By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
May 20, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Lincoln College Preparatory Academy has been named the best high school in Missouri.

Because of all their hard work, students and staff weren’t surprised by the announcement.

According to the 2015 rankings released last week by U.S. News & World Report, the Kansas City Public Schools Lincoln Prep was named the best high school in Missouri and the 67th best in the nation. More than 21,000 schools across the nation were judged based on how well their students performed on state assessments and how well students were prepared for college.

Joseph Hesman, principal at Lincoln Prep, noted the school’s long history of excellence, saying he and the students are proud to continue that tradition. This isn’t the only accolade bestowed upon Lincoln Prep this school year. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the school had earned a National Blue Ribbon award. This honor is given to only the very best schools in the U.S. based on a wide range of rigorous criteria. The school last won the Blue Ribbon award in 2008, the last year the school was eligible to achieve the status.

“This is a great honor and an affirmation of a lot of hard work and commitment by students, parents, teachers, support staff and administrators here at Lincoln Prep,” Hesman said.

On the school’s website, it states that its mission is to, “provide a comprehensive, highly challenging college preparatory curriculum to a select multicultural, multi-ethnic student body, helping them become capable, creative and ethical leaders.” As an International World School, students have the opportunity to graduate with a International Baccalaureate [IB] Diploma — which is an assessed programme for students aged 16 to 19 and is respected by leading universities across the globe. In addition to rigorous academic standards, students are expected to complete at least 100 hours of community service before they graduate.

Joyce Nguyen-Hernandez, an IB English teacher at the school, said she wasn’t shocked by the school’s achievement, but it was a nice surprise to learn of when she got to school last week. Nguyen-Hernandez also noted the school’s past achievements, but added to be ranked at the top is a special achievement. She said what helps the students stand apart is its International Baccalaureate program. She noted the program helps them become global citizens.

“We have a unique community here with engaged students, committed staff, serious parents and support from alumni,” Nguyen-Hernandez said. “We’re also celebrating our 150th anniversary so it feels like we’re honoring the legacy of all who have been here before us.”

Lincoln Prep includes students from 6th to 12th grade. Eighty-nine percent of the school’s enrollment is comprised of minority students, and 72 percent come from homes that are considered economically disadvantaged. Any student who lives within the KCPS boundaries can enroll in Lincoln Prep, as long as they meet the school’s achievement and behavior standards.

Uziel Pecina, a junior at Lincoln Prep, said a distinction like best high school in Missouri only amplifies the pride he already has in his school. The designation inspires not just Pecina to do better in his studies, but the whole school, as well.

“This is a big accomplishment for us,” Pecina said. “This is a taste of what we used to have, but also, what’s expected from us. We’re ready to do more.”

With friends outside of Lincoln Prep, Pecina noted he’s seen growth and progress throughout the entire KCPS.

“I want to see my friends do just as well as I am,” Pecina said. “It shouldn’t matter what school you go to. As long as the students are focused, I’m proud of that.”

In a press release, Superintendent R. Stephen Green said Lincoln Prep represents a jewel in the crown that is the KCPS. The award, he continued, is the type of success the district is seeking as it works to move out of provisional accreditation status into full accreditation.

“As we continue our rise to excellence, there will be more awards and recognition on the way for our schools and our scholars,” Green said in the statement. “If parents in the Kansas City region want to send their children to some of the best schools in the nation, they can do so right here in KCPS.”