FORT WORTH, Texas — A new adult high school opened its doors Tuesday in Fort Worth, welcoming hundreds of students aiming to earn a high school diploma and career certification, both tuition free.
Students of various ages and walks of life braved the rain to reach New Heights High School inside the Tarrant County College Opportunity Center, 5901 Fitzhugh Ave.
Graduates should have a leg up on the competition, as they will receive a full high school diploma instead of a High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate.
This is the first-of-its-kind public high school for adults 18-50 in Tarrant County, and the possibilities exhilarate New Heights CEO Traci Berry.
“We’re thrilled,” she said. “This vision has been years in the making, and I’m excited that, thanks to so many wonderful people and partners, we can bring it to life here in Tarrant County.”
Demand from prospective students and community members has remained high since the early-spring announcement about the school opening this fall.
“More than 1,200 students have applied, far exceeding our expectations, illustrating the need for more creative education solutions in this community to meet workforce demands,” Berry said. “Our first term begins with 650 students, and we will only grow, with Term 2 beginning October 15. Applications are still being accepted.”
TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc believes community colleges have a responsibility to educate with purpose. She said New Heights “will not only impact the lives of participating students but also those students’ children, communities and the Lone Star State.” LeBlanc expects the new school to be a game changer for Tarrant County.
A major selling point is the ability to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and certification in several career and technical programs. Ten certification programs will be offered, includingin medical assistant training, welding, aircraft mechanics and cybersecurity. Later this fall, dual-enrolled students will be able to take any TCC course, free of charge.
The school will operate like a college, with eight-week terms and an accelerated curriculum. Classes are face to face, and several schedule options, like offering both day and night classes, will provide flexibility.
This appealed to Jamillah Patterson, 45, a software entrepreneur in the tax return field. She currently has 10 affiliates and is determined to expand. Despite her success, though, she felt like something was missing in her life — a high school diploma.
“I’m returning to school because I’ve always regretted being a problem child in school and not receiving my diploma,” she said. “Over the years, I wished there was a program that offered a path to a diploma, and my wish came true. Now I have to see this journey through.”
Students with a regular high school diploma have higher monthly earnings (an average of $4,700) than people with HSEs (an average of $3,100), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
TCC South President Daniel Lufkin said adult learners often are overlooked yet represent a significant opportunity to develop the workforce.
“Equipping them with a New Heights diploma and an industry-recognized certificate can swiftly meet current employment needs and drive regional economic development,” he said. “And look at the lives we’ll change.”
The partnership supports TCC’s goal to award 8,000 degrees and certificates annually and complements House Bill 8, which ties state funding for community colleges to student outcomes.
Passed by the 88th Legislature in spring 2023, SB 2032 encourages agreements between nonprofits, chartered adult high schools and community colleges to create pathways out of poverty and improve educational outcomes for children whose parents never finished high school.
“People without a high school diploma face an uphill battle for employment,” Chancellor LeBlanc said. “By adding a career certification to their portfolio, students can increase their marketability and promotability.”
CEO Berry is confident the New Heights model will succeed in Tarrant County. The packed classrooms are a testament to theenthusiasm shared by residents and community partners.
“Our commitment is to best meet the academic and whole-person needs of as many students as possible while ensuring integrity to a positive and meaningful learning environment,” she said. “We can’t wait to see our students elevate themselves — this will be a fun ride!”
Discover more at newheightsed.com.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.
