Powell High School is running with some of the best in the state. When it comes to last year’s WYTOPP scores Powell High School ranked first in English language arts and second in science and math for large schools.

“We are one of the best schools in the state, and we were right there and our scores show that,” Principal Tim Wormald said.

The Wyoming Department of Education divides the state’s 48 districts into three categories: small, medium and large based on the number of students who take the WYTOPP. Powell High School is part of one of the 16 largest school districts in the state, with at least 120 students taking the WYTOPP each year. Sheridan, historically a high performer on the WYTOPPs, and holder of the highest cumulative science and math for large high schools, is also in this category. 

Last year’s eighth graders, now Powell High School’s freshmen, were fifth among large schools in ELA (65.4% were proficient or advanced), second in math (61%) and fourth in science (56.6%). Last year’s freshmen, this year’s sophomores, ranked third in ELA (65.5%) and math (52.1%) and last year’s sophomores ranked first in ELA (68.8%) and science (62.5%) and second in math (56.9%).

At Park County School District 6 in Cody, 42.2% of last year’s freshmen are proficient or advanced in math and 46.24% in ELA, 50.35% of last year’s sophomores were proficient in math and 46.81 science and 51.77% in ELA.

Powell seniors don’t take the WYTOPP but were successful in their own right, exceeding the college readiness benchmark this fall for English, meeting it for reading and nearing the benchmark in math and science. 

“I'd just like to express how proud I am of our students and staff. Our students consistently put forth their best efforts and work hard to succeed at high levels,” Wormald said. “Our staff also work extremely hard to support students. They maintain high expectations for student success and provide a high level of support for students.”