Early College School District.

Imagine if you will, a school system where teachers and parents say to their children, "when you go to college" rather than "if you go to college."

The research is clear, the difference in dollars that can be earned in a lifetime for someone with some college education is huge when compared to someone with only a high school diploma. A post high school tech school certificate, associates degree or bachelors degree should be a goal for every student. It is achieveable. It is affordable.

So, we are going to work toward making Lake Forest School District an Early College School District. Our goal will be for all, yes all of our kids to have earned some college credit by the time they get their high school diploma. It is possible for some students to be be well on their way to an associate degree at their high school graduation.

How do we get there?

First we have to make sure that our curriculum is rigorous enough to prepare all children for college work. That teachers hold all students to a high standard.

Second we have to allow students to accelerate through the core classes like Math and English more quickly so their Junior and Senior year schedules have more room for college classes.

Third, we have to partner with DTCC, Delaware State University and others to make available a variety of college courses to our students.

Fourth, we need to start promising our children that when they graduate from Lake Forest High School they will have had the opportunity to earn college credit and be prepared to provide the support needed to fulfil that promise.

You know college credits may be earned from the usual local state supported institutions, but there are some good private schools who may want to get involved. There are Advance Placement classes. There are also many accredited courses available from on-line universities and we should open that door more frequently.

 We have some ground work and preparation to do here, and we need to solidify our partnerships with DSU and DTCC. We also need to seek some legislation that will allow Delaware high school students to use SEEDS and Inspire scholarship money before high school graduation.

Lake Forest Schools, an Early College School District. I like it.