Greenport School District

Greenport H.S. ranked among best in nation

TIM KELLY FILE PHOTO | Greenport school superintendent Mike Comanda, shown here celebrating the 2010 approval of a school renovation bond, said Thursday TK.
TIM KELLY FILE PHOTO | Greenport Superintendent Mike Comanda said Thursday he’s very happy about Greenport High School ranking as one of the best high schools in the nation. Mr. Comanda is shown here celebrating the 2010 approval of a school renovation bond.

Greenport High School has been ranked as one of the best high schools in the nation, according to a new study released this week.

U.S. News & World’s 2013 Best High Schools report analyzed 21,035 public high schools across the country to find out which ones are successfully educating their student bodies. The rankings were determined by student performances on state proficiency tests and schools were evaluated on how well they prepare students for college-level work.

Greenport’s national rank was number 2,109. No other North Fork high school placed in the report.

Greenport High School principal Leonard Skuggevik said he was thrilled that his school is among the 10 percent best high schools in the country, and 8th in Suffolk County.

“It’s a great day in Greenport,” Mr. Skuggevik said when contacted by The Suffolk Times about the report’s findings. “I couldn’t be prouder of our students and I’m thankful to have such a dedicated staff.”

Superintendent Michael Comanda said he’s very happy about Greenport’s ranking and believes support from the district’s staff, Board of Education and community attributed to high school students’ “stellar” AP scores and their proficiency in English and math.

Compared to neighboring districts, Greenport High School’s AP students had the largest percentage of exams scoring a 3 or higher, with top marks received on 30 out of 32 exams taken.

While those who achieve a 3 or above on a five-point scale can earn credits at SUNY colleges, most other colleges require a score of 4 or better to give credit.

Last year’s AP results also showed a significant increase in achievement compared to the 2010-11 school year when a 3 or higher was received on 73.3 percent of the 30 exams scored, or 22 tests.

In order to build on the district’s success, the superintendent said teachers are focusing on their students’ reading and science skills through the use of new technology, such as iPads.

“There’s always work to be done,” Mr. Comanda said. “We plan to keep providing new opportunities for students to advance.”

Greenport Elementary School principal Joseph Tsaveras said he believes Greenport’s close-knit community and having all grades under one roof has helped foster the district’s success.

“One building unifying a group of instructors is what makes us so strong each and every day,” he said.

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