Schools for a New Society

The legacy of high school reform lives on.

Hamilton County high schools embarked upon a major transformation in 2001. With $14 million in funding from the Carnegie Corporation and PEF, every high school in the district began implementing its own plan for improvement. As part of these plans, high schools created new ways of organizing classes, new roles for principals and teachers, and new methods for helping students learn.

Although funding for Schools for a New Society has since ended, the legacy of these changes continues across the district.

All high schools have developed:

• 9th grade transition programs
• teaching methods that engage students and make them eager to learn
• advisory classes for all students
• literacy programs to increase reading skills
• a single-path diploma that ensures all graduates will be qualified to choose college or higher-skilled jobs

Eleven high schools have established career academies that provide students with relevant, challenging learning experiences in a small learning community. These include:

• Business & Technology
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Global Studies
• Health Sciences
• Transportation

Another legacy of Schools for a New Society is Hamilton County High School.  Opened in the fall of 2004, this unique school serves students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out because they have fallen behind in credits.  Watch a video about Hamilton County High and how it is helping more students succeed in school and graduate.

The merger of the College Access Center with PEF in 2009 provided a boost to our College Access and Success Initative.  The lessons learned in Schools for a New Society plus an intense focus on preparing students for life after graduation means the legacy of high school reform will continue to make a difference for years to come in Hamilton County.

For more information on Schools for a New Society, contact:
Bill Kennedy
Director of Secondary School Initiatives
423.668.2429