Date:  May 28, 2003
Contact: Irene Cromer/Community Relations
(703) 791-8720

 Stonewall Jackson High School, located in western Prince William County, has once again been listed in Newsweek Magazine as one of the top 100 high schools in America.  An article in the June 2, 2003, issue, written by Jay Mathews, ranks the Prince William County school as number 81 among those schools “that try the hardest to involve students in [Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate] courses and tests.”  In the first such ranking, published in 2000, Stonewall tied for 96th place.  Prince William’s Gar-Field High School, also home to an International Baccalaureate Programme, was ranked 318 among 739 public schools included in this year’s listing.  Osbourn Park High School was ranked 467, Forest Park High School was ranked 622, Woodbridge High School was ranked 630, and C. D. Hylton High School was ranked 653.

Stonewall Jackson initiated its International Baccalaureate Programme in 1993; Gar-Field’s IB program began in 1999.  The Newsweek ranking is based on the number of AP or IB tests taken by all students at a school in 2002, divided by the number of graduating seniors.  Stonewall Jackson has approximately 2,500 students, of whom about 500 are seniors.  Gar-Field High School has about 2,800 students, with 660 seniors.

“This is a significant honor and triumph for Stonewall Jackson High School.  I am very proud of the accomplishments of the students and teachers,” says Stonewall Principal Steve Constantino.  
“I was pleased but not surprised to see that Gar-Field has moved up significantly this year on the Newsweek list of the Best High Schools in America.  Our IB program has grown dramatically and will continue to blossom.  This most recent distinction for Gar-Field is a tribute to our staff and our students...they are outstanding,” said Roger Dallek, Principal of Gar-Field High School.