Preparing students for the future

We emphasize the relationship of course work to future education and employment goals, and actively help students envision and prepare for their futures. Key to that preparation is helping students develop the social and emotional skills necessary to work in groups, be on task and on time, and respond appropriately to supervision.

For a majority of our students, college is not always a consideration when they first come to Mt. Scott. But a big part of our efforts to help students succeed is adequately preparing them for college and a variety of post-secondary options. This is achieved through, but not limited to:

ASPIRE - Mt. Scott offers the ASPIRE (Access to Student assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) program to provide students with solid pathways beyond high school. ASPIRE matches trainined community volunteers with high school students to provide one-on-one mentoring. ASPIRE advisors guide students through the process of applying for college, financial aid, and scholarships.

Senior Portfolio - This year-long course focuses on preparing students for life after high school. Students create a portfolio with materials that will help them be successful in their post high school careers. Students will conduct a skills assessment, complete an interest and values survey, create a resume and collect letters of recommendation, obtain a transcript, write a reflective essay, and practice public speaking.

Career Information System - Mt. Scott students regularly utilize Oregon's online Career Information System (CIS). CIS develops quality career information resources to support career self-management, career counseling, and career education. It also assists students in promoting sound career decision-making practices in education, employment, and community settings through leadership and training.

College Survival & Success Class - In partnership with Portland Publc Schools and the Coalition of Metro Area Community Schools, Mt. Scott students can enroll in Portland Community College's "College Survival and Success" class. This course provides basic information on time management and goal setting for college success. Students develop skills in communicating with instructors and accessing online and in-person college resources and services.

Graduation for All - Mt. Scott became fully accredited in the 2003-04 school year and began awarding diplomas at its first high school graduation ceremony in June 2004. Our graduation rate is determined by those students that enroll at Mt. Scott as freshmen (ninth graders) and continue through grade 12. For this group, our graduation rate has averaged over 90% of all students. Our goal for this year and beyond is that 100% of all students who enroll at Mt. Scott High School as freshmen and attend through their senior year will earn their diploma in four years and pursue post-secondary education.