Guilford County offers students many chances to attend excellent schools, especially at the secondary level.
A state report released last week ranked 19 Guilford County schools in its highest category — honor schools of excellence. The number has been increasing each year.
Not surprisingly, most of the schools are nontraditional: the outstanding Early College at Guilford and Weaver Academy, of course; and also the middle colleges that hold classes on real college campuses.
These innovative schools have a solid track record going back to their introduction during the administration of former Superintendent Terry Grier. Current Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green has added to their numbers and continued to strengthen them.
They’ve met the needs of students in various circumstances. Some students are looking for more rigorous academic challenges, as well as college credits. Some want to pursue particular interests. Some need a different environment to spark their interest.
Not coincidentally, the district raised its graduation rate to 84.5 percent, much better than the state average and the marks posted by other urban systems in North Carolina.
Improvement was needed. Students who don’t finish high school stand little chance of making a living, let alone prospering, in this economy. Getting through high school successfully at least gives them a chance to pursue opportunities such as employment, military service or higher education.
The quality of high school education also counts. That’s why it’s encouraging to see more Guilford County high schools earn the state’s highest ranking.
Guilford County has lagged in recent years in some important, but rarely reported, indicators. One is how well graduates perform academically when they go to college. According to the most recent University of North Carolina system measures, they’re not doing as well as they should.
Out of nearly 1,700 students from Guilford County public schools who enrolled at UNC campuses in the fall of 2010, only 78.5 percent returned for their second year. That compares to a statewide figure of 82.4 percent.
Only 29.8 percent of students from Guilford County returned for a second year with at least a C average and 30 credit hours — a pace to graduate in four years. For all North Carolina students, it was 33.8 percent. More than 10 percent of Guilford students were placed in remedial classes. For all North Carolina students, 8 percent took remedial classes.
These are relatively small differences, but Guilford County students should not enter college with less preparation for success compared to peers from across the state. While more students have the chance to attend excellent schools, some are less challenged in schools that haven’t met high standards. Graduation numbers are good, but every student should graduate with the skills needed to succeed at the next level.
Still, the steady progress is encouraging. A quality education is more important than ever, and more Guilford County students have access to one by applying to attend an honor school of excellence.