Three of the small high schools that Sacramento City Unified launched five years ago to save at-risk students have some of the highest dropout rates in the region.

Designed for no more than 500 students, the campuses were supposed to make school more personal for teens who might have gotten lost at the comprehensive high schools.

Last month, when the state released new dropout numbers considered the most accurate account yet of how many California students fail to finish high school, it became clear that the effort is still a work in progress.

Four of Sacramento City Unified's high schools had dropout rates of more than 33 percent, and three of those were small schools created as part of the "Education for the 21st Century" program – or "e21."

The state calculated the rate based on the 2006-07 school year.

At America's Choice High School, where classes are considered college prep, the dropout rate was 66 percent – the worst in the district and more than twice the state average. Genesis High School, which is aligned with the California National Guard's Cadet Corps, had a 38 percent dropout rate. At The Met, where internships are a key component of the curriculum, 35 percent dropped out.

Associate Superintendent Mary Shelton called the numbers "sobering." She said school principals are trying to account for some of the missing students to see if the state's numbers are inflated. Based on early returns – which still are being verified – Shelton said there could be "very significant changes."

But high dropout rates at the small schools aren't a complete surprise, Shelton said. They were designed primarily for students who struggle.

She and other education advocates also say e21 can't be judged by dropouts alone.

The percentage of district high school students scoring proficient on standardized math and English tests is up since e21 began in 2002. And students are taking more college-prep classes, according to a district report this spring.

One of the four small high schools operating in 2006-07 (this fall, there will be seven) did better than the statewide dropout rate of 24.2 percent. Sacramento New Technology High – which focuses on technology and group projects – had a 15 percent dropout rate.

"You ask me, do I think (e21) is working, and I would have to say unequivocally yes," Shelton said.

But even supporters of the small school movement say it needs a closer look.

"It merits an investigation," said Jim Keddy, executive director of Sacramento Area Congregations Together, an advocacy group that has worked closely with the district. "But it really needs to be a thoughtful one that looks at different factors before you reach a conclusion."

Supporters see glass half full

Funded mostly by $12 million in grants, e21 called for seven small, themed schools. The final school, the Social Justice/Waldorf school, will open this fall and be blended with America's Choice.

Some have struggled with enrollment. America's Choice, for example, had only 125 students the year the state's dropout rate was calculated.

Given its small size, Shelton said, its dropout rate of 66 percent can sound more alarming than a head count of actual dropouts. The state found that 11 students dropped out and 19 were "lost transfers" – students who said they were going to another school but didn't show up there.

The state's rate is an estimate of how many students would drop out over four years. Under the system, students were given a unique identification number that enabled the state to better track them in the education system.

Shelton said students who stay at Sacramento City Unified's small schools are succeeding. Over the past two years, nearly all students from The Met went on to college.

"I guess I would look at the glass as half full rather than half empty," she said. "That's not to say we don't continue working on what's going to make us better."

The district is planning changes for at least three of the schools this fall. For one, district officials are re-evaluating Genesis' theme in hopes of attracting more students.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.