Met School Offers High School Program For Adults

Approximately ten people at The Florence Gray Center gathered to learn about a new high school diploma program offered by the East Bay Met School. The talk, led by Principal Charlie Plant, introduced a new pilot program targeted at youth and adults that seeks motivated individuals for a customized learning experience.

The goal of this new program is to enroll out-of-school youth and adults in a focused, accelerated high school diploma program within a 360 degree support system. But don’t be confused – it’s not intended to replace or compete with GED programs. The high school diploma program will allow the student a hands-on learning experience, a personalized curriculum, and job and career planning, all while being part of a genuine learning community.

“This program has great potential and it’s a perfect addition to The Met School,” said Plant. “We’re building a curriculum for each student and their interests. Everybody is excellent at something, and we want to connect you with that.”

Out-of-school youth and older adults without a high school education form a large, and overlooked portion of our communities. The average high school graduation rate for Aquidneck Island schools is around 80%, with Newport percentages at the lower end of the average. That means that each year across the island there are approximately 500 students who do not graduate with their class.

“We’re trying to make it as life-friendly as possible to support our students,” Plant continued. “The idea is to help them find a path. We’re here to help your creative energy flow so that we can give you the opportunity that’s right for you.”

The new diploma program will be offered online so students will have the chance to do the work when it is convenient for them. Plant says the program is unique in that it focuses on students' life situation, for example family, housing, financial considerations and psychosocial needs. He said the program will hopefully offer flexible times, such as night and weekend classes, but will requiresa higher degree of commitment from the individual.

“This all sounds very positive,” said AJ Silveira, an attendee at the open house and a Portsmouth resident. “I can’t believe that this hasn’t been done yet and it sounds exactly like the opportunity I’ve been looking for.”

Silveira is currently a professional carpenter looking to not only get his high school degree, but to also explore new skills, such as cabinetmaking. He said he hopes to connect with professionals through internships so that he can further his career and expand his resume.

Currently the pilot program is limited to thirty students to test methods and public demand before The Met School can scale up to significant numbers at all Rhode Island Met School campuses. Currently, there is no statute in the State of Rhode Island that limits the age of high school students. The program will be free of charge and students will have the opportunity to take college courses as well. The start date for the program is April 15th.

Open houses will be held every Tuesday at 6 p.m., with the last one on April 5^th, at The Florence Gray Center to introduce the new program to those interested in participating.