Criteria for Difficulty in American High Schools

Stressing a bit over the workload and it got me wondering, what are some of the most difficult American high schools? How do they determine 'difficulty' -- based on highly challenging curriculums, competitive environments, workload, or a combination of all? Anyone have any thoughts on this?

There isn't a standardized measure to determine the difficulty of a high school in the United States, as various factors come into play.

Firstly, curriculum rigor is a key determinant. Schools offering a large number of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and ones that encourage students to enroll in these courses, typically have a more academically rigorous environment. This is because AP and IB courses are college-level, demanding more from students in terms of workload, comprehension, and time management than traditional high school classes.

Schools with selective admissions processes may also be assumed to be more challenging, as these tend to attract high-achieving students which can create a more competitive academic environment. The competitiveness can indirectly increase difficulty, as students may feel the need to achieve higher grades and involve themselves in more extracurriculars to distinguish themselves.

Workload is another factor, although it's somewhat subjective. What one student may find overwhelming, another might handle comfortably. This could depend on factors like the student's learning speed, organization skills, or outside commitments.

Lastly, a school's culture and expectations of their students can contribute to its perceived difficulty. For instance, schools that emphasize a strong college-preparatory culture or expect a high number of extracurricular activities alongside academics can often seem more demanding to students.

When it comes to schools often cited as being among the most challenging, a few examples include Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA, and Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, IL. These schools have selective admission, a focus on advanced study in STEM topics, and a culture of high academic achievement.

Remember, though, difficulty is relative, and what is challenging for one student may not be for another, depending on their individual abilities, work ethic, and outside responsibilities.