatSchools.org Launches First-of-its-kind Award Celebrating Schools with Positive, Supportive Learning Environments

452 Illinois public schools earn inaugural “Thrive Award” that offers new look at school quality

OAKLAND, CA (August 16, 2021) — GreatSchools.org, the leading provider of school information, today announced 452 Illinois schools — 66% of which serve a high population of students from low-income families — as recipients of its inaugural Thrive Award. The first-of-its-kind award recognizes and celebrates public schools in Illinois that demonstrate positive, supportive learning environments for students and staff. Continue reading “”

New Survey: Award-Winning Public High Schools Cite Advanced Course Offerings, Supportive School Environments as Key for Students’ College Success

Results also highlight disparities in advanced course offerings and extracurricular opportunities among higher- and lower-income schools

OAKLAND, CA (July 7, 2021) —  GreatSchools.org released a new survey of 820 public high school leaders that provides key insights for education stakeholders as they take stock of the year of pandemic learning and assess practices for college success worthy of potential investment and further investigation. The survey highlights best practices from high schools in 24(1) states with a multi-year track record of helping students enroll, persist, and succeed in college. Continue reading “”

GreatSchools.org, Learning Heroes, and National Summer Learning Association Announce New ‘Summer Togetherness’ Virtual Learning Series

All-new weekly Facebook Live series will help parents maximize this critical summer to support children’s learning and development

OAKLAND, CA (June 7, 2021) —  Educational nonprofits GreatSchools, Learning Heroes, and the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) today announced a joint partnership to deliver a 9-week “Summer Togetherness” virtual learning series to support parents and families in fostering their child’s academic and developmental success this summer, showcasing that learning together this summer can be fun and happen anywhere. Continue reading “”