Maritime High School grows but grapples with stability and staff turnover
Maritime High School in Des Moines has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2021. Enrolment has nearly quadrupled, rising from 121 students in its first year to 452 in the 2023/24 academic year. Yet, despite this expansion, the school continues to face challenges as it refines its approach.
The school opened in 2021 with ambitious plans, aiming for 400 students. However, current numbers remain lower than expected, with just 110 pupils enrolled this year. Seven classroom teachers now lead instruction, though concerns about staff turnover persist.
This year's intake reflects greater diversity, with nearly 33% of students being girls and close to 46% identifying as non-white. The school's leadership, including principal Jamila Gordon, has acknowledged communication gaps and pledged to improve engagement with families and students. Academic adjustments have been made in response to feedback. New offerings include discrete maths classes and a marine construction pathway. These changes aim to better align with community needs and student interests. The school recently ended its partnership with Seattle Maritime Academy, switching to Northwest Maritime for specialised training. This shift comes as the institution seeks to strengthen its programme and provide clearer career routes. Of the first ninth-grade class, 25 students graduated, with many progressing to maritime-focused colleges or other universities. However, some parents and former students have voiced frustrations over inconsistent academic standards, frequent programme changes, and unclear communication. The school remains in a temporary building, with no permanent site yet secured.
Maritime High School continues to evolve, balancing growth with the need for stability. The institution remains committed to increasing diversity in the maritime workforce while addressing ongoing concerns. Its future will depend on securing a permanent location and maintaining clearer pathways for students.
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