High School Academia

Is there a need for an Academic track in High Schools?
Research indicates that attaining a higher education is a key factor in the social mobility of the high school student, opening the door to greater employment prospects and to future social and economic opportunities. 
  
The Rashi Foundation decided to support and advance high school students who have potential to continue on to higher education, but whose educational chances are reduced because they live in the periphery with fewer resources, and who need a great deal of moral and practical support to gain academic success. 
  
What is the "High School Academia" Program?
Launched in 2005, High School Academia is a three year program starting in the 10th grade that works in full coordination with the school and strives to enrich existing learning and social activities. The program supports students scholastically, socially and emotionally whilst demanding high standards and complete commitment to success from all its participants. The program is aimed at leading the students to completion of high school with a matriculation diploma of a level that enables acceptance to academic institutions (4 units of English and a minimum of 24 study units)

Target Population 
The program targets high school students on a matriculation exam track with mid or below average grades, possessing a high motivation for success and with no behavioral problems. Preference is given to students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The students chosen form a home room class and they become the school's "academic class".    
  
The program currently encompasses 28 classes of about 850 students in 11 schools in the periphery. 
  
How it works
The Academia class study in small groups, with individual attention and constant review by the teachers, the school's program coordinator, school counselor and psychologist. A steering committee made up of the school principal, therapeutic staff and teachers monitors each and every pupil to help them achieve success. Participants enjoy a hot lunch every day and after school activities of academic, social and experiential nature. 
  
Results of the program so far
The program has achieved the following results in other schools in the area:

• End of 2005/6 - 94.1% of the students that participated in the program achieved full matriculation diplomas.  The national average is just 53%.
• End of 2006/7 - 87.5% of the students that participated in the program achieved full matriculation diplomas. Again, the national average is 53%