Establishing an Open High School Program at James L. Chiongbian National Trade School in Junior High School: A Feasibility Study
Authors: P. Castino Dr. John Michael , Macabacyao Teresita C. , Colastre Ronnel A. 
Published: January 2025

James L. Chiongbian National Trade School (JLCNTS) has long been committed to fulfilling its mission of providing quality and accessible education to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or challenges since 1968. This commitment is not only reflected in its regular academic offerings but also in the introduction of the Open High School Program (OHSP), which aims to address the specific educational needs of out-of-school youth and students-at-risk of dropping out, especially those who face financial, geographical, or personal barriers. The OHSP initiative directly relates to the school’s broader goal of making education more inclusive, flexible, and accessible to a wider range of students. The commitment to providing quality and accessible education is demonstrated through various feasibility studies that span market, technical, financial, management, and socio-economic considerations. The market feasibility study for the OHSP reflects a clear demand for such an initiative. The data suggests that there are 24 out-of-school youth and 18 students-at-risks of dropping out in the local area who are interested in enrolling in the OHSP. These youth represent a pool of students who are eager to continue their education but need flexible learning solutions that traditional schooling cannot offer. Furthermore, the technical feasibility of the OHSP at JLCNTS hinges on the school’s ability to provide high-quality education through a flexible framework. This flexibility allows students to continue their education at their own pace and on their own terms. JLCNTS ensures that the Open High School Program is fully supported by the school’s existing infrastructure, including qualified teachers, organizational structure, instructional materials, class program, and modern learning technologies. In addition, the financial feasibility of establishing and offering the Open High School Program (OHSP) with a budget allocation of PHP 450,000 is an essential aspect of ensuring the program’s sustainability and successful implementation. This financial analysis will consider various costs associated with the program, including personnel, learning materials, administrative support, and student support services, all of which must be managed within the provided budget. In terms of management feasibility, JLCNTS has a well-structured plan to ensure the smooth operation of the OHSP. The management study includes careful consideration of risk assessment, resource allocation, and effective leadership. The socio-economic feasibility of offering the Open High School Program (OHSP) at James L. Chiongbian National Trade School is highly favorable, as the program directly addresses the barriers faced by the target enrollees in the community. By providing an affordable, flexible, and culturally relevant educational opportunity, the OHSP ensures that economic and social inclusion is promoted. The program will enhance access to education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, leading to long-term benefits such as improved employment opportunities, higher household income, and greater social mobility. The OHSP will offer an alternative pathway for high school education, utilizing distance learning platforms and flexible scheduling to support students’ academic progress while allowing them to balance other responsibilities. It will also incorporate a curriculum that is aligned with national educational standards but adaptable to the unique needs of the student population. Key components of the program will include self learning modules, face-to-face limited sessions, peer-to-peer mentorship, and access to academic support services. In conclusion, the proposed Establishment of Open High School Program at James L. Chiongbian National Trade School presents a strong opportunity to bridge the educational gap for student-at-risks of dropping out, and out-of-school youth, with significant support from their parents or guardians, qualified educators, and a solid management framework. Through careful financial planning, risk mitigation, and socio-cultural awareness, the OHSP has the potential to be a transformative educational initiative for marginalized students.