MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Schools’ summer school programs are officially underway.
Summer classes began Friday.
On Monday, SCS wouldn’t tell WREG the number of students per grade level enrolled in summer school.
The district said they hope to have those numbers sometime later this week.
SCS confirmed 6,700 students took SCS summer school classes last year.
The district reported this year there were only 5,280 slots for high school students.
At this time, it’s unclear how many elementary or middle school students have enrolled.
Fifteen percent of the students enrolled in summer school are reportedly taking new classes.
That means the majority of summer school students are making up for poor marks.
“It allows students to either get ahead or get caught up on coursework. So, if they have classes they want to take, they can fit them in in the summertime,” said SCS spokesperson Kristin Tallent.
Just last month, WREG reported SCS’ rate of students graduating on time was lower than the state’s.
A report from the “Building a Great Nation” website revealed that in 2013, 86.3% of Tennessee high school seniors graduated on time.
SCS said for the 2013-2014 school year, 72.1% of its seniors got their diplomas.
WREG asked SCS how many high school seniors were retaking classes this summer with the possibility of graduating and contributing to the district’s graduation rate.
Again, at this time, that grade by grade breakdown is unavailable.
WREG stopped by Kingsbury Middle School as it dismissed classes for the day.
One student said she was taking Science and Social Studies.
SCS said it accepted summer school students from other districts.
Elementary and middle school summer school runs from June 5 until July 2.
High school summer school runs June 5 through July 17.
