Academic Excellence for the Class of 2023

Students in the class of 2023 achieved significant academic accomplishments during their time in high school. Two of our students even earned an associate’s degree along with their high school diploma, and will start college next fall as juniors!

An incredible 68% of graduates earned college credits while still in high school! Through Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools (CIS) and PSEO, 195 students earned up to 3,553 college credits!

• AP: 157 students earned a passing score of 3 or higher on AP tests, taken after completing RHS courses in Biology, Microeconomics and/or Spanish Language and Culture. 
• CIS: 171 students earned college credit through our College in the Schools courses, which include classes like Climate Crisis: Implementing Solutions and College Algebra Through Modeling. 
• PSEO: 33 students earned college credit through PSEO classes, which were offered on college and university campuses.

Seventy eight students earned World Language Certificates and Seals this year - including our first Amharic World Language Certificate! These designations demonstrate a student’s proficiency in a language other than English and gives them an advantage toward future bilingual careers and college credits. 

Maggie Weiss is a 2023 graduate who earned a World Language Seal in Spanish and a World Language Certificate in French. Maggie was part of our fourth class of Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students. She plans to major in Biology and Spanish at Grinnell College this fall and hopes to study abroad in Spain. Her favorite class in high school was AP Spanish Literature. 

“I loved being in class with all of my DLI classmates that I’ve known since elementary school,” she said. “We formed a great community and are very supportive of one another.”

Richfield students were active members of our community, as well. From organized team volunteer projects to individual volunteer opportunities, seniors completed more than 10,400 hours of service in the community. There were more than 20 students who individually completed 100 hours (or more) of community service! One graduate, Nathan Gay, volunteered through the National Honor Society to help collect and organize items for the RHS Food Shelf.

“I was amazed to see the generosity and warmth of the Richfield community,” said Nathan. “Families came by and dropped off bags upon bags of supplies, and by the time the collection was over the food shelf was practically overflowing.”

The RHS 2023 graduating class is a diverse and ambitious group, with a wide range of exciting paths ahead. A significant 67% of our students are college-bound. Additionally, 22% are stepping directly into the workforce. Another 8% have chosen to embark on trades apprenticeships, career certificate programs, our Transition+ program, or have committed to serving in the military. We also have 3% of students who are exploring various other opportunities, including a gap year to travel or discover their passions.

We are confident that each student will make a positive impact and achieve their goals as they venture into the world. We are so proud of the class of 2023!