In the News: Small schools a hit

Majority of Newberg High School students give their school a high grade
For all the questions and concerns they raised at their inception, the four small schools at Newberg High School are a hit with today’s students.

As part of their report to the community, the school district released a snapshot of how the four small schools are faring. According to a survey, 63 percent of students gave their small school an A or a B as compared to 39 percent in 2006 when NHS was still a single comprehensive high school.

By most metrics the schools are doing well. Averages on standardized tests have increased by double digits since 2006. NHS earned its first ever “outstanding” rating from the state last year, placing it among an elite class. The dropout rate has been declining and more students are enrolling in college within a year of graduating.

The class of 2010 already has 61 percent of its students enrolled in college; the class of 2006 had 49 percent after 12 months. More high school students are earning college credits through the district’s partnership with Portland Community College and more than 2,200 college credits were earned by 262 NHS students in 2010.

A common complaint about the small schools is that having a principal for each school has made the institution top heavy with administrators. With the elimination of Red School in 2009 due to budget cuts, there are now four principals remaining at the high school, the same number of administrators as in 2006, when the school had one principal and three assistants.

Because the schools are smaller, the salary range for the four principals is smaller than what a single principal at a traditional 6A school could potentially earn.
 

Story by Laurent Bonczijk, The Newberg Graphic