Highlights
Private School Just For Low Income Kids Looks To Create Thriving Adults
Source: https://www.the74million.org/
The Greater Dayton School in Ohio stands out by offering personalized education plans, emphasizing whole-child development, and promoting financial independence among its low-income student population. Founded in 2022, the school provides health clinics, extended school days, and individualized learning plans. Students set daily goals called “Age 27 goals” focused on health, integrity, career readiness, and personal success. Supported by a $50 million facility, the school aims to replicate its model nationwide to address academic and social needs often unmet in traditional settings.
Key Highlight:
- The school spends about $30,000 per student annually, funded by state vouchers and private donations. It aims to grow to 400 students from preschool to 8th grade.
- The curriculum includes personalized education plans and student-directed learning. After-school activities until 5 p.m. provide enrichment and solve childcare needs for working parents.
- Health is a major focus, with over an hour of daily physical education, whole food meals, and an on-site medical and dental office. Mental health support is prioritized with dedicated counselors. While it’s too early to fully assess impact, initial test scores suggest students are progressing faster than state averages.
- The school’s model is designed to be replicable in other cities across the United States.
- The Greater Dayton School represents an experimental approach to education that addresses multiple aspects of student development, aiming to break the cycle of poverty through comprehensive support and high expectations.
The school offers the following to it’s students:
- Family-style meals
- Daily recitation of long-term goals for students
- Extended school days until 5 p.m.
- Two teachers per classroom
- Individualized learning plans
- On-site health clinic
- Financial literacy education
Image Source: https://www.the74million.org/
