Sheridan High School honored at Early College Celebration

Sheridan High School was recognized during an Early College Endorsement Celebration held June 4 by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis.

“These programs change lives,” Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery said during the event. University of Indianapolis president Dr. Tanuja Singh also spoke about the importance of higher education.

Early College High Schools are designed to increase college-going success, especially for students who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education. For the 2021 cohort, 76 percent of Early College graduates from endorsed Early College High Schools went on to college, compared to 53 percent of Indiana students.

Sheridan High School was newly recognized as an endorsed Early College High School for being endorsed as an Early College High School – the first in Hamilton County.

Representing Sheridan at the celebration were Principal Rick Davis and Director of Curriculum Valerie Love.

Love commented on the endorsement saying, “This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Principal Davis and the SHS teachers. Becoming an Early College High School is an arduous process, involving strenuous credentialing for teachers, as well as creating a college-going culture.”

To be designated as an endorsed Early College High School, schools must offer students the opportunity to graduate from high school with a high school diploma and the Indiana College Core, an associate degree, a technical credential, or 15 or more dual credits.

The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis is the only organization in Indiana that can authorize schools as endorsed Early College High Schools. Currently, 59 high schools are endorsed by CELL.

To learn more about the Early College program at Sheridan High School, please call Sheridan Community Schools Director of Curriculum Valerie Love at (317) 758-4431.