Does your high school student know what he or she wants to do with the rest of his or her life?
If they’re like most typical teens, the answer is probably “no” – unless they attend Romulus Community Schools, that is.
Thanks to robust programming and dedication to student experience, teens that attend this local “high expectations, high achievement” district find a path to success that actually excites them, and earlier in their high school career, too.
Among the district’s unique and educational programming options are the high school’s culinary arts courses.
Kids that choose to take these unique classes run a restaurant located in the high school for fellow students. This experience includes making food and handling the business aspect.
“They are learning all of the ins and outs of culinary careers and I think too that they’re getting unique exposure,” says Dawn Jamison, the district’s Chief Communications Officer. “Having that program creates a pathway for our students (that are interested in a culinary career).”
Similarly, RHS offers courses in health sciences for students to explore careers in the medical field. These classes provide all of the information they need to pursue these in-demand careers.
“We really want to help students make (career) decisions earlier so they can be prepared to be successful,” Jamison adds.
While these courses are beneficial to the students at Romulus Community Schools, they aren’t the district’s only gold-star offering.
In addition to these courses, the district has teamed up with Wayne County Community College District to offer their high school students an Early College program.
Students that enroll in this free hybrid program earn college credit at the same time that they’re earning high school credit. When they graduate from high school, they’ll have earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
“They’re taking what amounts to a 13th year,” Jamison says. And they’re taking it without having to pay college tuition.
Students who are serious about their schoolwork and are interested in this program can apply for the program on the district’s website.
After a student’s application is approved, they are accepted into the program and once they reach their sophomore year, they will start to take a combination of college courses at Wayne County Community College District along with their regular high school work at Romulus High School.
Like any college student, the student enrolled in this program can follow the vocational track of his or her choosing and take the courses that best fit his or her needs and interest.
And because they study alongside college students, the young adults in this program mature faster and tend to become much more focused on their grades and their futures, according to Jamison.
“This program exposes the high school kids to higher education at an earlier age than normal,” she explains. “These students have to learn how to integrate college coursework into their everyday lives.”
So far, the school has had great success with this program and plans to expand the program to include more specialized career paths, such as police work.
“Our programs urge students to take a look at their futures and take a more serious look at a career track or area of study,” Jamison says. “We have brilliant minds at Romulus Community Schools and these programs allow our young adults to shine and catapult them toward future success.”
For more information on programming offered at Romulus Community Schools, or to apply for the district’s Early College Program, visit romulus.net.
