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Community Prep presents plan to adopt big‑picture learning to boost graduation rates
Summary
Community Prep described programming that reengages credit‑deficient students, highlighted hands‑on learning, internships and community partnerships, and said it will transition toward a big‑picture learning model intended to increase graduation rates; board members asked about audit work, trauma‑informed practices and fiscal viability.
Community Prep (Community Prep School) presented its charter renewal materials to the District 11 board Wednesday, describing a program focused on reengaging students who had dropped out or become credit‑deficient.
Principal Solanki said Community Prep serves grades 9–12 and students up to age 21, with historically high AEC (at‑risk) factors and a focus on individualized learning plans. The school highlighted hands‑on programs—an on‑site bike shop, outdoor education, internships and partnerships with local employers—and said it offers restaurant‑quality free breakfast and lunch for all students.
Solanki and staff described efforts to raise graduation rates, including a planned transition to the big‑picture learning model, which emphasizes interest‑based, project and internship learning; the school pointed to other districts that have seen major graduation‑rate improvements after adopting big‑picture approaches. Community Prep reported average enrollment around 200 students historically, a recent funded count near 139–160 (the school and district use slightly different measures), and a goal of increasing family engagement and assessment participation to avoid an "insufficient data" state rating.
Board members asked about the implementation timeline for big‑picture learning, an audit of trauma‑informed practices (planned for completion this school year), the attendance advocate role and fiscal viability; Community Prep leaders said the model rollout will take several years and that the school owns its building and carries reserves. The board will consider the renewal application during the district review process and as a future action item.
