The Maryland State Department of Education recently released some concerning data regarding high school graduation rates. The five-year cohort graduation rate, which tracks the percentage of students who graduate within five years of starting ninth grade, has experienced a slight decline. Specifically, of the 67,072 students who began ninth grade in the 2018-2019 school year, 88.2% graduated by the 2022-2023 school year, a decrease from 89% the previous year.
Although this decline might appear minor, it indicates that an increasing number of students are facing difficulties completing their high school education on time, if at all. Instead of this troubling trend, we need to be going in the opposite direction, providing students with tools to succeed academically and in their future careers. It’s time for a change.
The Baltimore Excel Center is addressing this growing problem. This adult high school program is designed to assist people who have aged out of the traditional high school education system but still aspire to earn their diploma. The Baltimore Excel Center offers life coaching, flexible class schedules, and support services such as child care, all designed to eliminate barriers that adult learners often face.
Since its inception, the Baltimore Excel Center has experienced overwhelming demand, with more than 200 students registered and over 30 on a waiting list to attend. This surge in enrollment reinforces the pressing need for second chances among Baltimore’s high school dropouts.
The Baltimore Excel Center stands as a beacon of hope, providing second chances for individuals who have faced obstacles in their educational journey. With its structured yet adaptable educational environment, the center enables students to balance their studies with work and family responsibilities, fostering not only academic success but also overall well-being.
As Baltimore confronts a decrease in graduation rates, it’s evident that intensified efforts are needed to support all students in their educational journeys. Expanding adult high school programs offers a promising solution, particularly through initiatives like the Baltimore Excel Center. By providing a pathway to graduation for those who have fallen behind, the center reduces the challenges faced by Baltimore’s high school dropouts.
