Redmond Proficiency Academy achieves 98 percent graduation rate

Class of 2021 graduate Grace Sorensen. Photography by Cascade Voyage Photography.

According to an annual report released by the Oregon Department of Education, Redmond Proficiency Academy’s (RPA) high school graduation rate for the class of 2021 cohort was 98 percent – the highest ever for the charter school and higher than local, state and national averages.

“As we enter the third year of the pandemic, the challenges facing our students and staff are ever-present, but our students are still achieving at a high level which is a testament to the dynamic approach we take with learning,” said Executive Director Jon Bullock. “I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for not only persevering through challenging times, but their continuous achievements and improvements along the way.” 

RPA’s graduation rate of 98 percent is based on the 2020-21 four-year cohort, which is composed of students who began high school in the 2017-18 school year and who graduated during the 2020-21 school year.

RPA features a College Prep program that utilizes a university model scheduling system in which students take advanced courses and learn to be effective university students by learning in seminar environments – emulating a college campus experience. This flexible scheduling model works well for students and families seeking a choice in their educational experience, one that allows them to focus on additional interests outside of school, including downhill and cross country ski racing, equestrian events, rodeo circuits, and many other activities. This unique model also allows students of all academic levels and interests to accelerate or decelerate their learning in the manner that works best for the students and their post high school goals 

The cumulative experience of seven years at RPA is preparation for life after high school, Bullock explained. The conversations start in middle school when faculty and staff encourage students to explore their interests and talents, and ways they can apply them to future careers.

The tuition-free public charter school offers courses in award-winning theatre, robotics, and arts programs, in addition to computer science, rock climbing, Spanish language immersion and many others.  

Bullock attributes the success of RPA students to several factors:

• Implementation of an intensive senior support program of graduation coaches;
• Development of academic support programs for seniors to move them towards graduation;
• A focus on college pathways and career readiness programs to increase student engagement;
• A data-focused system to identify students who need intervention and who may be at risk of falling behind.