19 Jul 2010
John Leslie Patton Jr. Academic Center to serve over-age high school students
John Leslie Patton Jr. Academic Center will open this fall to serve Dallas ISD students who are on a different grade level than their peers of the same age because they lack high school credits. The school will provide accelerated learning programs to help the students catch up to their peers and earn a diploma.
About 500 students are expected to initially attend the school. To qualify, students must be age 17 or older and have fewer than three credits, 18 or older and have fewer than nine credits, 19 or older and have fewer than 15 credits, or 20 and older.
The school will offer flexible student schedules, small class sizes, assisted self-paced instruction, individualized tutoring, internships, and dual-credit courses.
"Students who are older than most of the students in their grade are at higher risk of dropping out of school," said Wiley Brazier, the school's principal. "This program will allow us to address older students' academic and career needs to help them be successful in school and after graduation."
Those interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to talk to their school counselor or attend a meeting with Mr. Brazier at the school, which is located at Nolan Estes Plaza, 3434 South R.L. Thornton Freeway. For information about the program or to enroll, contact Mr. Brazier at wbrazier@dallasisd.org or (214) 932-5160.