Liberty-Benton High School

: This school was named on of the nation's 1000 best.  Over 80% of seniors take the ACT with an average score of 23.6.  This is remarkable performance.  The school has nearly three fourth's of the students involved in extra-curriculars, and has a reputation of over-emphasizing sports, but that is because the kids win at everything, including music and academic competitions.

The students that go to college have some of the state's lowest levels of needing remediation, and the highest levels of continuing their college experience.  For the students not interested in college, there is an emphasis on combining higher levels of education with skills in areas that the students might actually make a good living at.

This school is not for everyone though. The students are expected to work hard, to be respectful of their peers and others, and to learn to care about each other.  Those kids who leave for other schools tend not to fit in because they think the school is too small or that the rules are too strict, but that is the parent's choice.

The level of learning in math, science, and foreign language is extremely high, and the English, art,  and social studies programming are very good.  The school is the only school in the county that offers high school dance.

In terms of affordability, the school is ranked 6 of 8 in tax rate, and is first in academic achievement.  It is not a perfect place, but the staff is always trying to make the school better, and the school is noted for being innovative.