New Program To Help Loudoun Inmates Earn High School Equivalent Degree

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Inmates who haven't completed their high school education will soon be able to pursue their degree through a new Loudoun County program.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said it is working with Loudoun County Public Schools to offer a General Educational Development preparation classes to help earn the high school equivalency degree. The program for inmates at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center will begin on Monday and run on an ongoing basis.

"Our partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools represents a commitment to providing meaningful educational opportunities to help inmates upon their release," said Sheriff Mike Chapman in a statement. "By earning their GED, participants will be better positioned to secure employment and reintegrate into society in a positive way."

The inaugural class will be led by Christina Schmitt, an LCPS teacher and dean of non-traditional schools. The program provides a module-based curriculum with instructional support for all four GED test subjects: science, mathematical reasoning, social science, and English language arts. Students will have to master a content area before moving on to the next.

The class will work with groups of up to six inmates at a time, and inmates can join as space becomes available. Inmates who do not have a high school degree or equivalent can participate in the program.

The sheriff's office said it found a need for GED preparation among inmates. LCPS Superintendent Aaron Spence and Assistant Superintendent Tedra Richardson toured the Adult Detention Center last spring and worked with the sheriff's office on the program request.

"This collaborative effort demonstrates our commitment to ensuring everyone in Loudoun County receives a world class education," said Spence in a statement. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel seen and heard while they are learning, and we are proud to partner with LCSO to expand those opportunities."