THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 4, 2026 Page 13 Mystic Valley Earns Highest National Ranking in School History By Emily Brennan M ystic Valley Regional Charter School is beginning its 29th year with a milestone achievement, earning the highest national ranking in school history from U.S. News & World Report and once again placing among the top public high schools in Massachusetts and across the country. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, Mystic Valley was ranked No. 169 in the nation, it’s best national showing to date. The school also earned the No. 6 ranking among public high schools in Massachusetts and No. 39 among charter high schools nationwide. The No. 169 ranking places Mystic Valley among the top 1% of public high schools in the United States, adding another milestone to the school’s longstanding record of academic excellence. U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 26,000 public high schools nationwide graduation rates. Mystic Valley earned an overall score of 99.06 out of 100, reflecting the strength of its academic outcomes and the performance of its students across these measures. “People ask what makes Mystic MVRCS seniors shown from left to right: Ben Hickey, Nolan Lyons, Namdol Yardongtsang , Laila Eddaoula, Nico Santonastaso, and Carey Voorhees.(Courtesy photos) using measures designed to assess student achievement and preparation for college. Mystic Valley also ranked higher than the traditional public high school in each of its six sending communities. Its No. 6 statewide ranking further underscores the school’s success in providing students throughout the region with access to an education that competes with some of the highest-performing public schools in Massachusetts and across the nation. U.S. News & World Report evaluates high schools using several measures, including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, and Valley different. The honest answer is that we do things most schools have stopped doing, and we refuse to apologize for it," said Director/Superintendent Alex Dan. "We teach phonics in kindergarten, Latin in our Lower School, and how the founding documents of this country draw all of us together. We hold our students accountable, and we believe strong character and academic success are connected. A ranking does not measure any of that. It just measures the results, and the results happen to be the best in our history." The recognition comes as Mystic Valley opens its 29th year and builds upon years of strong academic results, with students, faculty and staff continuing the school’s commitment to high expectations, rigorous academics and student achievement. Malden High Football looking for fast start with some key returnees this season Record-setting junior running back Jayden McGuffie at top of list; Opening Sept. 11 at home vs. Lynn Tech By Steve Freker A t Macdonald Stadium, sixth-year Head Coach Witche Exilhomme welcomed over 50 football hopefuls to preseason practice sessions last week, a solid number for Malden High football, “and we are still adding players by the day,” he said. “We are very happy about the turnout, we had been hoping for some bigger numbers this season,” said coach Exilhomme, a former star three-sport athlete at Malden High who was a defensive standout at American International College (AIC) and at the pro level in Arena Football. “We have some good leaders and we are looking forward to what this season will bring.” Malden will be returning two-year starter and record-setting running back Jayden McGuffie, who is already the all-time career-leading rusher and single-season record-setter. Last year McGuffie was the first running back to run for over 2,000 yards, finishing with 2,006 for the season. Senior Josh Dionne will be “QB1” this season, junior Nathan Shonton will be a starting split end, senior Josh Bly is a key defensive back. Senior Noah Granderson is a returning 6-5, 345 two-way tackle, and he is joined by several other 300-lb.-plus linemen. Malden High football scrimmaged in spirited fashion against Wakefield on Tuesday night and is now looking forward to the home and season opener on Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. versus Lynn Tech at Macdonald Stadium. Malden High’s 6-0, 188 junior Jayden McGuffie is already the single-season and career recordsetter for rushing yards (3,447 in two seasons) and touchdowns (35). (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang)
14 Publizr Home