On
January 9, 2006 the Paso Del Norte Academy, Ysleta Campus opened its
doors to students looking for a different way of earning their diploma.
According to Irma Baquera, the Academy Director, the high school is
like that of any other school.
"We offer the same type of curriculum, we have the same accountability,
we have the same state tests and we have the same compliance issues
as any public high school," said Baquera.
One of the differences is the individual class size is smaller, roughly
five to fifteen students per class. According to Baquera the number
one reason most students drop out is they feel no one cares about
their needs.
The
Paso Del Norte high school offers students low classroom sizes, flexible
schedules and a day care center for young parents.
"The
classes are designed so that the students can receive the individual
attention that they need in order to attain their diploma," said
Baquera.
Another major difference between this school and other high schools
is the students' classes are scheduled so that they have more time
to deal with their personal needs.
The school has two daily sessions: a morning session from eight to
twelve and an evening session from one to five.
Students can be scheduled for either session, but due to the small
enrollment numbers, only the morning session is available until the
school numbers increase.
The school has open enrollment and the tuition is free. Each student
has to go through an interview process which determines the needs
of the individual.
"Students don't come here because they have to; they come here
because they want to. When we interview a student we try to find out
what his or her needs are. This is a three way partnership and commitment
between the school, the students, and the parents," said Baquera.
The enrollment number for the first day of school was five. After
two and a half weeks, the number rose to 27.
"Even under the circumstances of having a skeleton crew of full
time teachers, administrators and support staff. “I am optimistic
of our academic success and our enrollment numbers. We hope to have
an enrollment of 150 students by the end of this year and then we
will hire more staff," said Baquera.
To get more information call Irma Baquera's office at (915) 298-3637.
