Delta High School (Washington)

Delta High School
Address
901 Northgate Drive
Richland, Washington, 99352
United States
Coordinates 46°16′44″N 119°16′44″W / 46.27889°N 119.27889°WCoordinates: 46°16′44″N 119°16′44″W / 46.27889°N 119.27889°W
Information
Type Public
Established 2008
School district Richland School District
Principal Jenny Rodriquez
Enrollment 400 (approximately)
Information 509-544-8355
Website School webpage

Delta High School (or DHS) is a high school in Richland, Washington, USA. It provides a STEM-based curriculum for students in grades 9-12 from three school districts in the Tri-Cities area. The school is operated as a collaborative effort by the Kennewick School District, Pasco School District, and Richland School District, and in partnerships with a local skill center, colleges, and businesses. The school has been designated by the State of Washington as an Existing Innovative School.[1]

Academic

The school's courses are geared towards a heavy focus on the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The study of English, Language Arts, and Social Studies is integrated with STEM subjects. Courses offered each year vary depending on the student population. Teaching methods emphasize student inquiry, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Graduating requirements are based on each school district's requirements for total credits and minimum credits in each field of study.[2][3]

History and facilities

Delta High School opened in 2009 with 100 students, the first full school year was in 2010, and approximately 400 students were expected by 2012.[4] Each school district is allocated approximately 1/3 of the enrollment for its students. Approximately 40 percent of the first year's 100 enrollees left the school, mostly in the first year, reportedly due to frustration with the start-up of the new school and the rigorous program. The first graduating class was in the spring of 2013 when 62 students graduated. By 2013 the school was receiving 300 applications for approximately 100 places. [5] The school has operated since inception in a building owned by Columbia Basin College. Since 2012 attempts have been made to reach an agreement for the 3 school districts and the Washington State Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Foundation to purchase the facility the school currently occupies near downtown Richland and construct a new $15 million facility on the same site.[6] Donations towards a new facility have been received from private companies and agencies.[7][8]

Community partners

In addition to the three public school districts, the school partners with Columbia Basin College, Washington State University - Tri-Cities, Washington State STEM Education Foundation, and Battelle Memorial Institute.[9]

References

  1. ↑ State OSPI Innovative Schools. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  2. ↑ School course catalog. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  3. ↑ Principal biography, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  4. ↑ Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, 2010. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  5. ↑ 62 to graduate from Delta High School, Tri-City Herald, June 6, 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  6. ↑ Delta High may be built elsewhere, Tri-City Herald, November 15, 2012. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  7. ↑ Delta High Receives $150,000 donation, Tri-Cities Journal of Business, April 22, 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  8. ↑ Bechtel National Donates $250,000, Tri-City Herald, January 31, 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-10
  9. ↑ School Community Partners webpage. Retrieved 2013-11-10

External links