Beyond College: Schools Redefining Success
In the heart of Wyoming, Upton High School is challenging the norm. It's not that they're against college, but they believe in offering students a choice. Instead of pushing everyone towards a four-year degree, they've created a model that supports three paths: college, military, or straight into the workforce. The result? A more diverse range of career choices among graduates.
A Success Story: Sam Johnson
Take Sam Johnson, for example. He knew college wasn't for him. With the help of his career counselor, he secured an apprenticeship as a hunting guide. Now, at 18, he's already working towards his license.
"I'm going in headfirst after high school into that job, " he said.
This is just one success story from Upton's 2025 graduating class, where only nine out of 20 students chose a four-year university.
A National Shift
The shift away from college isn't just happening in Upton. Across the US, schools are rethinking the traditional college pipeline. With student debt on the rise and more young people questioning the value of a four-year degree, it's no surprise that alternative paths are gaining traction. Even big names like Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel have publicly questioned the value of college.
Challenges and Successes
But it's not all smooth sailing. While Upton and other schools are seeing success, they've also faced challenges. Parents and teachers, accustomed to the traditional A-F grading system, have had to adjust to proficiency-based evaluations. Plus, the shift to online learning didn't go as planned. Some parents withdrew their kids, and teachers struggled to adapt.
Despite these hurdles, Upton's model is attracting new students. Joslyn Pischke, a 15-year-old rodeo competitor, transferred from a neighboring district. She wants to study equine science in college, but Upton's flexible schedule allows her to pursue her passion for rodeo.
The Future of Education
The shift away from college as the only path to success is gaining momentum. But it's not about dismissing college altogether. It's about providing students with choices and preparing them for the diverse range of careers out there. As Anna Sell, superintendent of Oakes Public School in North Dakota, put it:
"College isn't the way of the world anymore. "