Challenge Yourself!

US News and World Report's Listing of the 100 best high schools in the country came out a few weeks ago and several local schools received top honors!

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology ranked #1 this year

Thomas Wooton High School #34

Langley High School #37
Walt Whitman High School #40

Winston Churchhill High School #42

Oakton High School #88

These rankings are just one of many lists compiled each year on high schools and colleges across the country. Jay Matthews from the Washington Post just brought out his Annual Challenge Index Survey recently too. The Challenge Index divides the number of AP, IB or Cambridge tests administered at a school by the number of graduating seniors. This statistic is just one measure of the 'challenging' academic environment a school provides.

If you're school didn't make the list, don't be worried! There are many solutions for high school students looking to be more challenged. Here are a few ideas:

1. Ask your teacher for extra assigments, or, when you find a particularly interesting topic, do a little research on your own!

2. Join an 'academic' club. Consider the debate team, Model UN, or Odyssey of the Mind

3. Take an online course, or a class at your local community center. There are many classes that you can get credit for too!

4. Enroll in summer camps that have an academic component or focus.

5. Many local area colleges offer high school programs during the summer and weekends.

6. Find an academic mentor. Talk to a friend of your parents, a teacher, or another professional about books they've read, how they got into their careers, etc.

7. Read the newspaper! Read the Economist, Wall Street Journal, or another reputable periodical.

8. Write your own memoir, or journal your thoughts. Participate in essay and/or poetry contests.

9. Go to local museums, new art exhibits, and other cultural events.

10. Play educational games like Jeopardy, BrainAge or Trivial Pursuit.

Have fun Learning!