Schools for a New Society

New structure. Better approach. Great results.

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 has begun to implement its own plan for improvement. As part of these plans, high schools have created new ways of organizing classes, new roles for principals and teachers, and new methods for helping students learn.

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

Results have been outstanding:

• The four-year graduation rate in Hamilton County rose from 69% in 2003 to 72.6% in 2008.
• Hamilton County granted 2,361 diplomas in 2009 (up 22% since 2004).
• 95.7% of students passed the English II Gateway exam in 2008, with the percentage of students scoring "advanced" rising from 50% in 2003 to 72% in 2008.
• 72% of May 2009 Hamilton County graduates enrolled in college for the Fall 2009 semester.

Good things are happening!

For more information on Schools for a New Society, contact:
Bill Kennedy
423.668.2429