Drury Recognized Among Nation's Best for College Readiness, Curriculum Excellence

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury High School has earned national recognition for its academic programs, ranking in the top 20 percent of schools in the U.S. in the U.S. News & World Report's College Readiness Index and the top 15 percent of all U.S. high schools in the College Curriculum Breadth Index.
 
The College Readiness Index highlights schools that have demonstrated success in preparing students for the challenges of higher education.
 
In addition, Drury High School has earned a ranking in the College Curriculum Breadth Index, placing in the top 15 percent of all high schools nationwide. 
 
"We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and the entire Drury High School community," said Principal Kopala. "These national rankings reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence that drive our school. We are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and challenging education that prepares them for success in both higher
education and their future careers."
 
Drury High School offers academic opportunities including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and college-level courses through its Early College partnership with the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), all of which contribute to its strong college readiness and curriculum breadth. 
 
"The U.S. News & World Report rankings are a testament to Drury High School's focus on academic excellence, and the school's dedication to ensuring every student has the tools and resources necessary for success," Assistant Superintendent Tim Callahan added. 

Tags: Drury High,   NAPS,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories