The Diploma Completion Program, also known as Night School, provides MMSD students with an opportunity during the evening hours to earn credits toward graduation.

The program was established in 1970. Since that time, DCP has provided instruction and graduation opportunity for hundreds of students who withdrew from day school for academic, personal or financial reasons.

Students enroll on a quarterly basis and take core classes such as English, social studies or geometry, and occasionally electives such as consumer auto and art. Instruction takes place in traditional classroom settings from Monday through Thursday between 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

The program, located at both East and West High Schools, follows the same calendar as the other MMSD high schools and employs similar rules and behavioral expectations. One important distinction is that the DCP program adheres to very strict attendance guidelines. Students who do not attend regularly are dropped from classes.

DCP has several characteristics that are unique and often prove advantageous for some students. Instruction occurs within small classes with opportunities for close working relationships with teachers. Most of the assigned work is completed during class time, and students focus on just two academic classes during each quarter.

Students are allowed to work full time during the day and can earn work experience credit which applies toward their diploma requirements.

The DCP program is coordinated by a school counselor who assists students with planning for graduation, and provides support and counseling for academic and personal challenges. Seniors receive guidance for post- high school planning and assistance with their applications for financial aid and post secondary education.

Upon meeting graduation requirements, students are awarded a regular diploma from the MMSD high school serving their home attendance area. Many of the students who graduate from the Diploma Completion Program continue their education at two or four year colleges.

George Kelly (left) teaches English to students in the Diploma Completion Program, aka Night School.

Seniors from the Night School program after a recent lesson in the career resource center at West High.