Akron Early College High School (AECHS) received an "Excellent" designation on its 2011-12 report card issued by the state of Ohio. This was the third year in a row AECHS, an Akron Public Schools/University of Akron (APS/UA) school, received the "Excellent" rating. Of Summit County's 25 high schools, AECHS placed second to Hudson and ranked first among Akron's nine city schools, in performance.
Jim Tressel, vice president for strategic engagement at The University of Akron, addresses the 2012 graduating class of Akron Early College High School.
AECHS, which met all 12 of the indicators used in the grading, continues to increase its performance rating year after year. The school earned 111.5 on a 0-120 performance index scale, an increase from 110.4 last year, and 109.5 the year before. AECHS 10th graders' Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) percentile scores were: reading, 98.9; mathematics, 98.9; science, 97.8; writing, 97.8; and social studies, 98.9. The AECHS 11th graders' scores were 98.7 for mathematics and 100 percent each for reading, writing, science and social studies.
Based at UA’s Summit College, AECHS is a joint initiative of UA and the Akron Public Schools. While they work toward their high school diplomas, AECHS students earn college credits.
Students excel with opportunities
"Akron Early College High School students thrive in an academically rigorous program, which allows these bright, first-generation college students the opportunity to earn a college education and potentially, to use their talents to enhance the region in years ahead," says Stanley Silverman, UA associate provost, dean of Summit College and professor of social science.
As a result of its high, overall achievement, AECHS was named a School of Promise by the Ohio Department of Education for the third consecutive year.
"We are thrilled that our students perform so well on the state tests and we are honored at being named a School of Promise for the third consecutive year," says AECHS Principal Marilyn Bennett. "Our achievements and honors truly reflect our belief that all students can succeed."
Begun in 2007, the pioneering AECHS enables promising Akron Public school students an opportunity to advance to an academically rigorous program upon their completion of middle school. Akron Early College students can earn an associate degree or up to two years of college credits toward a bachelor’s degree free of charge.
Story by Tyeal Howell
Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.