Patriot High proposes renaming to Patriot Applied Learning Campus as it adds middle grades

Patriot High School principal Ryan Bailey told the District 49 Board of Education on Jan. 22 that the school plans to add middle‑school grades next year and is shifting from an alternative‑education model to the district’s traditional school performance framework. To reflect that change, Bailey proposed renaming the campus Patriot Applied Learning Campus.

Bailey described new and expanding applied‑learning programming: an advisory structure tied to community employers, regular community‑partner visits, a culinary program offering community cooking classes and certifications in personal care work, pathway courses in graphic design, construction and possible future pathways in heavy machinery or telecommunications. He said the school is emphasizing “relationships, relevance and rigor” and wants the name to signal that student work applies to career and life pathways.

Student board representatives who spoke supported retaining “Patriot” in the informal name and said students were likely to refer to the campus simply as “Patriot.” Bailey said the school planned an open house next Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. for prospective middle‑school families and that applications open at 8 a.m. on the 31st (date and month announced at the meeting).

Board members praised the programming and supported a schedule that would give the school a chance to present and receive public comment. The board moved the item into action for the Feb. 13 meeting; the discussion in the work session left open whether a vote would be held that same night or at a later regular meeting consistent with the board’s agenda schedule and counsel’s extension options.

No formal vote on the renaming took place at the Jan. 22 work session.