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235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

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Ranney Students Shine on Standardized Tests


The academic success of Ranney School continues as the 2012-2013 school year begins. Upper School students who participate in standardized tests, such as the College Board’s SATs and Advanced Placement exams, continue to thrive with impressive results that surpass state and national averages. Students are making their mark in top percentiles—even as high as 100 percent pass rates and advancing in critical areas of their education.

Ranney School has consistently flourished in terms of AP exam pass rates. The six-year average for the school is 84.33 percent and the most current statistics reveal that 86 percent of Ranney students pass their AP exams. Compared to the New Jersey pass rate of 75 percent and the global pass rate of 61 percent, this is a noteworthy accomplishment.   There have been improved pass rates in 8 out of 16 subjects including French, U.S. & European History. Microeconomics has an all-time high pass rate of 85 percent, which is almost double the national average.

On top of these improvements, AP Spanish exhibits a 100 percent pass rate and AP Language& Composition has maintained a 100 percent pass rate for four out of the past five years. “Students who qualify for AP must learn a whole new way of studying literature and looking at language,” says Ronnie Warren, English Department Chair for both the Middle and Upper School. Her technique of helping students recognize their errors through humor and self-assessment of their writing is an essential aspect of her course. “All discussion and writing has some connection to the AP exam. Students are introduced to the format early on and must participate in a Saturday Mock Exam held before the actual exam in May.” Along with these preparations, AP Language students read and write every night and on weekends to monitor the growth of their writing abilities throughout the school year.

Paul Zanowski, Head of Upper School, works closely in supervising the curriculum, courses and progress of the students. He takes pride in their achievements and feels the Upper School program is now stronger and more successful than ever. “The recent surge in Upper School enrollment is accompanied by improvements in student outcomes by every measure—AP results, SAT II subject scores, ACT and SAT tests, Ranney final exam results, and college admissions,” says Zanowski. Seventy-five percent of Ranney’s senior students were admitted to a college or university ranked as “Most Selective” or “Highly Selected” in Barron’s Guide to Colleges.   This rate is a result of high standardized testing scores and is three to four times the national average of acceptance rates to these highly selected schools. Over 80 percent of Ranney students were also admitted to their first or second choice school.

Co-director of College Guidance, Adam Materasso, attributes these impressive numbers to both the hard work of the students and to the dedication of the teachers. In order to qualify for AP placement, several factors are considered for each subject. These include past teacher recommendations for a student and maintaining a specific grade average. AP teachers must also submit a syllabus to College Board to be reviewed under a course audit process. Beyond having good grades, Mr. Materasso believes that the student must possess a certain element of passion about the subject before enrolling in the course.   “The standards are not only set very high for the students, but for the teachers as well. They are knowledgeable and well-seasoned about the subjects they teach. They manage their time well and make the extra effort to partake in professional development. ” Participation in professional development is encouraged at Ranney School and includes retreats, orientations, continuing education, pursuing advanced degrees and several other opportunities.

“We have a wonderful group of talented, motivated students and gifted mentor-teachers who are experts in their field,” expressed Paul Zanowski. Overall, the impressive statistics and scores from Ranney students do not only reflect their knowledge and study habits;   they are a reflection of the work ethic and enthusiasm the teachers and students devote to their work and of the Ranney School mission-promise: Every child will be known and valued.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.