Milpitas Unified reports slight attendance dip, emphasizes growth of dual-enrollment programs

Presenter delivered the State of the District update for Milpitas Unified, reporting that overall attendance for August was 97.43% but that, “as of today, September 9, it’s dipped a bit to 96.85%,” putting the district about 0.25 percentage points shy of its 97% goal.

The Presenter also introduced a new teacher at Rancho, Andres, and credited ongoing engagement efforts for keeping all schools above 95% attendance.

The district emphasized Strategic Commitment No. 3: building pathways. The Presenter said dual-enrollment offerings connect high school students to college coursework and credit while they earn high school credit. “Dual enrollment courses are, generally, more of a predictor, a better predictor than AP as far as student success,” the Presenter said, adding that these courses are especially beneficial for students who do not come from college-going families.

Milpitas Unified said its three high school programs partner primarily with San Jose City College and are debuting an advanced manufacturing dual-enrollment program with Calabrio's Hills High School and an extension with Evergreen Community College. The Presenter reported the district offers roughly 20–22 dual-enrollment courses, serves nearly 220 students and records more than 400 course enrollments because some students take multiple courses.

District officials said they plan to continue growing partnerships with community colleges to expand access to college-level coursework and career pathways for Milpitas students. The Presenter framed the expansions as part of a strategy to increase postsecondary readiness and provide practical career training.