Rise Academy night program wins waiver approval; administrators report steep gains in reengagement and graduations

The School Committee approved the district’s submission of a two-year student learning time waiver for RISE Academy’s night program after principal Carlo Cordero presented program results and next‑year plans.

"We exceeded that goal. 85 percent of the seniors did complete the program. 22 out of 26," Cordero reported when describing the pilot semester’s outcomes for seniors and cohort recovery. He added four of the seniors who had not completed at the time of presentation were expected to finish by August graduation.

Cordero said staff reviewed 69 applications, accepted 45 students into the program and that a broader referral and review pool totaled 222 students. The night program focuses on juniors and seniors, competency-based grading, and added supports including ESL classes and increased paraprofessional help for small cohorts; administrators asked to expand capacity to 40 students. Attendance in the night program averaged about 85 percent; the program's target had been 75 percent.

Cordero said the program used career exploration partnerships — including virtual reality experiences with the Northeast Manufacturing Consortium and MassHire — and required community service hours. He said graduates included students who had previously dropped out or been court-involved, and that the program produced 31 graduates this year versus one the prior year at the alternative site.

The waiver was required because the proposed schedule provides 945 in-person instructional hours versus DESE’s 990-hour minimum, leaving a shortfall of about 45 hours; the submitted waiver explains how the district will make up or address the deficiency. The committee voted to approve the waiver submission by roll call; the waiver will be forwarded to DESE for final approval.