Cullman High has been named one of the most challenging schools, as well as one of the best schools, of 2015 by two national publications.

The Washington Post named Cullman High the 10th most challenging school in the state in its just-released rankings. That ranking is determined by the number of college-level tests given at a school in the previous calendar year divided by the number of graduates that year. It also factors in the percentage of students who come from families that qualify for lunch subsidies and the percentage of graduates who passed at least one college-level test during their high school career.

U.S. News and World Report has also ranked Cullman High at No. 18 on its list of the Best Schools in Alabama. The ranking noted the high school’s student-teacher ratio of 16:1, as well as the school’s 29.8 percent of students above the state average in college and career readiness. U.S. News and World Report’s methodology is based on the principle that a great high school must serve all of its students well, not just those who are college bound, and that it must be able to produce measurable academic outcomes to show it is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators.

Cullman High’s U.S. News national rank is No. 1,839. The school has a total enrollment of 867. The minority enrollment is 8 percent, with 24 percent of students qualifying as economically disadvantaged. Cullman High has 55 full-time teachers.

Along with these accolades, Cullman High has previously been named to Newsweek/The Daily Beast’s annual list of America’s Best High Schools in 2013 and 2014.

“The CHS teachers and students are so pleased that we have been able to honor the support we have received from the Cullman City School Board and the Cullman community with these two national accolades,” Cullman High Principal Dr. Elton Bouldin said. “According to our records this is the first time CHS has made the prestigious U.S. News and World Reports National listing of Best High Schools in America. The U.S. News ranking along with the second consecutive Washington Post designation as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools should assure our parents and community that CHS students are receiving a nationally recognized educational experience. We are very confident they will be well prepared for their future college or career.”

Bouldin noted Cullman High has received five national rankings in the past five years, adding that “stamp of approval” is a benefit for everyone from local families, to those potentially considering a move to the area. He credited the success to the staff at the school, as well as community support.

“The current success at Cullman High School can be attributed to the team work of three important groups. First our teachers and support staff are devoted professionals that love students and providing them with the best experiences possible. Secondly, our parents provide unprecedented support by communicating their aspirations, providing supportive homes, and being active participants in their child’s education,” he said. “And lastly, CHS students love a challenge. In the classroom they want the most rigorous class and to be challenged everyday. Academic success is held in high regard by students. That is not the case at all high schools. Our students also have high expectation of themselves in their extracurricular activities. CHS clubs, fine arts programs, and athletic programs have all experienced incredible success this year. We are very blessed to be honored with these national rankings and want the Cullman community to know how much we appreciate their support.”

Bouldin and assistant principal Mark Stephens are currently on administrative leave from the school, after warrants were taken out by a parent and they were charged with trespassing. The matter has yet to be resolved.

* Trent Moore may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 134.