Hsinchu's Jianhua Junior High to Become Comprehensive High School; Enrollment Numbers Questioned

Jianhua Junior High School in Hsinchu City is moving forward with its plan to become a comprehensive high school, officially known as Jianhua Senior High School (with a junior high division), beginning in the 116th academic year.

The school's proposal, which began its planning phase in February, has secured approval from the Hsinchu City Government's Department of Education. The next step involves submitting the plan to the central Ministry of Education for final review, with the aim of commencing high school admissions next year. The plan includes five general academic classes and one Waldorf experimental class for the high school section, intending to enroll approximately 152 students in general classes and 24 in the experimental class.

However, City Councilor Liu Yen-ling has voiced concerns that the planned enrollment of 176 students is inadequate given the overall demand for high school places in the area. She has urged the city government to consider increasing the number of classes and students admitted to Jianhua Senior High School after its transformation. Liu also pointed out that Xin Ke Junior High School, which also requires a transition to a comprehensive high school model, currently has no such plans from the city government. She further advised the education department to prepare for the anticipated surge in high school admissions in the Year of the Dragon next year.