According to NJ Monthly’s public high school rankings, West Morris Central High School is ranked among the best. WMC has ascended 45 spots in New Jersey’s public school ranking, from #56 to #11. This secures a prestigious position in accordance with NJ Monthly’s updated rating metrics which now include IB classes.

The new metrics consider students’ proficiency in college-level courses, in which WMC is proud to represent 79% of its student body that participates in at least one of these courses.

However, Central’s success is not solely due to the AP/IB programs. Mr. Ryan believes that WMC’s achievements were a joint effort on behalf of all students and administrators: “the kids are interested in putting the work…[with] partnership and equally hard work put in by teachers.”

Central’s academic standards continue to escalate with each new school year, with new initiatives for HSPA/PARCC testing and an enhanced focus on writing.

“It is true that our standardized scores on the HSPA have been increasing,” Mr. Ryan stated. “… [And] by asking students to write, we are asking them to think more deeply.” With this increased emphasis on writing, students are expected to continue growing as “clear thinkers.”

Given Central’s dramatic improvement to #11, Mr. Ryan was asked what measures are required to further increase WMC’s state ranking. He replied, “It’s just everyone trying to be 10% better and just having that mindset that if in life we grow content with where we are, progress grows stagnant.”

The students and administration of the West Morris District have worked relentlessly for the academic development of our schools, not just in IB, but among all course levels with beliefs that “the pillars that undergird IB …exist across all levels.”

It is through the academic excellence of WMC’s teachers and students that this community has been recognized for the hard-work put into improving the standards of this district, and, as best stated by Mr. Ryan, “It’s nice to be recognized for the school that I knew we have been for a long time.