Irving’s Uplift North Hills Preparatory has been recognized for its high achievements in recent years, but on Monday the high school ranked eighth in the state on its list of best across the country.
According to US News and World Report, Uplift North Hills Preparatory is ranked the eighth best school in Texas and the 51st best school in the nation. The school is competing against many schools that have more strict admissions criteria.
CEO of Uplift North Hills Prep, Yasmin Bhatia, said the charter school is unlike many other ranked schools because it has open enrollment and there is no geographic boundary.
"We have no admissions criteria in order to be a part of our community,” Bhatia said. And the school is a full international baccalaureate world school for primary, middle and high school.”
Approximately 1,400 K-12 students are enrolled at the campus.
"We have almost 100 seniors in the graduating class. They have 100 percent college acceptance, and they've already earned over $9 million in scholarships and free money," said Bhatia.
School officials also said they operate on about 30 percent less state funding than traditional public schools.
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"We are working at a significant percentage of dollars per student less, and we do a wonderful job with what we have," said Department Chair of Fine Arts Sharice Williams.
Varun Parameswaran, a senior, said he's been attending the same school since the first grade.
"The community of students, it's really like conducive to learning. Some of my friends I've known for 12 years now and just growing up with everyone is really a great experience," he said.
Students and teachers agreed that the newest ranking by US News and World Report validates the pride they have for their school.
