Long Beach High School is among the top 2 percent of high schools across the country, according to the Washington Post’s list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools. Ranked at No. 22 on Long Island. The Challenge Index score that determines each high school’s rating is derived from the number of college-level tests given at a school in the previous calendar year divided by the number of graduates that year.

The high school’s open honors and college-level course structure presents many opportunities for students to take on academic challenges and experience the rigor that their eventual college programs will pose. The high school offers over 50 college-level courses in the form of International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and SUPA classes, as well as courses that are co-enrolled with local colleges, such as the Material Design and Fabrication course that provides the potential for credit through SUNY Farmingdale.  The school was recognized last year as a National School of Opportunity by the National Education Policy Center.

Enrollment in college-level courses continues to increase, and heterogeneously grouped ninth- and tenth-grade English and social studies classes and accelerated eighth-grade math and science offerings help to set the groundwork for future advanced studies.

“Our rating on the Washington Post’s list reflects the district’s commitment to college- and career-readiness,” said Superintendent of Schools David Weiss. “Our open enrollment programs are intended to give all of our students the opportunities and encouragement to take on academic challenges that will help them excel in the future.”