High School Ahead Academy

What are the issues?

Not all students are prepared for high school after the eighth grade. In fact, according to former Superintendent Terry Grier in the 2006-07 GCS Progress Report, many students are promoted to high school based on their age alone. This raises the risk of these teenagers being unsuccessful academically and subsequently dropping out of school.

What are they doing?

In the fall of 2007, Guilford County Schools began the High School Ahead Academy. The High School Ahead Academy accelerates learning for eighth graders who are not yet ready for high school, but who are older than their classmates.

As senior administrator implementing the High School Ahead Academy, Dr. David Roper explains (as cited in the August 2007 GCS Insider Quick Notes), "This is one method for moving away from socially promoting a middle school student. The High School Ahead Academy will help students build skills to ensure a successful transition to high school rather than just promoting students and crossing your fingers that they are ready for high school. The old method was not successful."

The High School Ahead Academy focuses on math and language arts to prepare students for high school.

How does this make a difference?

The High School Ahead Academy's first principal Michelle Hayes states, "I am thrilled to be a part of this pioneer experience in education that will help students at the High School Ahead Academy find academic and social success."

The first school year started with approximately 100 students.

Because the implementation of the initiative is in its first year, results have not yet been determined.