Hutto teenagers at risk of dropping out of high school will be able to pursue a high school equivalency credential following a vote of approval from the Hutto Independent School District board May 7.

Hutto is now among just a few school districts in the region that offer a high school alternative, according to school system documents. Other districts that offer the option include Fredericksburg ISD,  Llano ISD and  Manor ISD.

According to school board documents, the Hutto High School Equivalency Program will be administered through River Horse Academy, the district’s alternative education program, and will be available to students who have been enrolled at Hutto High School during the preceding school year and who have been admitted into River Horse.

“The mission of Hutto ISD is to inspire our students to be bold, innovative thinkers that are prepared for an unlimited future through strong academic programs and overall school activities that involve our parents, community, and all members of Hippo Nation,” said Dana Wilcott, Family and Community Liaison with Hutto ISD. “This includes our most at-risk students who need an alternative opportunity to succeed in life.”

Students enrolled in the High School Equivalency Program will also receive assistance transitioning to postsecondary or job training programs, Wilcott said.

The Hutto HSEP application is awaiting approval by the Texas Education Agency and is expected to be operational for the 2015-2016 school year, Wilcott said.