News Story 2
Applications for Governor Rick Perry’s pilot school at Leaguetown High School are due Monday, April 11.
“Our goal is to ensure that students have mastered a set of basic requirements and reduce the number of high school graduates who need remedial courses when they enroll in college.” Perry stated. “More than 1 million college freshmen across America must take remedial courses each year, and many drop out before getting a degree.”
The pilot school is a program allowing students to graduate with a diploma early and go to a community college before a four year plan at a university.
“I will not hesitate to apply,” freshman, Holly Daro said. “It is perfect for me. I love school, but I could live without the social aspect of school. I never caught that school spirit bug. I had planned to go to community college for the first two years and then move to a four-year university.”
Graduation now depends on whether a student has acquired enough credits and passed the TAKS test. They are looking for students who are highly motivated and won’t miss being able to participate in athletics or clubs.
Many students love the entire high school experience-pep rallies, football games, proms, clubs, etc…
“This new school sounds boring to me. I play football, basketball, and run track. I have no interest in that school,” freshman, Phil Howard stated. “Plus, I don’t want to attend a community college. I plan to play football in college.”
Students will be notified by April 25 on whether or not they were selected. They also will be required to return to school a week earlier than the kids not participating in the pilot program for orientation.
“Leaguetown is so lucky to get this program. This is the type of high school I wished I attended,” Terry Updike, English teacher said. “I never bought into all of the extras at school. I wanted to take my classes and move on.”
To advance into community college, students must pass all exit test-English, math, social studies, science, and a foreign language test.
“Our faculty will push the students academically harder and faster than they have ever been pushed,” principal of Early High School, Marci Tucker stated. “The test will be hard, but I have no doubt our students will be prepared.”