Back to school for EACS students, East Allen University debuts

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - Summer came to a close for several thousand students in eastern Allen County Tuesday morning.

East Allen County Schools was the first district to head back to school in Allen County for the 2012-2013 school year.

Around 10,000 students make up the district. EACS is the second-largest in Allen County.

Students in grades six through 12 will each get an iPad for the school year . Nearly 7,000 iPad's will be handed out and students will begin integrating technology with textbook learning.

For the first time since its closure as Paul Harding High School, the building saw a new beginning and a new name. Through a partnership with Vincennes University, East Allen University opened its doors for the first time this school year.

Eventually, students attending EAU will earn a core 40 diploma . The school will also give students the opportunity to earn an associates degree when graduating from the school.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to get 50-some hours of credit possible to leave 'K-12' education and have two years of college behind the," superintendent Dr. Karyle Green said.

The school opened with a student body made of 116 freshmen.  A new class will be added every year.  The attendance numbers will grow to about 450  students over the next four years to fill out grades nine through 12.

Students receiving free or reduced lunches can earn the college credits for free.  Other student will pay $25-75 per credit hour.

Students must apply to attend the magnet program at East Allen University.  The school's principal, Doug Hicks said acceptance is based on attitude more than academic achievement.

"The big thing we were looking for is a commitment level; a commitment level to come to school above that eight hour period, do two hours of homework possibly per night and really be a committed student," Hicks said.

EACS will also begin work on the K-12 campuses at Woodlan and Heritage High Schools. Work is scheduled to begin sometime in the fall.

Currently, the 2012-2013 school year is scheduled to end on May 24.