Christel House Academy South (CHAS) joins 26 middle level and high schools redesignated as one of the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) 2017 Breakthrough Schools. NASSP recently evaluated each of these schools, originally recognized between 2013 and 2014, and determined that they have sustained their student achievement rates since their initial recognition.
Established in 2007, NASSP’s Breakthrough Schools program recognizes middle level and high schools that serve large numbers of students in poverty and are high achieving or demonstrate dramatically improving student achievement. Schools are selected based on documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of Breaking Ranks II, including collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
For more information on the Breakthrough Schools program, please visit: www.nassp.org/BTS.
“We continue to improve the outcomes for our students though collaborative leadership, personal attention to learning and high academic expectations”, says Carey Dahncke, Head of Schools, Christel House Schools. “Nearly all of our students live in poverty, but by establishing a strong academic program along with exceptional character education, 100% of CHAS graduates received acceptance letters to 4-year colleges; and, 63% of CHAS graduates earned an Academic Honors Diploma.”
About Christel House Academy South
Established as a public charter school in 2002, Christel House Schools now operates four schools in Indianapolis. Christel House Academy South is the organization’s original, and flagship school, serving at-risk students in grades K-12. Christel House Schools also operates CHA West currently serving grades K-4, and two adult high schools, Christel House DORS South and Christel House DORS West. Through its College & Careers program, CHS continues to support its graduates through post-secondary education and job placement so they become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.
Christel House Academy South was Indiana’s first charter school to receive the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform’s “School to Watch” designation. Additional recognition includes the Indiana Achievement Award and multiple Title I awards for closing the achievement gap. In 2017 it was named a State School of Character by Character.org. For more information, please visit www.chacademy.org.
About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.
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