These young women, from left, Ebonee McCail, SeYauna Porter, Jasmyne Wilson and Heather Fikes, are part of the "Legacy Class" — Akron Early College High School's first graduating class.
Akron Early College High School (AECHS) received an "Excellent" designation on its 2010-11 report card issued by the state of Ohio. This was the second year in a row AECHS, an Akron Public Schools/University of Akron (APS/UA) program, received the "Excellent" rating. Of Summit County's 25 high schools, AECHS placed second, only to Hudson, in performance.
The school, which enables students to earn high school degrees and college credits simultaneously, met all 11 of the indicators used in the grading. AECHS ranked 110.4 in a 0-120 performance index, an increase from 109.5 last year. AECHS 10th graders' Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) percentile scores were: reading, 100; mathematics, 98.9; science, 96.6; writing, 100; and social studies, 96.6. AECHS 11th graders' scores were 100 percent each for reading, mathematics, writing, science and social studies.
Staff and students are partners
"The students at Akron Early College have a better understanding of the relevancy of high school performance because of being embedded into The University of Akron," says Marilyn Bennett, principal of AECHS. "The Early College staff identify and address deficits immediately and collaborate in preparing our students for not only the OGT, but for college entrance exams as well. It is great to see the results of our hard work. We are extremely proud of our students."
AECHS's first graduating class, the class of 2011, became known as the "Legacy Class." Of the 59 students in the Legacy Class who graduated from AECHS on May 1, 17 received associate degrees from UA one week later, on May 7, at the University’s spring 2011 commencement ceremony. In all, the graduating seniors earned a combined average of 48 college credits.
"Akron Early College High School is a tremendous opportunity for young adults to become the first generation ofcollege students in their families," says Stanley Silverman, associate provost, dean of University College and dean of UA's Summit College, which facilitates AECHS. "This innovative academic program, combined with the dedication of these bright students, provides just the right formula for student success."
For more information about AECHS, call 330-972-6450, or visit Akron Early College High School.
Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.