U.S. News Ranks Hampden Charter School of Science First in Springfield Metro Area

CHICOPEE — Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS) was ranked among the state’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best High Schools ranking. The school ranked first among all public high schools in the Springfield metro area and placed 52nd in the state of Massachusetts.

“We are proud to be ranked the best public high school in the Springfield region and among the top schools in the Commonwealth,” CEO Tarkan Topcuoglu said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and families.”

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. HCSS received 93.3 out of a possible 100 points in the rankings.

HCSS’s graduation rate played a role in its state ranking; the school graduated 95% of its class. Graduates have gone on to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, including Harvard. U.S. News also noted that 86% of HCSS students are taking advanced placement courses, and that 77% are minority.