A new college-preparatory high school — where students wear uniforms and parents sign contracts agreeing to participate in their child's education — will openin the fall at Withrow High School.

        The school, part of Cincinnati Public Schools' efforts to redesign the district's low-performing neighborhood high schools, will be available to 200 of the district's incoming ninth-graders residing anywhere in the district, with one grade level added every year.

        Withrow also is opening an international studies school on its campus next year for all grade levels.

        Students already attending Withrow will continue in the school's traditional framework.

        Community members, parents and teachers have worked with the district's administration since September on plans for the new college preparatory school.

        The board of education approved the prospectus for the school Monday night.

        “It's a brand-new Withrow,” said Carol Brown, a member of Withrow's local school decision-making committee. “It will prepare all students for college. You're giving them a greater chance to succeed.”

        Some plans for the school:

        • College scholarship mentors will be available to parents and students for college research and information.

        • Students will follow a college preparatory curriculum, including four years of English, four years of math, three to four years of science, three years of social studies, two to four years of modern language, and one to two years of fine arts.

        • Electives will be available in art, music and psychology.

        • Students will be able to take college courses offered for college credit at the high school or will have an option to take courses on college campuses.

        • The school will partner with colleges and universities to offer summer enrichment programs enabling students to live and study on campus.

        • The curriculum includes a service-learning component. Students will apply academic and career and technical skills to the needs of their communities through community service.

        “This school is going to bring virtually every student to a college education,” superintendent Steven Adamowski said. “All you have to have is the desire and the ability to work hard.”

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