Fall River Public schools, officials, students celebrate early college initiative success

Fall River, MA — City and education leaders gathered this week to celebrate the success of B.M.C. Durfee High School’s Early College initiative, highlighting significant strides in college matriculation and persistence among local high school students enrolled in the program.

According to the most recent data released by FRPS, 87% of Durfee’s Early College graduates in the class of 2024 immediately enrolled in college, and 100% of those enrolled persisted through their first year. These outcomes exceed the state average of 63.2% immediate college enrollment for high school graduates. FRPS stated that the statistics show that the program’s role in closing equity gaps in higher education access and success is working.

The event brought together the Fall River School Committee and education and business leaders to hear directly from students and educators the impact the program has had and its
future.

“This is about opportunity,” said Dr. Tracy Curley, Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools. “Early College is removing barriers, building confidence, and proving that our students are more than ready for college-level work. These students aren’t just going to college — they’re staying in college.”

Mayor Paul Coogan also spoke at the event, announcing the city’s commitment to expanding Early College access to even more students in the coming years. “We are committed to making Early College one of the cornerstones of the high school experience in Fall River,” said Mayor Coogan. “This program is a game-changer that can transform the lives of some of our students.”

Fall River’s Early College program enables high school students to take college-level courses at no cost to themselves or their families — while earning both high school and college credit.

Students access college coursework through partnerships with Bristol Community College, Bridgewater State University, and UMass Dartmouth.

Fall River Public Schools and B. M. C. Durfee High School also partner with OneGoal to support the success of Early College students. OneGoal is a nonprofit organization that helps schools deliver a daily class for high school juniors and seniors, preparing them for the transition to postsecondary education. FRPS states that OneGoal’s curriculum provides critical support for Early College students that helps ensure they make the most of their experience and are set up for a seamless transition to their postsecondary institutions.

“We know that in addition to academics, students need high-quality, aligned advising to navigate the transition to postsecondary,” said Amanda Seider, OneGoal’s Massachusetts Executive Director. “Together with our partners, we are ensuring that the promise of Early College is fully realized.”

Student stories took center stage at the event, with participants sharing personal stories about how Early College transformed their academic journeys. Junior Naseya Johnson, said” early College for me is a beginning of success, it’s knowing there’s value in my future. Through Early College, I’ve learned responsibility and acquired hope for after high school.”

For more information on Fall River’s Early College program and upcoming initiatives, visit
https://www.fallriverschools.org/durfee/schoolcounseling/early-college.