The National Science Foundation reports that higher education enrollment rate in the United States has been steadily rising, and the seniors at Cristo Rey Boston High School, Washington Latin Public Charter School, and Urban Prep Academy in Chicago are part of the reason why.
Many of the students at these schools have faced socio-economic challenges, but each pulled out on top and was able to finish their high school careers with the prospect of fueling their intellectual fires at universities across the globe.
See why and how these college-bound grads were able to ensure that their high-school graduation would not be their last time hearing “Pomp and Circumstance.”
1. CRISTO REY BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL
Dorchester, Boston, MA
Class size: 52
For the third year in a row, all 52 Cristo Rey Boston High School graduates are headed to college this fall, according to the The Boston Globe. The unique Catholic school is now alma mater to students of low-income families in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The school’s reputation comes not only from its exceptional graduation rate and location, but also its initiative to supplement and strengthen students' professional preparedness. Every student at Cristo Rey, in addition to undertaking a demanding course load, works five days each month at entry-level jobs in over 100 Boston companies. Collectively, the students have managed to cover 60% of the school’s operating cost.
Because of the school’s size, college counselors and many faculty members are able to give students the individual attention needed to not only apply to colleges and universities, but also to choose the institution that will best fit each student. Having worked hard in Cristo Rey’s work-study program to finance a portion of their education made the graduation ceremony all the better for the 2012 graduates.
2. WASHINGTON LATIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Washington, D.C.
Class size: 42
Washington Latin Public School’s first ever graduating class is a tour de force of classical education, and with every one of its 42 graduates eager to study at a college next fall, WTOP reports, the young school will continue to enroll and graduate students. Though it was home to only 5th-7th graders in 2006 at its foundation, the now K-12 school fosters over 500 students on their educational journey.
With over $2 million dollars in scholarships among them, students, teachers, and parents are thrilled to send the hard-working students to a variety of schools including American University in Paris where Salam Abudul-Ali, the first among her peers to receive her diploma, will continue her lingual and cultural studies. Latin’s 2012 graduating class has proved the school’s mission and capabilities to both parents of current students and future ones, setting the standard for up and coming educational institutions.
3. URBAN PREP ACADEMY
Chicago, Illinois
Class size: 85
The Chicago Tribune reports that for the third consecutive year, every member of Chicago’s Urban Prep Academy is college-bound. As Chicago’s only exclusively African-American male charter school, cultivating the minds of teens from low-income families and rough neighborhoods, Urban Prep has been the target of fierce criticism. Many have accused the school of encouraging students with academic and behavioral problems to leave using the fact that the school graduated about half of the students it intended to when the boys started as freshman.
Urban Prep CEO Tim King acknowledges this fact, but maintains that the school’s mission is to nurture each student and uphold good behavior was a route to success. With $12,000 spent on each student, King doesn’t seem to be blowing smoke. With all 85 of their intellectual compasses pointing towards higher education, Urban Prep’s graduating class is one step closer to success.
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