The Center for High School Success is excited to introduce our 2023-24 CHSS Demonstration Schools and share an opportunity for you to join us on a visit this year! CHSS Demonstration Schools are chosen for their sustained improvement, consistently high 9th Grade On-Track Rates, and exemplary implementation of the CHSS Roadmap.
Meet this year’s CHSS Demonstration Schools!
Poudre High School, Fort Collins, CO
Across the three-year partnership with CHSS, Poudre High School, a large, diverse high school just north of Denver, increased 9th Grade On-Track Rates by 13%.
“The Roadmap provides a true roadmap to implementing the structures and practices needed to do the work. The structure creates a teaming model that increases teacher collective efficacy. The data shows us that it’s the right work. We’re keeping students on-track and it’s resulting in better student outcomes, including increases in our on-time graduation rates.”
Kathy Mackay, Principal
“The Poudre team is transforming the high school experience by developing year-long transition supports for ninth graders.” Judith Martinez, CHSS Southwest Regional Director
McDaniel High School, Portland, OR
McDaniel High School, a large, diverse high school that was one of the very first schools to partner with CHSS five years ago, increased 9th Grade On-Track Rates by 27%.
“McDaniel High School has had a long history of 9th grade success work… and we were one of the first schools to partner with CHSS. In our 9th grade program, we center restorative justice practices, equitable grading, project-based learning, student empathy interviews, and home visits. The work is transformative because we center students.”
Kim Kanof, 9th Grade Team Lead
“I’m excited for others to hear about how 9th grade teacher collaboration contributed to schoolwide fair grading practices.” Kristin Romano, CHSS 9th Grade Success Coach
Union High School, Vancouver, WA
Union High School is just across the Columbia River from Portland in the Evergreen School District. As the largest high school in our CHSS Demonstration School portfolio, Union has sustained a 9th Grade On-Track Rate of over 90% across multiple years.
“Our [9th Grade] Success Team serves as a model professional learning community in the manner in which they set/achieve goals, use data to monitor progress and implement tiered intervention strategies to meet the needs of students and families.”
Griffin Peyton, Principal
“At Union High School, you will notice the strength of their 9th Grade Success Team meetings. Led by an expert teacher and facilitator, each member takes ownership and is committed to building systems and implementing strategies to support students finding academic success and belonging.” Melissa Rysemus, CHSS 9th Grade Success Coach
Tara High School, Baton Rouge, LA
Tara High School’s 9th grade class is ranked first in the nation for 9th Grade On-Track improvement. In just two years, 9th Grade On-Track rates increased from 33% to 90%!
“We’ve assembled a team that meets often and works totally in unison to look at data and put a blueprint in place. We don’t just pawn this off on our teachers. Our admin team is behind the effort 100%, and we all believe in what we’re doing.“
John Hayman, Principal
CHSS Director of Strategic Partnerships, Eric Nelson shared, “Most amazing high school improvement I have seen in my career!”
Camelback High School, Phoenix, AZ
Camelback High School is a large, comprehensive high school that is part of Phoenix Union High School District. They have been engaged partners with CHSS for four years. During that time, they’ve increased their 9th Grade On-Track Rate by 35 percentage points!
“We take pride that Camelback teachers actively choose to be part of Freshman House, reflecting their belief in our impactful work. Our 95% teacher retention rate is a testament to the commitment and satisfaction of our teaching staff. Once teachers join Freshman House they stay, contributing to our sustained success.“
Principal James Arndt and Freshman House Coordinator Erika Wimble
Camelback’s CHSS Coach Keith Smith says, “Camelback’s 9th Grade Team is full of passionate and talented educators that are 100% committed to implementing the 9th Grade Success Approach. I know through my observations and student testimony, Camelback High School is changing mindsets.”
We are partnering with Demonstration Schools to host Learning Labs, where you’ll have the opportunity to see best practices and strategies from our CHSS Roadmap in action and collaborate with other educators in our national CHSS Network! View school visit dates and register to attend below.
To ensure the best experience, we are capping registration at 30 registrants per school per visit. Secure your spot and register today!