Akron Early College High School gets top marks from the state, new director

Akron Early College High School (AECHS) received a designation of “Excellent” on its 2009-10 report card issued by the State of Ohio. An Akron Public Schools/University of Akron (APS/UA) program, AECHS allows students to earn an associate degree or up to two years of college credits toward a bachelor’s degree, free of charge.

AECHS also welcomed a new director this fall.

Of the state’s 11 test indicators for which AECHS qualified, the school met all 11 and ranked 109.5 in a 0-120 performance index. Of the 12 total indicators, AECHS did not qualify for one indicator — graduation rate — due to the fact that the school did not have a 2009-10 senior class. The school will graduate its first class, the class of 2010-11, next spring.

Of Akron’s eight high schools, AECHS was at the top of the list with its 109.5 points and among Summit County’s 17 high schools, AECHS was second only to Hudson City Schools, which also received the designation of “Excellent.”

“The results are impressive, no matter how we look at it, but particularly when you realize that these are first-generation college students,” says Stan Silverman, dean of UA’s Summit College, which facilitates AECHS.

As new director of the AECHS, Marilyn Bennett says she plans to maintain the program’s remarkable momentum. Bennett, who received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UA and worked with the APS since 1975, says “the education of the youth of Akron has been my vocation and my passion.”

AECHS students attend their classes on the UA campus. After four years at AECHS, these students benefit from the possibility of earning their high school diplomas and, at the same time, their associate degrees.

For more information, call 330-972-6450, or visit Akron Early College High School.

Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.