A comparative case study of a traditional and a non-traditional high school in the south Texas region

Identifying the differences in high school graduation rates, student advancement to post-secondary education, discipline issues, and the attrition rate of teachers among school teachers in a non-traditional and traditional high school setting in the south Texas region were the purposes of this study. Comparisons were made to determine if one high school setting was more conducive to achieving success versus the other. The purpose of this study will be to provide a better understanding of which high school setting has a greater rate of success in graduating high school students, preparing them for advancement to post-secondary education, having the fewest discipline issue's, and having greater teacher retention.;Qualitative research was the primary method of research employed in the study. A small portion of quantitative data was utilized fro the Academic Excellence Indicator System of Texas addressing the graduation/dropout rates of both schools. Personal interviews with respective public school personnel at each high school involving the four topics of interest were conducted. Data were reviewed and then compared to identify emergent themes.;The study provided information about which school setting, the non-traditional or traditional, was more successful in graduating high school students, had students continue their education at the post-secondary level, had the fewest discipline concerns, and retained more teachers on staff. Results of the study could be used by high school administrators to improve their goals and objectives in each area noted and researched.