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Durfee early-college program reports growth, partnerships and high FAFSA completion
Summary
Presenters told the Fall River Instructional Subcommittee that Durfee High's early-college program has grown to about 20% of grades 10–12, is serving 233 upperclassmen in credit-bearing coursework, and is supported by partnerships with Bristol Community College, Bridgewater State University and UMass Dartmouth.
Durfee High School staff updated the Fall River City Instructional Subcommittee on Wednesday, Feb. 5, reporting increased enrollment in the district's early-college program and outlining partnerships and student-support structures intended to expand access to postsecondary credit during the school day.
Program leaders said the initiative now has 233 11th- and 12th-grade students actively taking credit-bearing coursework during the school day, about 40 10th graders participating this spring and roughly 22 class sections across three higher-education partners. The presenters said the district employs four dedicated early-college staff members and runs classes in partnership with Bristol Community College, Bridgewater State University and UMass Dartmouth.
Program leaders said the model removes common barriers to dual enrollment: courses take place during the normal school day, there are no single academic prerequisites for entry, and a portion of the program is free to students (covering course fees, books and supplies). The staff described a typical pathway as two college courses per semester, with flexibility for students to accelerate or decelerate based on readiness and life circumstances.
The presenters shared early outcome data they described as promising: 87 percent of Durfee's class of 2024 reportedly graduated with 12 or more college credits; 91 percent completed the FAFSA or MASFA; and 88 percent of the class of 2024 had been verified as enrolled in higher education (the presenters contrasted these figures with statewide averages they cited). The staff said they aim to grow the program by roughly 20 students next year while maintaining supports for participating students.
Subcommittee members asked about capacity and expansion. Program staff said expansion is constrained by budget and university capacity and that a wait list of roughly 20 students exists. They discussed long-term goals — including reaching about 25 percent of the student body to produce
