Christina Bowley – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Lakewood Ranch registration officials have some interesting statistics on the school’s gender population breakdown.
Many LRHS students, meanwhile, are shocked by the numbers. Fifty-one percent of the student population is male, leaving 49% female. However, honors and accelerated course populations are dominated by girls. Fifty-six percent of the seats in LRHS advanced classes are occupied by girls.
Junior Marissa Dyer said, “That’s crazy, it doesn’t seem like that when you look around your class, but after you told me that, I counted the people in my AP class and less than half of the students were guys.”
LRHS isn’t the only school seeing a change in their population statistics. College Stats.org reported that since 2000, 60% of the students in American colleges were females. This is an astounding shift form just 12.2% in 1947.
This shift has been mostly noticed in colleges and larger universities, however, this new switch is affecting LRHS and the students as they continue on their education outside of LRHS.
The U.S. Department of Education announced that only two-thirds of men enroll into college or universities right after high school, and less than 50% chose a 4-year degree program.
Ivy league schools have a much more even population between their male and female students, especially for schools who are known for their computer science and engineering programs.
Statistics show that men are less likely to take AP courses and exams, something that LRHS is seeing now. Boys are also more likely to drop out of high school than girls in most states.
The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth revealed that student loans, low income and minority men are more likely to drop out because of financial discouragement and lack of encouragement at home.
However, resources are available to both men and women at schools to help them prepare and fund their college education. Students can can find tips online for getting a college plan, such as starting early, asking for help and find a mentor.
LRHS Senior Jesse Horton said, “I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, but I talked to my guidance counselor, my parents and my teachers and they helped me get a plan in place. Now I know where I want to apply, and that I’m going to major in business.”
LRHS students can schedule appointments with their guidance counselors to discuss students best course of action for their college plan. Financial aid is available for students who apply, and scholarships can be found through students guidance counselors or college advisor.
There is options for all students to achieve their dreams and college education and teachers, counselors and college advisors are here at LRHS and other schools to help students every step of the way.