New Century High Schools

No studies of the New Century High Schools Initiative that fell within the scope of the Dropout Prevention review meet WWC evidence standards. The lack of studies meeting WWC evidence standards means that, at this time, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions based on research about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of New Century High Schools.

The New Century High Schools Initiative is a program designed to improve large, underperforming high schools by transforming them into small schools with links to community organizations. New Century High Schools each have about 400 students; the small size is intended to foster strong relationships between students and educators. These schools commit to a broad set of educational principles, but are free to make their own choices about curriculum.

Typically, schools choose a curriculum that has a theme or career focus, such as engineering, health science, or theater. Each New Century High School is designed in partnership with a community organization that can participate in curriculum development, school management, after-school activities, or other operational aspects of the school. These organizations include arts and cultural institutions, universities, and social service groups. Partnership with community organizations is intended to bring schools additional expertise and resources related to the school theme or career focus. New Century High Schools are expected to maintain benchmarks of 80 percent on-time graduation rates and 92 percent attendance rates.