Old Harding H.S. Reopens As East Allen University
By: Sherell Hubbard
Updated: August 14, 2012
The Old Paul Harding High School building was back open and full of students today. The school closed at the close of the 2011 school year, it was under-performing and facing state takeover. Now the building has opened up as a magnet school named East Allen University.
The outside of the building still reads Paul Harding High School, officials say on the inside, it's totally different. New students new teachers, new expectations.
East Allen University students have the opportunity to receive college credit, they have tutoring built-in to the school schedule, and they signed letters of commitment to study for two hours per night. They have 120 students from all across the district.
Administrators say they are so focused on academics that activities like the basketball team and marching band, will not be available.
Principal Doug Hicks says although they have set the bar high for students, grades and I-STEP were not strongly considered in the selection process.
He says the most important thing the EAU students have to have is a commitment and desire to learn.
