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Wethersfield High presents class of 2025 graduation and postsecondary trends
Summary
School leaders told the Board of Education that graduates are applying to more institutions, more students pursue trade and internship pathways, and AP and Seal of Biliteracy recognitions increased for the class of 2025.
WETHERSFIELD — Wethersfield High School Principal Siobhan O'Connor and the school counseling team presented the board with a graduation report for the class of 2025 showing shifts in students' postsecondary plans and expanded career and college supports.
The report summarizes where last year's graduates applied, where they were accepted and where they enrolled, and highlights local efforts to broaden pathways beyond traditional four‑year colleges. "We want to honor whatever the path is for a student and ensure that every door is open to them," Principal Siobhan O'Connor told the board.
The counselors said students are submitting more applications than in the past — the report shows an increase in the average number of applications per student from about 4.25 to 7.6 over the past decade — and more graduates are pursuing trades, certificate programs, or immediate employment in addition to two‑ and four‑year college routes. Cindy Bridal, the district's school counseling liaison, described efforts last year to research and document non‑college options so counselors can provide accurate, local information on costs, credentialing and program availability.
Counseling staff described an expanded internship program and career advisory efforts; the district expects about 40 students to participate in internships this year, a large increase from prior years. Presenters gave examples of students who moved from short exposures to trade programs to apprenticeships or college enrollment in technical fields.
The report also noted growth in Advanced Placement participation and recognitions: for the class of 2025 the document lists 16 AP Scholars, 11 AP Scholars with honor and 7 AP Scholars with distinction. The district also continues to grow Seal of Biliteracy recognitions and is expanding honor societies and other student recognitions.
Board members praised the report as a data‑driven affirmation of the district's academic and career programming. Board member Liz (last name not specified in the record) called the offerings "amazing" and said internship and AP expansions are important. Several board members thanked counseling staff for producing the multi‑year comparison that helps track trends.
The presentation packet includes detailed tables showing where graduates enrolled and where they were accepted; the counseling team said those pages are intended to help the board and community monitor long‑term trends. The district will continue to refine supports for students pursuing both college and career pathways.
Questions about testing trends also came up: presenters said some selective colleges remain effectively reliant on standardized tests even while labeling themselves "test optional," and they recommended counselors continue to monitor admissions policies and advise students accordingly.
