Application Process For Launch High School Announced

Launch High School in the Iron County School District in an innovative idea that allows students to learn at their own pace, and work on projects that are meaningful to the individual student. Test scores at Launch High School tend to offer students many options and better preparation for students looking towards a college education, or other pathway following high school education. The high school partners with several organizations in the community, including Southern Utah University and Southwest Technical College, to enhance the experience of the students. Students are selected to attend Launch High School through a lottery system. Cory Henwood, Innovation Director for the Iron County School District joined us on the Big Picture Morning Show and explained that there are some upcoming events that parents can participate in which will enhance a student's opportunity of attending Launch High School. One of the things parents can do is to attend upcoming parent meetings scheduled for January 17^th and 18^th at Launch High School which is located on Royale Hunt Drive next to the Iron County School District offices. The meetings will be from 6pm to 7pm and may be attended in person or via Zoom. Another thing students can do to get preference in the lottery system is to attend an introductory workshop. Those workshops are scheduled for January 31^st and February 1^st at the high school. These meetings must be attend in person. The application deadline for the upcoming year at Launch High School is February 14^th. You can get more information on the enrollment process by going to this link. Henwood indicated that Launch, along with other innovative programs available from the Iron County School District are giving students more choice and responsibility in directing their education saying, “having students and parents be empowered to make choices for themselves in their education helps increase their engagement (and) helps them retain what they are learning. There's also the part where they need to learn to be self directed.” Henwood indicated that while Launch High School is a great springboard for students planning to attend college, the lessons learned at Launch High School will also benefit students taking a more non traditional path path following high school. Through partnerships within the community, Launch High School students take on things they are interested in by being given projects to complete. He said attending Launch High School get a good start on life preparation. You can hear our complete interview with Henwood below.