DHS named 'a model for other schools'

Posted on: Jun 17, 2019

Delano High School is among just 31 high schools in Minnesota to receive the 2019 College Success Award from national non-profit GreatSchools.

Of those Minnesota award winners, only two traditional public schools are smaller in terms of enrollment.

The award recognizes 1,722 high schools across 25 states for a track record of helping graduates enroll in college and succeed when they get there. Nationwide, about 20 percent of eligible schools received the honor.

“We applaud your leadership and the hard work of your entire community,” said GreatSchools Chief Executive Officer Jon Deane in a letter to DHS Principal Dr. Steve Heil. “Your school’s commitment to ensuring that all students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond is exemplary and a model for other schools.”

To select award winners, GreatSchools takes into account college preparation (measured by percentage of graduates, along with ACT or SAT participation rates and performance), college enrollment after high school and college performance.

According to GreatSchools.org data, 86 percent of DHS graduates enroll in college compared to a state average of 75 percent. Once there, only 13 percent of former Delano students need to take basic or remedial courses that do not count toward a college degree, compared to a state average of 21 percent.

“Our students are extremely hardworking individuals who come from families that value education,” said Heil. “There is a high level of commitment from our teachers and staff toward each individual student’s education, both in high school and beyond. This recognition is a result of the entire community working together to make education a priority.”

In addition to the award, DHS had an overall score of 9/10 from GreatSchools.org. Only one of Minnesota’s 31 schools to earn the College Success Award scored 10/10. Including Delano, 11 of the award-winning high schools had rankings 9/10, while 19 had scores of 8/10 or lower.

“We have established a tradition of educational excellence in Delano,” said Superintendent Matt Schoen. “While we strive for continuous improvement, we are pleased with this evidence that our efforts to date have served our students well beyond our campus. Congratulations to our students, teachers, families and community for this well-earned recognition.”

Post Categories: High School