B.C. Rain Graduation Rates Nearly Double

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) The graduation rate at B.C. Rain High School has improved significantly. The goal for the entire Mobile County Public School system is an 80 percent graduation rate. B.C. Rain High school exceeded the system wide goal with an 85 percent graduation rate.

"The biggest thing is changing the mentality," said Assistant Principal Melanie Lewis. "We have high expectations and when you have high expectations, they're going to meet them."

Lewis said the culture at the school has changed over the years.

"When I first started here, I believe we were at 41 percent," said Lewis.

In 2010, B.C. Rain High School's graduation rate was 45 percent. In 2011, the number increased to 49 percent. In 2012, the graduation rate was 70 percent, and in 2011 the rate increased to 77 percent.

"We meet the children where they are, and we get them to where they need to be," said Lewis. "They know that we care about them."

Lewis believes the different programs offered at B.C. Rain High School has helped students plan for life after graduation. For example, students can earn Microsoft Specialist credentials. When students complete the program, they are certified in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Word.

"We have so many business partners, and they're seeing that businesses are really looking for these types of skills," said Lewis.

Airbus is one of numerous partners with B.C. Rain High School. The school recently built a 1,500 square foot hangar to provide aerospace and aviation training. Students can also participate in dual enrollment to earn college credit.  

"I've learned a lot about the airplanes," said Lihn Phan.

"I didn't expect to be in aerospace but I'm here," said Cameran Howard.

Lewis added, "That is so important that they're able to connect their learning to the real world. They want to know, 'How is this going to benefit me?'"

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