NBC29Advanced Diplomas in Charlottesville

Advanced Diplomas in Charlottesville

Black students in Charlottesville are advancing to the head of the class. New numbers released by the Charlottesville school system show more advanced diplomas are going into the hands of minorities, putting a variety of faces out there to compete for the next top job.

At Charlottesville High School, the numbers were flat for black students from 2004 through 2006. But this year, there was a 147 percent jump in the number of black students getting a diploma after having advanced courses.

Bekinwari Idoniboye is a CHS student who's taking six advanced placement classes this year. She's the only African American with that course load, but she's noticed a change in the faces that make up those classes.

"Just getting by is no longer the norm. Everybody is pushing to be on top now." said Idoniboye.

School leaders say there are two reasons for the spike: First, teachers are challenging all the students to do better. And second, the school has a program in place to work with students who are struggling or who's parents didn't go to college.

Students say the school also helps by offering a variety of advanced classes for them, allowing them to reach their potential.

Reported by Henry Graff
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