In the month of October, Forward Wayne County is focused on Education. Wayne County has no shortage of educational opportunities for its residents, from K-12 to masters degrees and everything in between. Let’s take a look at some of the options!
K-12
Wayne County has five public school districts that serve nearly 10,000 students per year.
- Centerville-Abington Community Schools
- Nettle Creek School Corporation
- Northeastern Wayne Schools
- Richmond Community Schools
- Western Wayne Schools
No matter the school corporation, any student entered into a public school system in Wayne County is sure to get an excellent education. All five districts had a combined 94.66% graduation rate in 2019. Each of the public schools in Wayne County have meaningful partnerships with the communities that they serve, providing countless opportunities for students no matter their school system.
If you prefer a private school environment, Wayne County has you covered. Schools like the Richmond Friends School or Seton Catholic offer an alternative to the typical public K-12 experience for your child. Visit the EDC of Wayne County’s website to see a list of private schools and learn more.
Vocations and Trades
Wayne County has two vocational career centers designed for students that are interested in pursuing a career or trade while still in high school. The Richmond Area Career Center serves students from Richmond and Northeastern. On the western part of the county, the Whitewater Career Center serves Centerville and Western Wayne Schools.
Students enrolled at one of the vocational centers can pursue fields like cosmetology, automotive technology, culinary arts, and more. By utilizing these programs in their junior and senior years, high school students are able to graduate with transferrable career skills. This means more skilled workers entering the workforce each year.
Higher Education
When it comes to higher education, Wayne County has plenty of choices right in our own back yard.
Bethany Theological Seminary has been providing education in Richmond since 1994. They offer two graduate programs – a master of divinity and a master of arts. Bethany also offers five other certificate programs for those looking to further their education.
Earlham College was founded in 1847 and has been a staple in Wayne County ever since. A quarter of students that attend Earlham are from Wayne County. However, 20% of enrolled students are from outside of the United States. Therefore, Earlham prides itself on having a broadly diverse student body. Earlham offers a wide variety of degree programs, including a well-renowned graduate Education program.
Indiana University East offers over 60 academic programs and prides themselves on affordable tuition and small class sizes. Because it is a regional Indiana University campus, students who attend Indiana University East receive an Indiana University degree while being able to stay in Wayne County. Due to IU’s wide network, IU East students are also able to take all of their courses online should they choose.
Ivy Tech Richmond is one of 46 Ivy Tech locations in the state of Indiana. With over 70 academic programs and one of the most affordable tuitions in the state, Ivy Tech has something for everyone. Because of Ivy Tech’s specialization in associate degrees and certifications, students can complete their education and enter the workforce in just two years. However, should a student want to continue their education, credits from any Ivy Tech campus will transfer to all Indiana colleges and universities.
Last, but not least, is Purdue Polytechnic Richmond. The Purdue satellite campus offers four undergraduate majors and two certificate programs to students in east-central Indiana and west-central Ohio. Students enrolled in a program at Purdue Polytechnic Richmond have the option of studying computer graphics technology, mechanical engineering, and more. With smaller class sizes, students are able to thrive as they develop their skills.
Wrapping Up
Wayne County takes its education seriously. The more educated our population is, the more our communities will thrive. To learn more about Forward Wayne County and what we’re doing to move the needle on education, visit our website to learn more.
