One High School's Answer to the Dropout Dilemma

A Houston principal approached Congressman Scott Hochberg with a quandary. His students were dropping out to work and earn money for their family. The traditional school schedule was incompatible with their work hours. In other cases, teens who had never gone to high school wanted to start at age 19 or older. But they were deterred because they didn’t feel comfortable in classes with younger students.

How could this principal ensure his students get the education they need?

He posed a question to his students: What if we could supply a teacher at a time that works with your schedule?

Then, he started Liberty High School.  Its evening hours and weekend classes give students an extra shot at earning their diploma and widening their chances for life success. Hochberg helped pass legislation allowing the school to serve students up to 26-years-old. Rather than being confined to the 180-day school calendar, Liberty High School operates year-round.

Read more in the Texas Tribune.