Students continue to show significant academic progress
In a world where success can sometimes be difficult to attain, JCM Early College High is finding success at every turn. Through hard work and careful planning, both the average ACT score as well as the number of students graduating with associate degrees have increased.
Said JCM Early College High Principal Dr. Nathan Lewis, “I’m proud of the perseverance students are making toward their goals. Each year the graduating class has set that standard of excellence higher and higher. I look forward to seeing what students will accomplish as we continue to move forward.”
In 2022 the ACT average at JCM Early College High was 19.30, which was above the state average of 19.1. In the course of one year, the ACT average at JCM ECH has increased by 1.27 to an average score of 20.57, beating the current state average by nearly one and a half points. From 2021-22 to 2022-23, the number of students scoring 30 or above grew from 3 to 4.
“Our students are changing the narrative for public schools in this region. Whether through ACT boot camps and workshops, or simply by old-fashioned preparation in the classroom, JCM Early College High students are exceeding and expanding expectations for our district,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said.
The school’s associate degree program has taken off since its first graduating class of 17 students in 2019. This year’s graduating class will more than double the inaugural class with 36 students receiving their associate degree while in high school. In five graduating classes, JCM ECH has amassed approximately 136 associate degrees.
“It’s a major cost savings as they prepare to go into a four-year college, TCAT, or some other postsecondary education program. Our students don’t pay any tuition associated with completing that program. It saves them between $12,000 and $13,000 they would have been responsible for,” Dr. Lewis said.
The JCM-ECH model is unique and one of only a few in the state. Associate degrees will be obtained upon graduation at no cost to families. The success of this program has been so great that other districts are wanting to replicate the JMCSS model. Dr. Lewis and his team are instrumental in leading this charge, but the students in this Title I, high minority school are the ones making a difference.
