Dearborn public high schools named Academic State Champs

The Dearborn Public Schools high schools: Dearborn High School, Edsel Ford High School, Fordson High School, and Henry Ford Early College (HFEC) were recognized earlier this month as Academic State Champs by Bridge Magazine. The recognition focuses on graduation rates, and the number of students who go on to higher education.

HFEC is a partnership that includes HFC and the Dearborn Public Schools in coordination with Wayne County RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) and the State Board of Education. This five-year program is offered at no cost to the student. Upon graduation, students earn their high school diploma from HFEC and an associate degree from HFC.

HFC's partnership with Dearborn Public Schools

HFC is the only community college in Michigan that remains officially affiliated with a K-12 school district. Both HFC and the Dearborn Public Schools are governed by the same Board of Trustees (Board of Education).

“The Dearborn Public Schools have a lot to be proud of, and we at HFC are proud of our partnership with our colleagues there,” said HFC President Russell Kavalhuna. “Nearly 4 out of 10 graduates from Dearborn’s high schools come to HFC to continue their education. These students are successful, whether they transfer to four-year institutions or take jobs in skilled trades industries. We are proud to help them achieve their goals in school and in life.”

Ranked in the Top 10

All four schools ranked among the Top 10 for the number of students who go on to attend college. Last year, Dearborn Public Schools has 80 percent of its 1,373 graduates attend college within six months of graduating. The college-bound students included 33 percent of graduates headed directly to a four-year university, and 47 percent starting at a two-year college.

The state average was 63 percent of high school graduates enrolling in college within six months. In the district, Dearborn High has the highest number of students headed on to college at 85 percent, followed closely by HFEC at 83 percent. Fordson was at 81 percent and Edsel Ford at 72 percent.

“Dearborn Public Schools has been able to push our graduation rate to 95 percent, and now to learn we are among the best in the state for getting our students to continue with post-secondary education is great news,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Our motto is ‘Students First’, and we know that earning a degree or certification beyond high school leads to better income and more financial stability for our graduates.”

Finding college success

Bridge Magazine also recognized the success of Dearborn’s students once in college.

“Dearborn’s low-income students are not only enrolling in college, they’re succeeding at a rate higher than the state average,” the article stated. “Among economically disadvantaged students, 36 percent earn at least an associate degree within six years of high school, compared to 19 percent across Michigan. Another 28 percent are still pursuing a degree six years after leaving high school, compared to 12 percent in Michigan as a whole.”