Cheltenham SD reports early success for EPIC program; staff outline graduation pathways and remaining gaps

Cheltenham School District officials presented the first‑year results for EPIC, the district’s empowerment program for students with attendance and engagement challenges, and reviewed state graduation‑pathway data for the class of 2024 and preliminary figures for 2025.

At the Education Affairs Committee meeting, Ms. Zubero, the EPIC presenter, said the program began the school year with 50 students and had 40 enrolled at the time of the report. "All I say to them is just please love and value our students," she said, arguing that students who feel "loved and valued will learn and ... achieve and reach their potential." She described EPIC as aligned to the Cheltenham High School (CHS) curriculum and combining online and traditional instruction with group therapeutic supports.

Why it matters: the presentation combined program metrics, student outcomes and operational issues that the district says are relevant to reducing dropout risk and improving graduation rates for students who have been over‑age or under‑credited.

Key outcomes and supports - Enrollment and outcomes: EPIC started the year with 50 students and had 40 enrolled at reporting. Of the departures, Ms. Zubero said five students returned to CHS (three during semester transition and two after hospitalization), four withdrew from the district, and two earned diplomas (one a 2023 graduate and one a 2024 graduate). One student joined from a hospital program later in the year. - Graduation eligibility: EPIC staff reported 19 students eligible to graduate, which Ms. Zubero said translated to an expected 74% graduation rate among currently eligible students; she noted eight students were "slam dunks" and others required…