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Out of 318 college classes completed during the fall semester by WGHS freshmen, sophomores and juniors, students passed 298 of those courses with a C or higher.
“This is fantastic,” said Donald Snook, principal of WGHS. “We knew our students were going to do well, but for our first semester as an Early College High School, I think the results have exceeded everyone’s expectations. What’s been interesting is to watch the students and see the competitiveness they have in terms of earning their associate’s degree while still in high school. Global is all about college preparation and our students have shown that when given the opportunity, they are driven to succeed.
“While the college portion of the semester ended just prior to the winter break, we had 10 students who completed mini-mester courses at Navarro College,” Snook said, adding it’s common to see students in the hallway talking about how many college credits they have, posturing to see who has the lead.
Global High, now in its third year of existence, received its charter as an Early College High School at the beginning of the school year. As one of a handful of Early College High Schools (ECHS) in the nation, students are allowed (actually encouraged) to take dual credit courses that count for both high school and college credit. In order to take dual credit courses, students must pass a placement exam demonstrating they are prepared for the advanced course work. Students in all three of Global’s current grade levels who successfully passed the placement exam were allowed to participate in the college courses, taught at the college level, during the fall semester.
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Part of the Waxahachie ISD, Waxahachie Global High is a public school with enrollment open to students in all districts—with student admissions accepted from public, private and home school.
As an ECHS, the school is partnered with Navarro College. Students participating in dual credit courses may take courses at any Navarro College campus, or at the Global campus taught by Navarro College professors or WISD educators certified dual credit instructors.
As an ECHS public school, there is no additional tuition for students to receive dual credit instruction.
Since its inception in 2006, Global has remained a STEM Academy focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 100 students per grade level to ensure higher student-teacher ratio in classrooms and incorporate a hands-on learning approach emphasizing problem-solving skills.
As a STEM Academy, all students are required to take science, engineering, advanced math and technology courses, which students incorporate into all of their coursework presentations.
While there are clubs and extracurricular activities for students (including a nationally ranked TSA team), Global High’s focus is on academics and preparing its students for success in college. The school has no athletic teams, band or other traditional high school UIL programs.
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Waxahachie Global High is currently accepting applications for enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year that will begin in the fall. Enrollment is open to incoming freshmen and sophomore grade levels from any district, private school or home school. School enrollment is capped at a maximum of 400 students and applications will not be accepted for next year’s junior or senior classes. In the event there are more applications than available slots, a lottery system will be used to determine admission.
Applications are available at Global High, located at 600 Second St. in Waxahachie (in the WISD Wilemon building). Applications are also available by mail by contacting the school at the number below. Global High also encourages prospective students and parents to schedule a campus tour by calling the school at 972.923.4761.
“We love showing off our campus and the exciting things going on a Global,” Snook said. “If anyone is interested in learning more about Global, please give us a call and we’ll arrange for tours and an opportunity to visit with our faculty and students.”