Officials, Parents React to International Academy's No. 1 Ranking

The consistent quality of education and work by both staff and students at the International Academy is no surprise to anyone tracking the pulse of public education in this region and the state.

But Tuesday's ranking as the No. 1 public high school in Michigan by U.S. News and World Report is a bit of a validation to even the staunchest supporters.

According to the national rankings issued Tuesday, The school was rated 18th in the nation and is the only Michigan school among the country's top 20 best public high schools. The academy started in the BHS, and is now a consortium school with other Oakland County districts located on three campuses in Bloomfield Hills, White Lake and Troy.

"This distinction for IA is well deserved, not only from an academic standpoint but also because of the way IA is organized, as a consortium district. So the congratulations fall to the students and staff that make IA the valuable educational institution that it is," said Ingrid Day, president of the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education.

She also noted that the school is merely one example of the the district's approach to creating programs that fit a wide variety of needs for students.

"We know many different outside entities have their own way of rating individual schools and school districts," she explained. "We are always proud when something we are a part of shows up on top, but remain committed to providing all of our district students a way to be successful."

Worth the Work

Parents also greeted news of the prestigious ranking with excitement. Mona Schmatz said her two sons benefited greatly from the honor level classes, four-year language requirement, strong enrichment program and extensive community service commitment at the IA. Her son, Michael, graduated from the IA in 2012, and recently made the dean's list for his first semester at University of Michigan College of Engineering. Steven, a junior, just qualified to test for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad.

"Though the curriculum is very demanding, it has been a pleasure for us to see them not only overcome any challenge put in front of them, but rise to a higher level they never dreamed they could achieve," she said.

Steven said the works isn't easy, but already feels worthwhile.

"Although the IA has provided one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced, the wide diversity of ideas I have been exposed to, and the ability to grow has made it all worthwhile," he said.