National studies of graduates from small schools have shown that higher percentages ofthese students attend college than their peers who graduate from large schools.

A study by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research reports that nationally only 32% of high school students are ready for college. Although 80% of high school seniors attend college, only 52% entering a 4-year college complete a Bachelor’s degree in 6 years. That number drops precipitously among community college students seeking an Associate’s degree. The crux of the problem is that large high schools are not adequately preparing students for the demands of college course work. Small schools, on the other hand, are meeting this challenge.

	In one survey of 41 small schools participating in the Coalition of Essential Schools network, African American and Hispanic students had significantly higher college enrollment rates than the national average.

National studies of graduates from small schools have shown that higher percentages of these students attend college than their peers who graduate from large schools. With their focus on teaching a core, high-level curriculum in a personalized learning environment, small schools better prepare young people to succeed in college. The effectiveness of small high schools in eliminating the achievement gap carries over to success at the postsecondary level. In one survey of 41 small schools participating in the Coalition of Essential Schools network, African American and Latino students had significantly higher college enrollment rates than the national average.

This text is based on Oregon Small School Initiative fieldwork and a synthesis of ideas from the following source(s):

Coalition of Essential Schools. (2001) Principles at Work Oakland, CA: Coalition of Essential Schools. Available: Click Here

Greene, Jay P. (2003, September). Public High School Graduation and College Readiness Rates in the United States. Washington, DC: Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. Available: Click Here

U.S. Department of Education. (Not yet published). Preparing America’s Future: Statistical Snapshot of Oregon. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.