Capitol High School SPS Growth Among Highest in Baton Rouge
See the high school boasts the highest graduation rate growth among all Baton Rouge public high schools and it is in the top five in growth rates for ACT and overall School Performance Scores (SPS).
BATON ROUGE (November 16, 2022) — Capitol High School’s academic growth is among the highest in the city, outpacing most public high schools in the capital city.
The high school, led by the Capitol Education Foundation, boasts the highest growth in graduation rates among all public high schools – including those governed by the East Baton Rouge Public School System (EBRPSS).
Additionally, the school’s improved composite ACT Score is the third fastest growing among all public high schools in Baton Rouge while its overall School Performance Score (SPS) growth ranked fourth. Further, this is the second year in a row the school’s overall SPS has grown, marking tremendous academic improvement at the historic high school.
Capitol High School and EBR Direct Run Schools (Serving 85 percent or more F/R Lunch) SPS Comparison
“Capitol High School is performing at levels equal to or better than most of our EBR direct-run high school counterparts,” Capitol Education Foundation President Bruce Miles said. “We are proud of this growth as it is a testament to our students, dedicated teachers, and outstanding leadership.”
The school has made significant academic improvements in recent years. its 2022 LEAP scores also showed promise. Those results show Capitol’s performance as either equal to or outperforming similar EBR direct-run schools in nearly every subject area.
“What we are doing at Capitol is clearly working,” Capitol High School Principal Rhonda Irwin said. “Our students and our teachers work hard every day, and this progress is a direct result of their diligent efforts.”
The school has made these strides, despite the odds. Capitol High School serves more economically disadvantaged students than any Baton Rouge high school. It is an open admission school that does not have an academic magnet or Gifted & Talented program. With the exception of two schools, all EBR High Schools are either a full magnet school, operating a selective magnet program, or operating a Gifted & Talented program.
The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted last month to approve Capitol’s return to East Baton Rouge Public Schools – despite overwhelming evidence that it is consistently outpacing district schools.
“We are committed to Capitol High, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure our kids are successful,” Irwin said. “No matter what happens, we are always going to do what’s best for our students. That’s always been our approach – and that’s what works.”
Read MoreCAPITOL HIGH ANNOUNCES NEW FOOTBALL COACH
Johnathan Brantley will take the reins of the Golden Lions Football squad. Brantley comes to Capitol High School from Louisiana Tech where he has served as an analyst for the past three seasons.
During his time at Louisiana Tech, Brantley helped the team win the Independence Bowl and make it to the New Orleans Bowl in 2020.
“We are excited about the experience and talent Coach Brantley brings to our team,” said Rhonda Irwin, Principal of Capitol High School. “We look forward to seeing how he develops our young men and leads them to victories this fall.”
Prior to his time at Louisiana Tech, Brantley had stints at Grambling State University, McMurray University, and several high schools. In 18 years of coaching, Brantley has three years of experience as a head coach and six as an assistant coach. His time at Grambling saw the team win both the SWAC and Black College National Championship.
As a player at Grambling, he helped put the Tigers back on the national football map as he was a part of the school’s three consecutive Black College and SWAC Championships squads from 2000-2002 under Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams.
“I am honored to be in Baton Rouge at such a historic school like Capitol. Brantley said. “The football program here has a rich legacy, and I look forward to working with our staff, community and young men to restore our winning ways.”
There will be a meet and greet with Coach Brantley for parents, prospective players, and community members on Tuesday, July 12th at 6 PM in the school’s cafeteria.
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