New Brighton Tutors Come To You

Irondale High School, the public high school in New Brighton, Minnesota, is used to getting attention. Newsweek has listed it in the top 5 percent of high schools multiple times, and U.S. News & World Report has also listed it as one of the best high schools in America. New Brighton tutors, teachers, students, and parents can be proud of their contributions in maintaining this top-notch program.

With this reputation already solidified, Irondale took things a step further, introducing a program that would allow its students to graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma in four years. Called the Early College program, the opportunity was the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota and collaborates with Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The program impressed former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan so much that he publicly praised it.

The program, which launched in the 2014–2015 academic year, targets students who are in the 30th to 70th percentile of their class. These are students who may not be fully prepared for post-secondary programs or may be the first in their family to attend college. The program is free of charge, lifting the barrier of cost.

Although some high schools, including Irondale, already have concurrent enrollment opportunities with community colleges, universities, and career and technical education programs, these arrangements typically benefit a school’s highest-achieving students: those in the top third of their class. Thus, the Early College program breaks down barriers to enrollment for a larger portion of students. In its second year, over half of Irondale students enrolled in college-level courses, with 80 percent earning college credits.

The program will help to prepare students for careers, even if they do not pursue a four-year college degree. About 40 percent of Minnesota adults hold some kind of post-secondary degree, but by 2018, state officials expect 70 percent of jobs to require education behind high school.

Students who complete their associate’s degree through the Early College program and meet requirements have dozens of options for further schooling, as agreements have been made with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota system. Nearly ninety percent of students pursue post-secondary school options, according to Irondale High School’s fact sheet.

Irondale is not just all about academics. The school also has a strong music and drama program. Its marching band has earned top honors since the late 1980s and regularly places at Bands of America competitions. The school’s winter drumline, winter guard, and vocal and instrumental performing groups win plenty of awards, too. The high school also has a full complement of athletics and academic teams as well as clubs that cater to interests in robotics, politics, and more. In fact, there are so many enriching activities that Irondale parents and students are wise to seek tutoring services in New Brighton to free up time for the fun side of high school.