Information
What is the Open Doors program?
The Open Doors Re-Engagement Program at Yakima School District provides students an alternative pathway towards earning their GED or high school diploma, along with the opportunity to enhance personal skills in a variety of academic areas. The Open Doors team works closely with students to ensure academic goals are being met as well as assisting with career and college readiness skills. Our staff monitors each student’s progress regularly, adjusts lessons, and implements interventions accordingly.
Who qualifies and is a right candidate for the Open Doors program?
- Must be at least 16 years old by September 1st and not yet 21 by September 1st (22 if on an IEP)
- Is significantly credit deficient (see table below)
- Or has been recommended by an Open Doors school administrator, DSHS or juvenile justice system
- Commit to a mandatory twice a week in-person attendance for a total of four hours weekly attendance
- Is able to work independently in a self-paced learning environment
- Is self-motivated and can make monthly academic progress
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Diploma and GED graduates will participate in the graduation ceremony held at Davis HS Auditorium in June
What are the steps to enroll?
- Students currently enrolled in the YSD must submit a Transfer Request Form
- Complete and submit a registration packet
- Attend a two-day orientation
- Take a placement test
- After orientation is completed, candidates will be officially enrolled in the program
- Students arrange with case manager which session to attend: AM or PM
| Number of Months from Student's Cohort Graduation Date | Expected High School Credits Earned | Deficient at: | Evidence of Credit Deficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Grade | 6 | 3.9 | Less than 65% expected high school credits. |
| 11th Grade | 12 | 8.4 | Less than 70% expected high school credits. |
| 12th Grade | 18 | 13.5 | Less than 75% expected high school credits. |
| 5th Year Senior | 24 | 18 | Never met the district graduation requirements |
| 6th & 7th Year Senior | 24 | <24 | Never met the district graduation requirements |
| Never attended 9th grade | N/A | No high school credit | Zero high school credits |
Diploma Pathway
- Students will complete 24 credits required by both the state and local district
- They will receive one on one support geared to meet their academic goals
- A diploma is earned once all state and district requirements are fulfilled
GED Pathway
- Students will work closely with teachers in preparation to take all GED tests: math, English, science, and social studies
- A GED diploma is awarded after students
- pass all four tests
- Accommodations for students on an IEP are limited
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Testimonials
Thank you for providing a cermony for the graduates. Two of my three children needed a program like this and I'm very grateful that this was an option for them. Brandon has moved to Tri Cities to work part time and attend college. I have no doubt he will be successfull at computer engineering. Thank you again for all that you do - it makes a big difference to many.
- Parent of 2017 Graduate