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Homestead High School has earned a Gold Medal Ranking from US News and World Report, one of only five high schools in the state of Wisconsin to earn that distinction. Homestead was ranked #5 on the list of high schools in the state. Homestead was also ranked #483 in the National Rankings.

US News ranks schools based on their performance on state-required tests and how well the schools prepare students for college. 

U.S. News Top Schools in Wisconsin

Homestead High School juniors Julian Camacho and Zach Teplin scored a perfect 36 on the ACT exam. The ACT is a national college entrance exam that tests in the areas of English, reading, math and science. Both Camacho and Teplin took the test in April.

Nationally, one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earn the top score. In 2017, fewer than 3,000 students from a group of over 2 million earned a composite score of 36. Homestead junior Sam Griswold also earned a perfect score this 2017-18 school year.

“We are immensely proud of Julian and Zach, both of whom have distinguished themselves in unique ways here at Homestead,” said Principal Brett Bowers. “Both young men are serious scholars who love learning and have a true thirst for knowledge. They each work hard for their success, making the most of their unique gifts and talents in and beyond the classroom.”

Camacho is involved in the math team, orchestra, programming club, and robotics team.

“I was definitely very excited when I opened the envelope and saw a perfect score,” said Camacho. “At the same time, I must admit that I was also relieved that after three years my score didn't drop. I took the ACT three years ago in 8th grade as part of the NUMATS program and also got a 36. I believe that the most important factor in my score was all the reading that I have done and the knowledge I've gained from my dedicated teachers over the past several years.”

Teplin is involved in swimming (Homestead and club), Link Crew freshman mentorship, Champions middle school mentorship, orchestra and Homestead’s Student-Athlete Leadership Team.

“When I opened up my score envelope and looked at what I got I was so surprised at first,” said Teplin. “But after a couple moments, I became really excited because I knew how cool of an achievement it was. I remember walking out of testing unsure of how I did because I thought some sections were more difficult than ones I've done for practice, so finding out how I did was that much more exciting because it was so unexpected. The combination of being relaxed for the test with prior preparation really helped me, in my opinion.”

The Mequon-Thiensville School District welcomed State Superintendent Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Equity Council on Wednesday, March 28. The focus of the Council’s visit to the Mequon-Thiensville School District was to observe the innovative work the district has implemented related to student social-emotional learning.

At the event, Superintendent Evers spoke about the intersection of social-emotional learning and the council’s focus on equity. Evers also discussed the importance of social-emotional wellness to a topic on the minds of many: school safety.

“Our stakeholders throughout the community have made it evident that social-emotional well-being is a shared priority,” said Superintendent of Schools, Matthew Joynt. “We are approaching building students’ personal skills in innovative ways in our school district. Social-emotional well-being is a focus area in our next three-year strategic plan because we know it provides a foundation for healthy development. Our community must work together to ensure our students develop the skills to engage with others, manage their emotions, show empathy, handle stress, and make responsible decisions to succeed in life and their future careers.”

The Mequon-Thiensville School District provides full-time social-emotional coaches to support students’ learning and growth in each of its six schools. Social-emotional coaches work to intervene, identify and eliminate barriers to students’ academic achievement and social-emotional development.

“Our social-emotional coaches are integral in our endeavors to support and enhance the social-emotional well-being of students and efforts to positively engage with families to improve our approach to supporting student learning,” said Joynt. “Supporting our students’ social-emotional growth ensures that they develop personal skills to persist through challenges, effectively seek help when they need it, and are thoughtful about their actions.”

As part of the visit, the Wisconsin DPI Equity Council members toured Donges Bay Elementary School, where they observed classroom activities designed to encourage self-awareness, self-management, attention, social awareness, and relationship skills. A number of educators at Donges Bay have selected social-emotional learning as a professional practice goal area.

“The educators and staff members of Donges Bay have embraced the importance of social-emotional learning and its impact on student wellness and academic growth,” said Donges Bay Principal Chris Gray. “As a result of the leadership and professional development implemented by of our social-emotional coach, Emily McDevitt, we are seeing students authentically practicing the strategies we are teaching and modeling for them because they see the value of these tools.”

The council had the opportunity to debrief following the site visit to Donges Bay, at which time the work observed at the school and throughout the district was described as “outstanding.”

The purpose of the DPI Equity Council is to examine educational issues through an equity lens and provide expertise with an eye toward equity. More info about the Equity Council at https://dpi.wi.gov/statesupt/equity-council.