The mission of the Webster School District is to provide an excellent educational environment in which all students can achieve success and become productive citizens. We have asked teachers to discover students’ dreams and help students find the paths that will lead them into the future. We know that one dream does not fit all students. We want to everything we can to partner with parents to support the diversity of students’ dreams.
As a public school system, we are genuinely aware of the costs of higher education and strive to fully prepare students for success. For students who have discerned their interests and possible career options, Webster schools provide opportunities to begin to realize those dreams while still in high school at a significant future savings.
Junior and senior students interested in health care, computer technology, automotive services, or culinary arts can learn skills in a work like setting through Webster’s participation in a partnership with the Easter Monroe Career Center (EMCC). Successful students have gained college credit or New York State licensing while still in high school.
The dual-credit program in collaboration with Monroe Community College (MCC) is another way our students can earn college credits while still in high school. Dual credit courses are available in a wide range of areas including accounting, electricity, business computer applications, calculus, computer aided design, and advanced photography and digital imaging. The courses are taught in our high schools by Webster staff in collaboration with the sponsoring MCC department. Each course is one third of the cost offered at MCC which leads to significant savings for students and their families. Last year students earned 519 MCC credits.
In the traditional, core content academic areas, Webster offers a rigorous and relevant Advance Placement (AP) program. AP classes in English, history, math, and science as well as in art, music, foreign language, psychology, and economics give students the opportunity to challenge themselves by taking college-level courses. Each spring, students sit for AP exams that earn college credit with a qualifying score; last year 819 AP exams earned qualifying scores. Colleges and universities across the country accept success on the AP exam for credits earned upon entry.
Clearly, students gaining success in high school AP exams have a critical competitive advantage as they enter institutes of higher education.
The savings can begin immediately when a student bypasses prerequisite courses and moves directly into an elective or upper division course. At SUNY colleges and universities, the charge for a three credit course is approximately $500.00. At a private college or university that cost may be as high as $1,200 per credit hour. Some Webster graduates have been able to graduate early from college resulting in an even greater savings.
Webster schools provide a good value on the dollar. I hope as you review your high school students’ course selections for 2010-11, you will encourage them to both challenge themselves academically and nurture their interests through the many courses and career opportunities we provide. The public high school education is one of the very best bargains you will find. Our school counselors and staff stand ready to answer your questions regarding curriculum and course selections.
