Zero dropouts? Boulder Valley School District is getting closer to its goal

A goal of zero dropouts? Is this really possible?

Yes!

And Boulder Valley School District seems to be on that path — tracking students, offering support groups, and then — if necessary — offering online or alterative schooling and dropout recovery programs.

It's all about "reaching out," says Boulder High Principal Kevin Braney.

"There's been a very purposeful effort to support students who may be at risk and track down kids who have left us," he said. "We figure out what academic support we can offer them to keep them on track." 

The result: The district's overall dropout rated fell from 1.5 percent in 2009 to .8 percent in 2011. And the dropout rate for Hispanic students fell from 5 percent in 2009 to 2.9 percent in 2011.

Those numbers still represent scores of students. But we're encouraged by Boulder's efforts — and you should be, too.