Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Wabash Early College High School


Wabash Early College High School



On September 21st, the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) endorsed Wabash High School as Wabash Early College High School.  This endorsement makes Wabash High School one of only 13 high schools in the State of Indiana to be endorsed as an early college.  In 2014-2015, 4 students earned the Indiana Statewide Transfer General Education Core Certificate and 15 students earned technical certificates, industry recognized credentials, or licenses, resulting in 17 percent of Wabash Early College students earning postsecondary Early College credentials (while they were in high school).  Moreover, 232 Wabash High School students earned 1081 college credits during 2014-2015, saving parents between $143,935.15 and $360,405.40 (depending on transferring school).

In addition to dual credit opportunities at Wabash High School, Wabash City Schools provided students an opportunity to attend classes on the campus of IPFW (2014-2015) and IU-Kokomo (2015-2016).  We believe these college campus experiences provide students a great opportunity to gain valuable college-going experiences (and credits) prior to high school graduation.

Wabash High School is a leader in preparing students for college.  In addition to very intentional counseling, Wabash provides opportunities such as SAT school day for all of its students.  On October 14th, all freshman, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT; and all seniors will take the SAT.  The test is administered during the school day and Wabash City Schools picks up the costs.  This is one of the many intentional steps Wabash City Schools takes to ensure all students have an opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Finally, Wabash City Schools is the leader in the State of Indiana in a comprehensive college and career experience K-14.  Wabash begins this conversation in kindergarten as we incentivize families to begin the college and career discussions through 529 college savings account creation and college and career discovery.  Currently, Wabash County leads the entire state of Indiana with the percentage of students under the age of 18 with a 529 college savings plan.  71 percent of Wabash City Schools Kindergarten through 5th grade students have an active account.  Wabash Middle School promotes academic rigor based not on age but on student interest and ability.  Our 2015-2016 Wabash Middle School students are on track to earn 671 high school credits.  And our current high school students are on track to earn nearly 2000 college credits for a savings of between $259,642 and $643,500.  

Through this early college district model, Wabash City Schools will provide a relevant and rigorous education to ensure each student is college and career ready for success in a global community.  

Please join in the celebration and send us a short video clip or message to callahaj@apaches.k12.in.us or @WCS_SUPT, congratulating the faculty, community and students.