Tracy Press

Resourceful Delta Charter students map out their own courses for success.

Glenn Moore/Our Town - on the right track:Delta Charter High School’s Amanda Rarick works on her biology assignment online at the school’s computer lab Nov. 13.

Troy Stevenson is a debate team champion, class leader and a respected student among his peers. Most would hardly guess the 16-year-old wasn’t always college-bound.

Just a year and a half ago, Troy flunked out of most his West High School classes and thought high school graduation was merely a pipe dream.

He credits the unique learning program at Delta Charter High School for his second chance at success.

Delta Charter’s personalized classes have helped hundreds of students like Troy succeed, according to Principal Stephanie Lytle. “It gives them the flexibility of moving at a pace that’s best for them.”

Delta Charter, tucked among the orchards just southeast of Tracy, opened seven years ago with only seven students. Now, there are 230 high school students in the program.

Similar to college courses, students are required to attend class labs on campus and follow up with online course work in their own time. Students meet with teacher advisors every four weeks to ensure they are on track to complete at least 30 required credits per semester. Because curriculum is personalized, some students complete as many as 90 credits a semester.

“We need to teach students how to be responsible for themselves,” said Lytle, praising the personalized learning program. “That way, they’re armed with all the things they need to be successful after high school.”

Delta Charter senior Caitlin Sarvey enrolled at Delta Charter after an illness caused her to miss an entire semester at West High.

“I absolutely love it,” Sarvey said. “It helped me meet every college requirement and go beyond that.”

Most students are on campus about 15 hours a week, so they have time to invest in extracurricular activities. The school boasts a strong debate team and 35 students on its leadership team.

Sophomore Amanda Rarick calls Delta Charter’s students and staff a close-knit family.

“The teachers care enough to call you and push you to do well,” she said. “It helps you work faster and get more done.

She admits, though, that Delta Charter’s learning method isn’t for everyone.

“Students who need to have that structure of class every single day, six hours a day won’t be successful in our school environment,” Lytle said.

Delta Charter interviews each student prior to enrollment to make sure the education program is a fit.

Lytle said she hopes to keep the student population below 250.

“Small class sizes with personalized attention is what makes this school a success,” she said.

To contact reporter Danielle MacMurchy, call 830-4280 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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