Asheboro City Schools has come up with a novel idea to reduce the dropout rate:

The city system won approval for $217,500 of public school building capital funds to establish the Zoo School at the N.C. Zoo.

The Zoo School is part of attempts by educational authorities to stem the tide of students dropping out of high school by offering new and exciting opportunities in learning. It is offered through Asheboro High School (AHS). Although students will spend over half their day at the N.C. Zoo-based facility, they will still be considered AHS students.

Speaking in support of the project, Dr. David Jones, zoo director, said the school will help prepare youth for the global environment.

“This won’t be just a big biology lesson,” he told commissioners, adding that students will also learn about all aspects of the zoo from retail operations to zoo design.

Just don’t let them feed the jaguar.