District outlines high‑school pathways and RISE adult‑education supports for credit recovery and late graduates

Washoe County School District area superintendents on April 8 presented an overview of high‑school pathways designed to help students graduate and prepare for post‑secondary options, emphasizing alternatives such as NorthStar online, Innovations brick‑and‑mortar programming, Washoe Inspire Academy and the RISE adult‑education program.

Why it matters — trustees heard how the district supports students who fall behind credits, students returning after interruptions and adults seeking equivalency or adult diplomas. Staff stressed that graduation work continues beyond June for many students and that services including credit recovery, five‑year senior supports and adult‑education pathways are part of the district’s approach.

Key points from the presentation: - NorthStar: the district’s K–12 online option for students with medical or travel needs who require an online path. - Innovations: a small, personalized brick‑and‑mortar high school with advisor‑based internships and a “school without walls” approach that partners students with community mentors. - Washoe Inspire Academy: an alternative temporary placement for students who require an alternative setting due to disciplinary or mental‑health placements (including students in juvenile detention or inpatient care). - RISE / Scribe Academy for Adult Achievement: an adult‑education site that serves both minors (16–17) who are credit‑deficient and adults pursuing HiSET (high‑school equivalency) or an adult diploma. Assistant principal Dawn Adams told trustees, “we had almost 1,200 students study with us last year. We had nearly 160 high‑school equivalency graduates.”

Staff also reviewed graduation metrics for the class of 2023, reporting an adjusted cohort graduation rate of 81.1 percent and noting additional graduates who completed diplomas or equivalencies after the October reporting window. The district said those later graduates — including 47 who earned a high‑school diploma after October and another 41 who earned equivalents or adult diplomas — do not change the formal cohort rate but represent students who achieved post‑cohort credentials.

Trustees and staff emphasized that schools continue outreach and personalized planning (counselors, family advocates and community partners) to keep students on track and to provide fall or summer graduation opportunities when needed.

Ending — Trustees asked staff to continue reporting on outcomes for students who use alternative pathways and on coordination between sending high schools and RISE to ease transitions for learners seeking diplomas after leaving a traditional high‑school setting.