Our approach is that we want students to show a return on investment when they walk across the graduation stage.

Some of our older students will continue on with as many as four arts. Others will select just two.

If you look at why our graduation rates are low, it's because our high school students are inadequately prepared for college. But, I don't want to focus the blame on the K-12 school system.

[After graduation, he encourages students to pursue their interests, despite external temptations.] Find what you really love, ... Don't go just for the social prestige or the money. Not that money isn't important, but the people who are doing things they really love are much happier.

In smaller learning communities, students do better academically and socially. Students make better grades and graduation rates are a lot higher.

Even if the student leaves, for whatever reason, we want the employer to get a return. And we really encourage the student to stay. By learning your organization more fully, if it is a good organization, you are more convinced to stay.