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Recently, U.S. News and World Report ranked the 2023 Best High Schools in the nation, with Pioneer Charter Schools of Science I and II again recognized among Massachusetts’ best. Landing in the top 20 in Massachusetts for the third consecutive year, PCSS I in Everett ranked 14th on the list, and PCSS II in Saugus, 18th. PCSS I was also named one of the country’s top 100 charter schools.
The report ranks schools based on the previous year’s performance in college preparedness, state assessments and graduation rate. This year 15 charter schools were listed in the top 100 Massachusetts high schools.
“We are proud of our ‘three-peat’ rankings,” said PCSS’s CEO, Barish Icin. “We value our work to prepare students for continued success in higher education and beyond. These accomplishments are a credit to the PCSS community of teachers, students, families, and those supporting our mission and commitment to excellence.”
PCSS I scored 97.33 out of 100 points on the U.S. News rating scale. At PCSS I, 79% of the students rated proficient in math, 84% in English and 91% in Science – well beyond state averages for public schools. The school had a 98% graduation rate. PCSS I ranked 29th in Massachusetts in terms of college readiness and breadth of its college curriculum and fourth in terms of state assessment performance ranking. More than 61% of the students at PCSS I are Black or Hispanic.
PCSS II scored 96.57 out of a possible 100 points on the U.S. News rating scale. At PCSS II, 86% of the students rated proficient in math, 79% in English and 98% in Science – all well above state averages for public schools. The school had a 98% graduation rate. PCSS II ranked 58th in college readiness, 33rd in the breadth of its college curriculum and seventh in state performance ranking. More than 77% of the students at PCSS II are Black or Hispanic.
The two schools have a mission to prepare educationally under-resourced students for higher education and a competitive workforce. Seniors from both campuses were accepted to nationally renowned schools, including Harvard, Tufts, MIT, Cornell and Brandeis. The schools’ graduation rates were among Massachusetts’ best, with PCSS I and PCSS II graduating 98 percent of their classes.
About the Pioneer Charter School of Science: With schools in Everett (PCSS I) and Saugus (PCSS II), Pioneer Charter School of Science offers a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math, science and analytical thinking skills balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities. The school offers extended days/hours and career-oriented college preparation. Students must pass five math and five science classes in order to graduate – more than state standards – and students must complete 40 hours of community service. The school has a 195-day school calendar, extended days, afterschool tutoring and “voluntary” Saturday classes for students who need extra help.
