PEF has just released its latest video podcast, School of Second Chances. Featuring students and administrators from Hamilton County’s adult high school, this story is heart-warming and inspiring. Please view it on YouTube or at our website.
The adult high school was re-classified by the state this year from a program to a high school. Because of this re-classification, Hamilton County’s 4-year graduation rate took a dip. The students who attend Hamilton County High typically have fallen behind or even dropped out of school, then enrolled in Hamilton County High to try again. Nonetheless, they often count as dropouts because they do not graduate in the standard 4-year time frame. Since the reported graduation rate counts only 4-year graduates, it undercounts the number of actual graduates in the county.
There is good news at the bottom line, however. With the help of adult high school and other credit-recovery programs, more students are receiving high school diplomas than ever before. In 2008, 2,483 students graduated from high school, up from 1,941 in 2004. This includes both 4-year and late graduates, and reflects a 28% increase over five years - even though high school enrollment has remained flat.
Truly, good things are happening in Hamilton County schools.