THE NEED

The Demography

According to recent census data, 34,120 people live in the area bound by w,e,n,s.,  38114.

Economic:

  • The average household size is 2.67.

  • The median income is $21.698, but 34.9% of families earn $15,000 or less.

  • 27.5% of the families live below poverty.

  • 31.3% of individuals live in poverty.

  • Almost 40% of households led by females are living in poverty.

  • Close to 40% of those 25 years and older lack a high school diploma or its equivalent.

 

Education:

  • 3 Schools, Melrose High, Hanley/Aspire, & Dunbar Elementary Schools serve the targeted area.

  • All 3 schools struggle to meet the basic education requirements and are in the Achievement School District.

  • Hanley has been acquired by a charter school management organization.

  • At Hanley 95% of the student body is considered economically disadvantaged.

  • At Hanley, 1 in 5 students score below proficiency in math, 1 in 4 below in reading/language.

  • The school received a failing grade in all areas of the TCAP.

  • On the School Improvement 2 List, 95% Dunbar’ students are considered economically disadvantaged.

  • 18% of students score below proficient in math, while 31% score below in reading/language.

  • The school received a failing grade in all areas of the TCAP.

  • 9 out of 10 students at Melrose are considered economically disadvantaged.

  • 39.5% of seniors at Melrose fail to graduate.

  • Nearly 1 in 5 students drop out of Melrose before graduating.