(KYTX) - A Virginia school is trying to raise its graduation rates among teen parents, so it's providing daycare so the young parents can go to school during the day.
But not everyone thinks the taxpayer-funded program is a good idea.
Teen mom Alexus Barbee has big goals.
"I would like to be a nurse or either a lawyer," says Barbee.
But when she got pregnant at 16, she feared she'd have to put them on hold.
"I thought that I'm not going to be able to go to school every day. Who's gonna be there to watch my child? Um, like am I gonna be able to finish? I had a lot going through my mind," says Barbee.
Now, she brings her nine-month-old daughter with her to her Richmond, Virginia, high school. While Alexus goes to class, her daughter goes to daycare downstairs.
Alexus also gets parenting classes, which includes spending time at the daycare.
The program is funded with local and federal dollars. Administrators here at Armstrong High School hope this program will help raise graduation rates.
Just 38 percent of teen girls who have a child before age 18 get a high school diploma.
Armstrong high's program is a win-win for teens like Alexus, says her principal.
"Just to think back-- I've known Alexus for four years and this is such a different, mature type of student who really wants to get her high school diploma, so the child care lab affords her that opportunity."
While it's unknown exactly how many high schools offer daycare, these programs are available in states across the country.
Studies show that providing teen mothers with access to child care at school not only increases their likelihood of graduating, it also lowers the chance they'll have another child while in high school.
(Reporter): "When do you think you'll have another child?"
"When I get my own place and when I finish school and I have a good job," says Barbee.
But some critics say these programs are not a good use of taxpayer dollars.
"It's something that we should be looking to charitable organizations, philanthropists, lots of people who are interested in these things, to fund it."
On the contrary, says the Director of Federal Grants for Richmond City schools; she believes the program is invaluable.
"The data for parents who don't graduate from high school is gonna be a ripple negative impact on their children's education."
The daycare gives Alexus peace of mind.
"She's in a good place."
And Alexus is in a better place too-- determined to graduate on time next spring.
