Nyasha Musoni

As the pandemic disrupts classrooms and cancels key exams, students like Courtney are left grappling with more than just missed milestones—they’re facing an uncertain future. With testing delays and unequal access to resources, the push for test-optional admissions has never felt more urgent.

High school isn’t one-size-fits-all—and for some students, four years can be too much. Early graduation gives students the freedom to shape their futures, whether that means saving for college, gaining work experience, or just escaping senioritis. This piece explores how districts are making flexible paths more accessible, and why they matter.