John Ray comments on and links to an article about some schools that perform very well, in spite of the economic issues facing students:
Each year, for instance, about 35% of the student population turns over. Half the students qualify for free and reduced lunches. And only 20% of the students’ parents have more than a high school education.
I grew up in these schools while living in England and France. I have to say they were first-rate, although some of the teachers were there simply for the travel opportunity. Military folk tend to be pretty demanding of their offspring, and that follows. My oldest son graduated from Air Academy High School, located on the grounds of the Air Force Academy. One of the courses he had his senior year was “Genetic Engineering”, a special biology course. How many other schools offer such things?
Given the devotion military families show their school system, any move to disband the schools faces significant resistance. But losing those schools would endanger more than a special military benefit. Defense Department schools offer valuable lessons, particularly in educating low-income, minority students. Their successful strategies deserve wider application regardless of what the Defense Department concludes about the future of its individual schools.
It requires commitment. You know…one of those military things. Of course, I’m biased.