The Plymouth School Board got an update last week on the Class of 2017. Of the high school’s 282 graduates, 69 percent of them had a solid plan, according to Director of Guidance Aimee Portteus. Forty-six percent of Plymouth graduates now attend a four-year college, 16 percent went to a two-year college, and others planned to pursue technical training or enter the military.
Meanwhile, she said many of last year’s seniors earned some type of college credit while they were still in high school. Overall, 29 percent of them took an AP test, and 21 percent passed. One surprising statistic, according to Portteus, is that three students on the General Diploma track were able to pass an AP exam.
Students also had success with dual credit courses, with 72 percent of last year’s graduating class getting at least one dual credit. Portteus explained that most career and technical classes are offered in partnership with Ivy Tech, giving all students the chance to earn college credit.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to decrease the number of students leaving high school without a solid plan. Portteus said the school has added “College and Career Conversation Workshops” for students in grades eight through 12.
She added that when juniors met with counselors to pick courses for next year and review their transcripts, they also had the chance to register for the SAT and ACT and meet with representatives from Ivy Tech, Ancilla College, IUSB, and WorkOne. The school has also been hosting field trips to help students think about college or other career options.
